ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Johnny Marr auctions nearly 100 guitars including Smiths and Billie Eilish instruments

market-auction · 2026-06-22

Johnny Marr is putting nearly 100 guitars from his own collection up for auction. Among these guitars is the famous Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, which he played in The Smiths' hit 'This Charming Man,' and the Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar, used in Billie Eilish's James Bond song 'No Time To Die.' Noteworthy items include a 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355 that Seymour Stein gave him to help secure The Smiths' deal with Sire Records and a Gibson Les Paul valued at £80,000–£120,000, seen in his early TV performances. The auction will take place on 17 September in London, with previews at Christie's in New York and London. Marr also aims to donate proceeds from ten lots to charities, describing the process as emotional and cathartic.

Key facts

  • Johnny Marr is auctioning nearly 100 guitars.
  • The auction includes the Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo from 'This Charming Man'.
  • The Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar used on Billie Eilish's 'No Time To Die' is included.
  • A 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355 given by Seymour Stein to sign with Sire Records is in the sale.
  • A Gibson Les Paul estimated at £80,000–£120,000 from early Smiths TV appearances is included.
  • Marr decided to sell after making the 2023 book 'Marr's Guitars'.
  • The auction is on 17 September in London, with displays at Christie's in New York and London.
  • Estimates range from £1,000 to £150,000; proceeds from 10 lots benefit Guide Dogs and National Autistic Society.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • The Smiths
  • Sire Records
  • Christie's
  • The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
  • The National Autistic Society
  • BBC
  • Oasis
  • New Order
  • The Gorillaz
  • Fender
  • Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
  • National Autistic Society
  • The Pretenders
  • Talking Heads
  • Bryan Ferry
  • Blondie
  • Beck
  • Modest Mouse
  • The Cribs
  • Franz Ferdinand

Locations

  • New York
  • United States
  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Manchester
  • Belfast
  • Dundee
  • Tokyo

Sources

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