Johnny Marr is set to sell nearly 100 of his guitars at Christie’s in London this September, a move prompted by his desire to prevent his studio from turning into a museum. The upcoming auction has drawn attention not only for the sheer volume of instruments but also for the personal stories attached to them, including recollections from Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher.
Gallagher described Marr, who is 62, as having always been “a bit gung-ho” with his instruments. He recounted the time Marr lent a black 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo for the cover shoot of Oasis’s 1994 debut single, Supersonic. According to Gallagher, someone placed the valuable guitar on the floor to make the band appear more authentic during the photo session. “I was like, you better take that back, mate — what if someone stands on it?” Gallagher recalled, expressing concern that such an instrument from The Smiths’ legend was being treated carelessly by “a load of geezers from Longsight.”
The Rickenbacker, which Marr also used to write The Smiths’ hit What Difference Does It Make, carries an estimated value of up to £80,000. Gallagher and Marr revisited the collection in a video released by Christie’s ahead of the sale scheduled for September 17.
Other notable instruments include a 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, originally given to Marr by Seymour Stein as an incentive for The Smiths to sign with Sire Records. The guitar was used to record the indie anthem Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now. During the preview, Marr noted that while many associate him with the Rickenbacker, Gallagher is often linked to his red Gibson—a purchase Gallagher admitted was inspired by seeing Marr perform on Top of the Pops.
The auction features approximately 80 guitars, along with amplifiers, gold and silver records, posters, and harmonicas. Highlights include a 1984 Green burst Telecaster, a 1971 Martin D-28 acoustic used for classics like There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, and a Cherry Gibson Les Paul Standard from 1984 that Marr played with The Smiths and later with The Gorillaz. Also included is a Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar from 2017, used to record the Billie Eilish Bond theme, No Time To Die.
Prices for the lots range from £1,000 to £150,000. Marr has announced that the full hammer price from 31 specific lots will be donated to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society.
So Noel inspired his famous red Gibson by watching Marr? I always thought he just wanted a guitar that matched his attitude.
Does anyone know if the charity donation covers the full hammer price or just a portion of it? The article isn’t clear on the exact percentage.
I was genuinely surprised to read the Rickenbacker ended up on the floor like that. What a terrifying risk for such an expensive instrument!
The idea that Marr owns that many guitars is staggering. I just need one good Stratocaster, personally.