Johnny Marr is auctioning approximately 80 guitars and pieces of musical equipment through Christie’s on 17 September in London. The collection includes iconic instruments used on The Smiths’ recordings, such as a 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355 with a top estimate of £150,000 and a 1982 Rickenbacker 330 used on tracks like “What Difference Does It Make?”
Which iconic instruments are included in the sale?
The auction features several high-value items that defined the sound of 1980s indie music. According to Christie’s, the 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355 stands as one of the most significant lots. Marr acquired this guitar through music industry figure Seymour Stein, and it became a signature instrument used during his performances on Top of the Pops.
Other notable instruments include:
- 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo: Estimated at up to £80,000, this guitar was used on “What Difference Does It Make?”, “Still Ill”, and “Accept Yourself.”
- 1971 Martin D-28: The acoustic guitar heard on the Smiths ballad “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” with estimates between £30,000 and £50,000.
- Roger Giffin Telecaster-style instrument: A custom piece used during the May 1984 Top of the Pops performance of “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,” estimated at £30,000.
- 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard: A long-term staple in Marr’s career, used in his post-Smiths work and famously played by Bernard Sumner for New Order’s “Regret.”
Why is the value of Marr’s collection so high?
The high estimates reflect the “indie music pedigree” associated with these specific instruments. Collectors are not just bidding on vintage hardware; they are bidding on the history of a movement. For instance, the Rickenbacker’s £80,000 estimate is driven by its association with multiple Smiths hits and its history of being lent to Noel Gallagher, who used it on the cover of Oasis’s debut single, “Supersonic.”
The market for “player-proven” instruments—gear actually used on seminal recordings—continues to outpace the standard vintage market. Marr’s 2023 book, Marr’s Guitars, documented much of this history, adding a layer of scholarly value to the physical items being sold. In an interview with The Guardian, Marr noted that the collection represents a poignant look back at his personal evolution as a musician.
The Seymour Stein Connection
The Gibson ES-355’s £150,000 valuation is tied to a legendary industry anecdote. Marr joked to Seymour Stein that The Smiths would sign to Sire Records if he received a new guitar. Stein provided the instrument, and it subsequently became a cornerstone of Marr’s professional identity.
How will the auction proceeds be used?
Marr has structured part of the sale to benefit social causes. According to the auction details, proceeds from 10 of the lots will be donated in full to two organizations: the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and the National Autistic Society.
What are the upcoming trends in celebrity instrument auctions?
This sale highlights a growing trend where legendary musicians liquidate significant portions of their personal archives. We are seeing a shift from “one-off” sales to comprehensive “legacy auctions.” As artists from the post-punk and Britpop eras reach later stages in their careers, their equipment is transitioning from working tools to high-value cultural artifacts.
This trend is supported by the increasing availability of high-quality documentation. Just as Marr released a coffee table book to contextualize his gear, modern artists are using media to build the “narrative value” of their instruments before they ever hit the auction block. This preparation ensures that the items are viewed as historical milestones rather than mere used equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Johnny Marr auction taking place?
The auction is scheduled for 17 September in London, organized by Christie’s.
Can the public view the guitars before the sale?
Yes, the collection will be available for public viewing in both London and New York prior to the auction date.
Which guitar has the highest estimate?
The 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355 has the highest top estimate at £150,000.
Is there a connection between Johnny Marr and Oasis?
Yes, Marr has previously lent guitars to Noel Gallagher, including a Rickenbacker used on the cover of the Oasis single “Supersonic.”
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