Full Breakdown
Johnny Marr’s Guitar Collection to Be Auctioned at Christie’s
6/22/2026, 11:42:11 PM
The Christie’s Auction of Marr’s Guitars
Johnny Marr, co-founder and guitarist of The Smiths, will sell his personal collection of guitars, amplifiers and related gear through Christie’s in London. The sale, titled Marr’s Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection, is scheduled for 17 September 2026 (some reports list 19 September). The catalogue comprises approximately 80–100 guitars arranged in 95 lots, with a public preview in New York (25 June–1 July) and a free pre-sale exhibition in London (9–16 September).
Instruments and Valuations
- 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355 – gifted by Seymour Stein, linked to “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now”; estimate £100 000–£150 000.
- 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo – featured on “This Charming Man” and “What Difference Does It Make?”; estimate £60 000–£80 000.
- 1971 Martin D-28 (12-string) – heard on “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out”; estimate £30 000–£50 000.
- 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard (Cherry) – used on “Meat Is Murder” and later projects; estimate £80 000–£120 000.
- 2017 Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar (Comet Sparkle) – recorded the James Bond theme for *No Time To Die*; estimate £8 000–£12 000.
Lot estimates range from £1 000 to £150 000. Proceeds from 10 lots will be donated in full to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and the National Autistic Society.
Career Context and the 2023 Book
Marr’s career spans The Smiths (1982–1987), collaborations with The Pretenders, Modest Mouse, Gorillaz and others, and a solo discography culminating in the forthcoming album The Age of Everything (2 October 2026). In 2023 he published Marr’s Guitars, a coffee-table book cataloguing each instrument, its recording history and personal anecdotes. The book’s research prompted the decision to auction the collection rather than return the items to storage.
Timeline of the Sale
- 2023 – Publication of *Marr’s Guitars*; decision to auction.
- 25 June–1 July 2026 – Exhibition in New York.
- 9–16 September 2026 – Pre-sale display at Christie’s London headquarters.
- 17 September 2026 – Auction (some outlets cite 19 September).
- 2 October 2026 – Release of *The Age of Everything*.
- 24 October 2026 – Solo headline show at OVO Arena Wembley.
Cultural and Charitable Impact
The sale highlights the material legacy of British indie rock, offering collectors tangible links to recordings that shaped the 1980s and beyond. By directing a portion of the hammer price to two UK charities, the auction also leverages cultural heritage for social benefit.
Official Statements & Responses
Marr explained that he “has loved guitars for as long as I can remember, since the first one I got at the age of five” and that each instrument “has helped me evolve as a musician, bringing new songs, new sounds and techniques.” He added that donating proceeds “will support Guide Dogs for the Blind and the National Autistic Society.” Christie’s described the collection as “the tools of a guitarist who continually strives to innovate” and said the sale “will find new owners who can carry these legendary instruments into future music-making.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I didn't like the idea of my studio space becoming a museum” — Johnny Marr
- “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,” — Johnny Marr
- “Writing Marr’s Guitars in 2023 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,” — Johnny Marr
- “I'm pathologically someone who doesn't really look back, but this thing with the guitars has made me somewhat nostalgic, without a doubt.” — Johnny Marr
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact size of the collection (?80 guitars vs. “nearly 100” vs. 95 lots). The auction date is listed as 17 September in most releases, but a few outlets cite 19 September. Valuation ranges are presented in pounds, dollars and euros, leading to slight inconsistencies in the highest estimate (£150 000, $199 000, €173 000). No source provides the final hammer price, leaving the ultimate charitable contribution amount unknown.
