Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr recently reunited at Christie’s in London to preview “Marr’s Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection,” an exhibition showcasing decades of rock history. During a walkthrough of the collection, Gallagher reflected on Marr’s legendary generosity, describing his peer as having “always been a bit gung-ho” with his instruments, particularly when lending them to the then-emerging members of Oasis.
The comment highlights a pivotal moment in the 35-year friendship between the two Manchester legends. Among the items heading to auction is a 1982 black Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, which Marr famously lent to Oasis for the cover shoot of their 1994 debut single, “Supersonic.” While the guitar is often associated with the track’s sound, it was primarily used as a prop for the photography; it was placed on the floor to help create the aesthetic of a “working band.” The Rickenbacker is now estimated to fetch up to £80,000.
The auction, scheduled for September 17, consists of approximately 80 guitars from Marr’s personal archive. While some high-profile pieces are expected to reach prices of £150,000, the event also serves a philanthropic purpose. For 31 specific lots in the collection, 100% of the hammer price will be donated to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society.
During the preview, Gallagher also credited Marr with inspiring his own choice of equipment. He revealed that he purchased his signature red Gibson ES-355 only after seeing Marr playing one during a performance on Top of the Pops. This mentorship and exchange of gear played a quiet but significant role in the visual and sonic development of Oasis during their formative years in the early 1990s.
The reunion at Christie’s comes as Oasis enters a high-profile reunion era of their own, providing a nostalgic look back at the instruments that helped define the Britpop movement. Marr’s willingness to part with these items follows a career defined by both his technical innovation and a famously casual attitude toward the preservation of his most iconic tools.