Johnny Marr guitar collection sells for £3.6 million at auction

The extensive guitar collection of The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr has sold for nearly £4 million at a Christie’s auction in London. The sale, titled ‘Marr’s Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection’, fetched a total of £3,649,280, significantly exceeding its original presale estimate.

Bidders from 34 different countries participated in the five-hour event. The highest-selling item was Marr’s 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, which sold for £358,400. This specific instrument was used during the recording of The Smiths’ debut album and was famously lent to Noel Gallagher during early Oasis sessions. Another notable sale was a 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, which brought in £204,800.

Proceeds from 31 specific lots, including 10 guitars and various memorabilia, will be split equally between The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society.