LONDON — Christie’s is set to auction nearly 100 items from the personal collection of legendary guitarist and songwriter Johnny Marr, offering fans and collectors a rare opportunity to acquire instruments that helped shape some of the most influential music of the past four decades.
The sale, titled Marr’s Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection, will take place in London on 17 September 2026 and is expected to draw significant international interest. The auction will feature approximately 80 guitars, along with amplifiers and equipment that have played key roles throughout Marr’s career. Estimates range from £1,000 to £150,000.
The auction celebrates the career of one of Britain’s most influential musicians. Marr first rose to prominence as co-founder of The Smiths in the early 1980s before building an extensive career spanning multiple genres and collaborations. Over the years, he has performed with and contributed to projects involving The Pretenders, Electronic, Modest Mouse, The Cribs and numerous other artists across rock, pop, indie and film music.
A selection of highlights from the collection will be displayed publicly in New York from 25 June to 1 July before returning to Christie’s London headquarters for a free exhibition running from 9 to 16 September.
Guitars continue to play a role in Marr’s current work
Several instruments included in the sale were recently used during the recording of Marr’s forthcoming album, The Age Of Everything, which is scheduled for release on 2 October. The album announcement coincides with a major European tour beginning on 28 June and culminating in Marr’s largest solo headline performance to date at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on 24 October.
Reflecting on the decision to part with the instruments, Marr described the collection as deeply connected to his artistic development.
“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. 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.”
Christie’s highlights Marr’s lasting influence on modern guitar music
Christie’s said the auction represents a significant moment in music memorabilia collecting, chronicling the evolution of an artist widely regarded as one of Britain’s most innovative guitarists.
Amelia Walker, Christie’s Specialist Head of Private & Iconic Collections in London, said the sale traces Marr’s influence from The Smiths through to his later work.
“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. In an era of electronic music and new romanticism, Johnny Marr and The Smiths changed the face of modern guitar music and lit the touch-paper for the next generation of British guitarists that were to come. His far-reaching influence on countless guitar-driven bands such as Oasis, The Stone Roses, and Suede cannot be overstated. This auction will chronicle the career of an artist who is widely recognised as a true genius of his generation, and features guitars from The Smiths era, including Marr’s iconic Rickenbacker 330 and Cherry Gibson ES-355, all the way through to his Signature Fender Jaguars. 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.”
Iconic instruments expected to command six-figure prices
Among the most valuable lots is Marr’s 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, estimated at between £100,000 and £150,000. The guitar was purchased in New York in 1984 by Sire Records founder Seymour Stein and inspired Marr to write The Smiths tracks “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” and “Girl Afraid”.
Another standout lot is the 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, estimated at £60,000 to £80,000. The instrument featured prominently on The Smiths’ debut album and was used on classic tracks including “This Charming Man”, “Still Ill” and “What Difference Does It Make?”. The guitar later appeared on the cover of Oasis’ debut single “Supersonic” after being lent to Noel Gallagher.
Other notable offerings include a 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard estimated at £80,000 to £120,000, a 1971 Martin D-28 estimated at £30,000 to £50,000, and a rare Roger Giffin Korina “Telecaster” expected to sell for £20,000 to £30,000.
The sale also features Marr’s unique 2017 Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar in “Comet Sparkle”, estimated at £8,000 to £12,000. The guitar was used to record the “James Bond Theme” for No Time To Die and contributed to the film’s Oscar-winning title song performed by Billie Eilish.
Charitable donations included in auction proceeds
In addition to the commercial significance of the sale, Marr will donate 100 per cent of the hammer price from 10 selected lots to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society.
With instruments linked to landmark recordings, major tours and some of Britain’s most influential bands, the auction is expected to attract strong bidding from collectors, musicians and fans around the world seeking a tangible piece of music history.
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