Legendary musician Johnny Marr is parting ways with nearly a century of guitar history, as he auctions off nearly 100 instruments from his collection. The sale includes iconic guitars played on The Smiths' singles 'This Charming Man' and 'What Difference Does It Make', as well as the Billie Eilish Bond theme 'No Time To Die'.
Marr, who co-founded The Smiths with Morrissey in 1982, has been instrumental in shaping indie music with his intricate and chiming tones. Since the group disbanded in 1987, he has worked with an array of artists including Bryan Ferry, Oasis, Blondie, and Franz Ferdinand.
The sale, which will take place on 17 September at Christie's in London, features a diverse range of instruments, including a 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355 gifted to Marr by music mogul Seymour Stein. Other highlights include a Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo used on 'This Charming Man' and 'What Difference Does It Make', and a Martin D-28 12-string acoustic used to write and record Smiths classics like 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out'.
Marr has stated that he is selling the guitars to free up studio space, and to allow other musicians to cherish and play the instruments. He has also pledged to donate the hammer price of 10 lots to benefit The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society.
The auction will feature 95 lots, with estimates ranging from £1,000 to £150,000. Marr's collection is a testament to his influence on British music, and this sale will undoubtedly be a fascinating insight into the history of The Smiths and beyond.