Legendary guitarist Johnny Marr from The Smiths is set to auction off 80 guitars, potentially earning him over £1 million. The collection, named Marr’s Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection, will take place on September 17 at Christie’s. Included in the auction are iconic guitars like the Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo featured on Oasis’s debut single Supersonic and instruments used by Marr to create timeless songs for The Smiths and his upcoming solo album, The Age Of Everything.
Marr, 62, expressed his deep connection to guitars, stating that each instrument has played a significant role in his musical journey over the past five decades. He recently authored a book called “Marr’s Guitars,” which inspired him to gather these guitars together for the auction to share their stories and the memories associated with them.
The auction will feature notable guitars like his 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, used to write “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,” and his well-known 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, used extensively during The Smiths’ debut album recordings and early tours. These guitars are expected to fetch substantial amounts, with the Gibson ES-355 estimated to sell for £100,000 to £150,000 and the Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo for £60,000 to £80,000.
Additionally, Marr’s Cherry 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard, used in The Smiths’ second album and final concert, will be up for auction, with an expected sale price between £80,000 and £120,000. Furthermore, a 2017 Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar, used in various recordings including Billie Eilish’s James Bond theme, is also part of the auction.
Marr plans to donate 100% of the proceeds from 10 lots to support the Guide Dogs For The Blind Association and the National Autistic Society. The auction will showcase highlights in New York from June 25 to July 1 before moving to Christie’s London for a pre-sale exhibition from September 9 to 16. Marr’s decision to auction off his cherished guitars comes ahead of his upcoming studio album, The Age Of Everything, set to release on October 2.
Known for his influential role in The Smiths and successful solo career, Marr remains a celebrated figure in British indie rock. The Smiths achieved significant success with hits like “How Soon Is Now?” and “This Charming Man” before disbanding in 1987. Marr’s solo albums have consistently charted in the UK top 10, solidifying his place in the music industry.