“I couldn’t imagine them being left unplayed”: Johnny Marr is auctioning off nearly 100 bits of gear, including pivotal Smiths guitars
Smiths legend Johnny Marr is having a clear our, with plans to auction off nearly 100 pieces from his personal collection later this year. Consisting of almost 80 instruments, as well as amps and other bits of gear, the collection will be a chance to take home a piece of Marr’s diverse and colourful musical back catalogue.
The auction will be held in collaboration with Christie’s auction house, with prices ranging from £1,000 to £80,000. One of the higher ticket items could potentially go for up to £150,000 though – namely his 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, a gift Marr received from Seymour Stein when signing to Sire Records. The guitar is a pivotal piece of Smiths history, featuring on the iconic Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.
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Another notable guitar up for grabs is Marr’s iconic black and white 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, which was another staple instrument of his Smiths era. Featuring on the band’s self-titled 1984 debut, the guitar can be heard throughout, including on cuts like This Charming Man and What Difference Does It Make?
The Manchester-born Marr also leant this guitar to fellow Mancunian Noel Gallagher during the recording of Oasis’ Definitely Maybe, so that’s some extra Northern spirit contained within this axe. Oasis even gave a little nod to the Rickenbacker’s influence by featuring it on the cover of 1994 single Supersonic.
Other highlights include Marr’s Martin D-28 (famously featuring on the timeless There Is A Light That Will Never Go Out), as well as a one‑of‑a‑kind Roger Giffin Korina Custom ‘Tele’ (an engagement gift from his now-wife), and a 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard, which Marr apparently claims has been used on more recordings than any other guitar up for auction.
One of the most modern guitars available is Marr’s 2018 Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar. But that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in experience – the guitar was used to record on Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack for the 2021 James Bond instalment, No Time To Die. It features on both the film’s instrumental theme, as well as Billie Eilish’s Oscar‑winning theme song.
Speaking about the upcoming auction, Marr explains: “I have loved guitars for as long as I can remember, since the first one I got at the age of five. Each guitar I have acquired over the past 50 years or so has helped me evolve as a musician, bringing new songs, new sounds and techniques.”
He notes that writing his 2023 book, Marr’s Guitars, gave him some perspective on his collection. In his mind, it’s time to set these instruments free so they can go forth and make some more memories. “The book turned out to be a cathartic experience and when it was time for these beautiful instruments to go back into storage, I couldn’t imagine them being put away and left unplayed,” he writes.
“It’s bittersweet to be parting with these guitars but I want them to go to new homes and new people who will love them as much as I have,” he concludes. “I hope they bring as much joy, inspiration and fun – and new songs – as they have given me.”
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Marr is promising to donate 100% of the profits from 10 lots to a pair of charities: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society.
The public will be able to view a selection of collection highlights prior to the auction. New York will have a chance from June 25th to July 1st, before returning to Christie’s headquarters in London. Then, the public will be able to view the collection from September 9th to 16th.
Following the grand clear out, Johnny Marr will surely be able to focus on his new album The Age of Everything. The record is due to drop October 2nd, with latest single Spin serving as a taste of what to expect.
For more information, head to Chirstie’s auction house.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
