John Lennon’s long-lost ‘Help!’ guitar is set to make history as the highest-selling Beatles guitar ever auctioned. The Framus 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar, which was played by both Lennon and George Harrison during the making of the 1965 album and film ‘Help!’, has an estimated value of $600,000 to $800,000. However, experts believe it could fetch far more at the upcoming ‘Music Icons’ sale at Julien’s Auctions on May 29 and 30.
The guitar, which had been missing for nearly 50 years, was discovered in an attic in the British countryside. It had previously been owned by Scottish singer-songwriter Gordon Waller of the duo Peter and Gordon. The original guitar case was found in a nearby trash heap.
Darren Julien, co-founder and executive director of Julien’s Auctions, hailed the discovery as ‘the greatest find of a Beatles guitar since Paul McCartney’s lost 1961 Höfner bass guitar.’ He added, ‘Finding this remarkable instrument is like finding a lost Rembrandt or Picasso, and it still looks and plays like a dream after having been preserved in an attic for more than 50 years.’
The ‘Help!’ guitar will be sold alongside a range of other iconic music memorabilia, including Tina Turner’s custom Versace dress, Amy Winehouse’s Black Fendi gown, a Fender P Bass played by U2’s Adam Clayton, a book of Tupac Shakur’s handwritten lyrics, Onitsuka Tiger trainers worn by Freddie Mercury, and a jacket worn by Michael Jackson during the 1984 Victory Tour. Highlights from the auction will be on display at the Hard Rock Cafe in London’s Piccadilly Circus until April 30.
