Rock Legend Johnny Marr Unloads Iconic Guitar Hoard at Christie's London!

A significant event for music enthusiasts and collectors is set to take place this summer, as legendary guitarist Johnny Marr announces the auction of a vast collection of his iconic instruments. Titled “Marr’s Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection,” after his 2023 coffee table book, the landmark sale will be held at Christie’s in London on September 17. The collection comprises approximately 80 guitars, alongside amplifiers and touring equipment, representing instruments that have played a crucial role in shaping some of the most influential British indie music of the last four decades.

The auction offers a unique opportunity to trace Marr’s illustrious career, from his formative years as co-founder of the seminal Manchester group The Smiths, through his extensive post-band collaborations, and into his successful solo work. A portion of the proceeds generated from this sale will be dedicated to two charitable organizations: the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and the National Autistic Society. Prior to the London auction, selected instruments from the collection will be exhibited for public viewing in New York from June 25 to July 1, before making their transatlantic journey to the UK.

Among the many highlights featured in the collection is Marr’s 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo. This particular guitar was famously played on early The Smiths hits such as “This Charming Man” and “What Difference Does It Make?” Its historical significance extends beyond The Smiths, as it was also lent by Marr to Noel Gallagher for Oasis’s *Definitely Maybe* recording sessions and prominently appears on the cover of their debut 1994 single, “Supersonic.” This iconic instrument is estimated to fetch up to £80,000 (approximately $106,000).

Another prized possession going under the hammer is a 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, which became one of Marr’s signature instruments during the mid-1980s. This guitar was specifically purchased for him by Sire Records label founder Seymour Stein and was central to the songwriting process for The Smiths’ “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.” According to a press release, this instrument carries an estimated value of up to £150,000 (approximately $199,000). Several guitars within the collection have also seen recent use in the recording of Marr’s forthcoming solo album, *The Age of Everything*, which is scheduled for release on October 2 via BMG.

Reflecting on the auction, Johnny Marr expressed his deep connection to his instruments: “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 added that writing *Marr’s Guitars* in 2023 was a cathartic experience, and he couldn’t bear the thought of these instruments being left unplayed in storage. While acknowledging the bittersweet nature of parting with them, Marr stated, “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.”

Amelia Walker, Christie’s specialist head of private and iconic collections, underscored the historical importance of the sale, noting, “When Johnny Marr co-founded The Smiths at the age of 18, the music world had never before heard such a unique and melodic style of guitar playing, nor such original and fresh sounding songs.” She further highlighted Marr as a guitarist who continually strives to innovate, whose unmistakable sound has inspired countless musicians and fans from the early 1980s to the present day, expressing delight in helping these instruments find new owners and new songs.

Beyond The Smiths, which disbanded in 1987, Marr’s career saw him collaborate with a succession of major acts including The Pretenders, Electronic (alongside Bernard Sumner of New Order), Modest Mouse, and The Cribs. He launched his solo career in the 2010s and has since contributed to projects with artists like Billie Eilish (on the James Bond theme “No Time To Die”) and Gorillaz. The upcoming auction not only celebrates his profound legacy but also offers fans a tangible piece of his ongoing musical journey.