Johnny Marr’s Guitars Are Headed To Auction

“I hope they bring as much joy, inspiration and fun—and new songs—as they have given me,” the legendary Smiths guitarist said of his collection.

For fans of The Smiths—or any of the many legacy rock bands that cite Johnny Marr’s clean arpeggiated riffs and galloping acoustic accompaniments as highly influential—there’s a Christie’s sale that demands attention.

The post-punk progenitor is partnering with the British auction house to sell approximately 80 guitars acquired over the Smiths’ short-lived but widely celebrated career in the 1980s and Marr’s prolific efforts since, which include membership in the Pretenders, The The, Electronic and Modest Mouse, as well as collaborations with Pet Shop Boys, Talking Heads, Bryan Ferry, Beck, Hans Zimmer, Oasis, Pearl Jam, Noel Gallagher, Billie Eilish, Blondie, Gorillaz, and Franz Ferdinand. Christie’s reports that several of the instruments were played during the recording of Marr’s recently announced solo album, The Age Of Everything, due out October 2.

“I have loved guitars for as long as I can remember, since the first one I got at the age of five,” Marr said in a statement. “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.”

“Writing Marr’s Guitars in 2023″—Marr continued, referencing his retrospective photobook—”gave me the perfect excuse to bring all of these instruments together, to tell their stories, revisit the songs, shows and unforgettable moments they’ve brought me, and that I’ve shared with remarkable people in studios and on stages around the world. 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. 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. I hope they bring as much joy, inspiration and fun—and new songs—as they have given me.”

Admirably, Marr will donate 100 percent of the hammer price of 10 lots—which also feature select amps and other equipment—to benefit The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society. How much cash those charities actually receive depends on which lots’ proceeds are donated, as the few previously announced valuations range from thousands to well into six figures.

Headlining is a 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355 ($132,000–$198,000) that was reportedly purchased in New York by Sire Records founder Seymour Stein in response to a quip by Marr, who said that The Smiths would sign to Stein’s label if he bought him a guitar. According to Christie’s, the 355 inspired Marr to write the music for the classic 1984 single “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” and its b-side “Girl Afraid” that same day.

Another Gibson, a 1984 Les Paul crafted in Cherry, ($105,600–$158,400) was acquired in fall of 1984 for The Smiths’ album Meat Is Murder. The instrument, modified with a Bigsby vibrato, was recorded for the tracks “The Headmaster Ritual,” “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore” and “What She Said.” Maybe even more poignantly, Marr played this Les Paul on the final song of what would be the Smiths’ last ever show in December 1986.

On the other end of the Smiths’ timeline is Marr’s 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo ($79,200–$105,600), which was used extensively during the recording of The Smiths’ eponymous debut album and served as Marr’s main guitar on the band’s early tours—its distinctive sounds ring out on “What Difference Does It Make?” “This Charming Man,” “Still Ill,” and “Accept Yourself.” In 1994, the legendary Rickenbacker appeared on the cover of Oasis’ debut single “Supersonic” after Marr lent the guitar to Noel Gallagher during early recording sessions for Definitely Maybe.

While bidding doesn’t start until September 17 in London, Marr will be plenty busy touring in support of his fifth solo album, with his live performances culminating in his biggest solo show at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on October 24.