Johnny Marr, the acclaimed guitarist for The Smiths, is preparing to auction nearly 100 of his instruments, a collection that includes a guitar loaned to the band Oasis. Marr, 62, stated that he is divesting himself of the guitars to avoid his studio space transforming into a museum.
The collection is currently on display in London and will go under the hammer at Christie's on September 17.
Noel Gallagher of Oasis recalled borrowing one of Marr's guitars, a black 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, which was used for the cover of Oasis' 1994 debut single "Supersonic." Gallagher expressed concern at the time about the instrument's safety, remembering how it was placed on the floor in the studio to create the image of a working band. "I was like 'you better take that back, mate' - what if someone stands on it," Gallagher recounted, noting that the guitar was also used by Marr in the writing of The Smiths' hit "What Difference Does It Make."
This particular Rickenbacker is expected to fetch up to £80,000 at auction. Marr, who hails from Manchester, revisited the collection alongside Gallagher in a video released by Christie's in anticipation of the sale.