Johnny Marr is to auction off guitars from his time with The Smiths, as well as his solo career.
These guitars are to go under the hammer at Christie's in London, at an auction titled, Marr's Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection, which will include 95 lots from Marr's own personal collection.
The auction itself will take place at Christie's, London on September 17. Marr also confirmed that he will donate the entire hammer price from 10 lots to the Guide Dogs For The Blind Association and the National Autistic Society.
One of the most recognisable items under the hammer includes Marrs' 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, a guitar which was used during the recording of The Smiths' hits, 'This Charming Man' and 'What Difference Does It Make?'.
Marr had lent the guitar to Noel Gallagher during early recording sessions for Oasis' album, Definitely Maybe, and also featured on their first single, Supersonic. It is expected to fetch for between £60,000 and $80,000 at the auction.
Other items up for sale include Marr's 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, which inspired him to write The Smiths' track, Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now in 1984.
This guitar was bought for Marr by Sire Records founder, Seymour Stein in 1983, after the guitarist had joked that The Smiths would sign to the label if Stein had bought him a new instrument. This guitar is to expected to sell for between £100,000 and £150,000.
Elsewhere, a Cherry 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard is also under the hammer. Featuring on The Smiths' album, Meat Is Murder, the guitar is expected to fetch for between £80,000 and £120,000.
It was also used by Marr on The Smiths' 1985 tour, and during the final song of their last concert in December 1996. He has also used it on records by The Cribs, The The, and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.
A Comet Sparkle 2017 Fender Johnny Marr Signatura Jaguar is also on the menu, which was used for the title song for the 2021 James Bond film, No Time To Die, the last one to feature Daniel Craig as the 007 agent. The song was written by Billie Eilish. It is expected to sell for between £8,000 and £12,000.
In an official statement, Johnny Marr said that he hopes these instruments would also inspire the new owners.
"I have loved guitars for as long as I can remember, since the first one I got at the age of five," he said.
"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", he added. "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".
Prior to this, highlights of the sale will be shown off in New York from 25 June to July 1, before a free pre sale exhibition will run at Christie's, London headquarters from September 9 to 16.
This year will also see Johnny Marr release his first studio album in five years, with The Age Of Everything, which is set for release on October 2. Find out more on this from Nova here.
