The guitar famously damaged during the breakup of the band Oasis has been sold for £289,800. Noel Gallagher’s cherry red Gibson ES-355, which was notably damaged during the band’s final show in Paris in 2009, was the highlight of a music memorabilia auction by Propstore. This auction, featuring over 400 rare items such as instruments, handwritten lyrics, and personal artifacts, achieved a total of £1,666,500 on October 23.
Among the other notable items sold were a Banksy Think Tank artwork for £107,100 and Elvis Presley’s worn Grand Prix sunglasses, which fetched £75,600. Mark Hochman, Propstore’s Music Specialist, commented on the record-breaking sale of Noel Gallagher’s guitar, stating that it set a new standard for Oasis memorabilia worldwide.
In a separate auction, another red guitar with an intriguing backstory was sold for a substantial sum. The Baldwin Burns Double Six solid electric 12-string guitar, borrowed by British rock icon Mark Knopfler and not returned for 50 years, was auctioned by Gardiner Houlgate auctioneers. Knopfler, known for his role in Dire Straits, used this guitar both behind the scenes and on stage during various performances.
Despite being in Knopfler’s possession for 50 years, the Double Six guitar is still considered to be in perfect original condition. Originally listed for Christie’s Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection Sale, the instrument was withdrawn before the planned auction in 2024 and returned to its original owner, Jeff Sadler.
Mark Knopfler, the lead guitarist and vocalist of Dire Straits from 1977 to 1995, was known for his significant influence on music. His band Dire Straits achieved immense success, selling over 100 million records worldwide.