Johnny Marr to auction historic guitar collection at Christie’s

Musician Johnny Marr is auctioning nearly 100 items from his personal gear collection through Christie’s in London. The collection, titled ‘Marr’s Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection’, spans his five-decade career and includes vintage guitars and amplifiers used during his time with The Smiths and in various collaborations.

Key items include a 1960 Gibson ES-355 estimated to reach £150,000 and a 1982 black Rickenbacker 330, valued between £60,000 and £80,000. The Rickenbacker holds historical significance for both The Smiths and Oasis; Noel Gallagher recalled the instrument being used as a prop on the floor during the ‘Supersonic’ single cover photoshoot to make the band appear more established.

Marr stated that the decision to sell follows the publication of his book, ‘Marr’s Guitars’. He described the process as ‘bittersweet’ but expressed a desire for the instruments to go to new owners who will play them rather than leaving them in storage.