Johnny Marr to auction guitars he played with The Smiths and Billie Eilish

Johnny Marr to Auction Guitars from The Smiths and Billie Eilish Collaborations

Johnny Marr to auction guitars he played - Legendary musician Johnny Marr is set to part with nearly 100 guitars, including iconic instruments from his work with The Smiths and his collaboration with Billie Eilish. The collection will be auctioned by Christie’s in New York and London this summer, with the final sale taking place in London on 17 September. Among the prized items is the 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, a guitar gifted to Marr by music industry figure Seymour Stein as a reward for signing The Smiths to his label, Sire Records. This instrument played a pivotal role in the creation of The Smiths' seminal track "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now," a cornerstone of the band's classic indie sound.

A Legacy of Musical Evolution

Marr’s guitar collection spans decades of artistic growth. His journey began in childhood, when he first acquired a small wooden toy guitar from a Manchester haberdashery shop at age four. This early acquisition sparked a lifelong passion, leading to the formation of The Smiths in 1982 alongside Morrissey. The band’s music, characterized by Marr’s intricate guitar work and distinctive chiming tones, became a defining force in the indie scene. Their style fused British pop sensibilities with a rebellious edge, staying far from mainstream clichés.

After The Smiths disbanded in 1987, Marr transformed into a prolific collaborator. His career has since intersected with a wide array of artists, including The Pretenders, Talking Heads, Bryan Ferry, Oasis, Blondie, Beck, Modest Mouse, The Cribs, and Franz Ferdinand. This weekend, he made a special appearance at The Gorillaz' vibrant stadium concert, showcasing his enduring relevance in contemporary music. Later this year, Marr will release his fifth solo album, "The Age Of Everything," marking another chapter in his evolving sound.

The Book That Sparked a New Chapter

The decision to auction his guitars originated during the writing of his 2023 book, "Marr’s Guitars." While compiling the work, Marr found himself frequently handling the instruments, photographing them, and displaying them at events. This process reignited a sense of nostalgia, prompting him to consider their future. "I didn’t like the idea of my studio space becoming a museum," he shared with the BBC. "It felt too static, like the guitars were holding onto the past rather than inspiring the future."

"I thought about people in Belfast or Dundee or Tokyo owning one of these guitars for the rest of their lives—coming down to breakfast in the morning and really loving and cherishing this instrument." The idea of these guitars being part of someone’s daily routine, rather than locked away in a glass case, resonated deeply with him. "Once I got that idea in my head, I thought it was really much, much more, more appealing than them being in some glass case."

By donating the hammer price of 10 lots to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society, Marr ensures his collection continues to make a meaningful impact beyond the auction. The guitars are estimated to fetch between £1,000 and £150,000, with the 95 lots offering a diverse range of instruments from different eras of his career. This initiative also aligns with Marr’s desire to create space for new acquisitions. "I like your thinking," he laughed, acknowledging the potential for fresh inspiration in his studio.

Emotional Goodbye and Nostalgic Reflection

Speaking backstage at The Gorillaz' concert, Marr expressed the bittersweet nature of the auction. "It would be emotional to part with these guitars," he admitted, "but I’m hoping it’ll be somewhat cathartic as well." His candid remarks reveal a personal connection to the instruments, which have accompanied him through pivotal moments in music history. "I’m pathologically someone who doesn’t really look back," he said, "but this thing with the guitars has made me somewhat nostalgic, without a doubt."

Among the highlights of the auction are guitars from The Smiths' early days, including those used in the recording of "This Charming Man" and the Billie Eilish track "No Time To Die." These items represent not only his technical mastery but also his ability to adapt and innovate across genres. Marr’s collaboration with Billie Eilish on the latter track demonstrates his continued influence in modern music, bridging the gap between his classic indie roots and contemporary pop sensibilities.

The auction serves as both a farewell and a celebration of Marr’s legacy. Each guitar tells a story—whether it’s the 1960 Gibson, which symbolized the start of his professional journey, or the instruments that defined The Smiths’ era. By sharing these treasures with a broader audience, Marr hopes to ensure their continued life beyond his own hands. "I thought about how these guitars might live on in the hands of others," he reflected, "and how they could become part of their musical identity." This vision of legacy underscores his belief that art should be experienced, not preserved in isolation.

A Bridge Between Past and Future

Marr’s approach to the auction highlights a balance between letting go and celebrating his achievements. The process of showcasing the guitars at Christie’s events this summer allows the public to engage with the instruments in a tangible way, fostering a deeper appreciation for their history. For Marr, this isn’t just about monetizing his collection—it’s about creating a connection between his past and the future of music. "I wanted them to be more than just relics," he said. "I wanted them to inspire."

As the auction approaches, the guitars will serve as a reminder of Marr’s contributions to music. From the gritty, heartfelt tones of The Smiths to the polished sounds of his solo work, each instrument carries a unique imprint of his artistry. The inclusion of Billie Eilish’s song in the collection further cements Marr’s role in shaping modern musical landscapes. This eclectic mix of guitars reflects a career marked by versatility, creativity, and an unrelenting drive to evolve.

Ultimately, the auction represents a new beginning for Marr. By releasing these cherished possessions, he opens the door for other musicians to embrace their own creative journeys. "I like your thinking," he repeated with a smile, echoing his earlier sentiment. This act of generosity and artistic humility underscores his enduring influence in the music world, proving that even as he moves forward, the echoes of his work will continue to resonate.