Christie’s will auction Marr’s Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection in London on 17 September 2026, offering more than 90 instruments and pieces of equipment spanning the guitarist’s career with The Smiths and beyond.
The sale brings together approximately 95 lots from the personal archive of Johnny Marr, with guitars, amplifiers and studio gear expected to sell for estimates ranging from £1,000 to £150,000. A selection of items will also be exhibited publicly in New York from 25 June to 1 July, before a free London preview ahead of the September auction.
Johnny Marr’s career-spanning guitar archive goes on sale
The collection documents Marr’s evolution as one of Britain’s most influential guitarists, beginning with his early work as co-founder of The Smiths in the 1980s.
Among the standout pieces is his 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, a guitar closely associated with the band’s debut era. The instrument is also known for its later cultural footprint, appearing on the cover of Oasis’ debut single Supersonic.
Another highlight is a 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, the highest estimated item in the auction. The guitar is linked to the creation of Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now and is widely regarded as one of the defining instruments of Marr’s early songwriting period.
Guitars used across collaborations with major artists
Beyond The Smiths, the auction also includes instruments used throughout Marr’s extensive session and collaboration work.
His 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard features across recordings for artists including New Order, The The, Modest Mouse and Hans Zimmer, reflecting his role as a sought-after contributor across multiple genres.
A 2017 Fender Signature Jaguar in “Comet Sparkle” finish is also included, used during the recording of the Oscar-winning No Time To Die theme with Billie Eilish.
Selected auction lots will support UK charities
Marr will donate 100% of the hammer price from ten selected lots to two UK charities:
The inclusion of charitable donations adds a philanthropic dimension to a collection already positioned as one of the most significant guitar auctions in recent years.
Exhibition and global preview ahead of the sale
Before the auction, select instruments will be displayed in New York from 25 June to 1 July, followed by a London exhibition in September open to the public free of charge.
Christie’s has positioned the sale as both a cultural archive and a collector’s opportunity, highlighting instruments that helped shape decades of British alternative and indie music.
New album and tour coincide with major auction year
The auction arrives during a busy period for Marr, who has also announced a new solo album, The Age Of Everything, set for release on October 2, 2026.
He will support the album with a European tour, which concludes with his largest solo headline show to date at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on 24 October.
