Legendary Guitars to Find New Homes
Johnny Marr, the celebrated guitarist known for his work with The Smiths and numerous collaborations, is preparing to part with a significant portion of his extensive guitar collection. Approximately 95 instruments will be offered at auction, featuring guitars integral to some of his most famous recordings.
Among the items up for sale are the Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo from 1982, heard on The Smiths' 'This Charming Man,' and a custom Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar, Comet Sparkle, which he used for Billie Eilish's James Bond theme, 'No Time To Die.' Another notable inclusion is a 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, gifted to Marr by music executive Seymour Stein, on which he first played 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now.'
A Shift from Museum to Inspiration
Marr explained his decision to auction the guitars, stating he didn't want his studio to become 'a museum.' The idea to downsize his collection was solidified while working on his 2023 book, Marr's Guitars. He realized that storing the instruments after they had been cataloged and displayed for the book felt 'very weird.'
"I thought about people in Belfast or in Dundee or Tokyo owning one of these guitars for the rest of their lives - coming down to breakfast in the morning and really loving and cherishing this instrument."
Marr expressed a desire for the instruments to continue inspiring other musicians rather than remaining in storage or behind glass. He envisions them being cherished by new owners worldwide, providing an opportunity for them to create their own music.
Highlights of the Collection
- Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo (1982): Featured on 'This Charming Man' and 'What Difference Does It Make.' This guitar was also famously lent to Noel Gallagher for Oasis's debut single, 'Supersonic.'
- Green burst Telecaster (1984): A gift from Marr's wife, prominently seen during The Smiths' 'Top of the Pops' performance of 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now.'
- Martin D-28 (1971): A 12-string acoustic used to compose and record Smiths' classics such as 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' and 'Cemetry Gates.'
- Cherry Gibson Les Paul Standard (1984): Acquired for The Smiths' 'Meat Is Murder' album and the last guitar Marr played onstage with the band. It was also borrowed by Bernard Sumner of New Order for 'Regret' and used by Marr on a Gorillaz album.
- Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar, Comet Sparkle (2017): One of Marr's own custom designs, played during his 2018 tour and on the Billie Eilish Bond theme.
Exhibition and Auction Details
The collection will be exhibited at Christie's in New York and London throughout the summer, culminating in an auction in London on September 17. Estimates for the guitars range from £1,000 to £150,000. Marr plans to donate the proceeds from 10 of the lots to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society.
Reflecting on the sale, Marr acknowledged the emotional aspect of parting with his instruments but expressed hope that it would also be a 'cathartic' experience. Despite his tendency not to dwell on the past, he admitted that the process has made him somewhat nostalgic.
Source: Johnny Marr to auction guitars he played with The Smiths and Billie Eilish