Johnny Marr’s Rare Guitar Collection Set for Christie’s London Sale

Johnny Marr’s iconic guitars will be going up for auction later this year. As part of a major sale hosted by Christie’s in London on Sept. 17, the musician will part with an extensive collection of instruments that have played a key role in shaping some of the most celebrated British indie music of the last 40 years.

Named Marr’s Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection, after his 2023 coffee table book Marr’s Guitars, the auction will include approximately 80 guitars as well as amplifiers and other touring gear. The collection documents Marr’s journey from his early days as a founding member of Manchester legends The Smiths to his later collaborations and solo career.

Part of the money raised from the auction will benefit the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and the National Autistic Society. A selection of the instruments will also be put on display for the public in New York from June 25 through July 1 before being transported to London. Additional details about the sale are available through Christie’s official website.

One of the standout items is Marr’s 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, used on early The Smiths classics including “This Charming Man” and “What Difference Does It Make?”, and expected to sell for as much as £80,000 ($106,000). Marr also loaned the guitar to Noel Gallagher during the recording sessions for Oasis’ Definitely Maybe, and it can be seen on the artwork for the band’s debut single, “Supersonic.”

Another notable piece is a 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, one of Marr’s most recognizable guitars during the mid 1980s. The instrument was bought for him by Sire Records founder Seymour Stein and played a major role in the creation of The Smiths’ “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.” According to a press release, it could fetch up to £150,000 ($199,000) at auction.

A number of guitars from the collection were also used while recording Marr’s forthcoming solo album The Age of Everything, scheduled for release on Oct. 2 through BMG. He will promote the album with a U.K. and European headline tour later this year, finishing with his biggest solo performance so far at London’s 12,500 capacity OVO Arena Wembley on Oct. 24.

“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,” Marr said in a statement.

“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. The book turned out to be a cathartic experience and when it was time for these beautiful instruments to go back into storage, I couldn’t imagine them being put away and left unplayed.

“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. 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, added: “Christie’s is thrilled to be presenting Marr’s Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection for sale this September. 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 continued: “These are the tools of a guitarist who continually strives to innovate, and whose unmistakable sound and music has inspired musicians and fans of all ages and walks of life from the early 1980s to today. We are delighted to be working with Johnny Marr to find new owners and new songs for these legendary instruments.”

Following The Smiths’ breakup in 1987, Marr built an impressive career working with a wide range of acclaimed artists, including The Pretenders, Electronic alongside Bernard Sumner of New Order, Modest Mouse and The Cribs. He later launched his solo career in the 2010s and has since worked with artists such as Billie Eilish on “No Time To Die” and Gorillaz on 2026’s The Mountain.