The guitar that was famously damaged during the breakup of the band Oasis has been sold for £289,800. The cherry red Gibson ES-355, owned by Noel Gallagher and damaged during the band’s final show in Paris in 2009, was the highlight of a sale featuring music memorabilia organized by Propstore. The auction, which included over 400 rare instruments, handwritten lyrics, stage-used items, and personal artifacts, achieved a total of £1,666,500 on the first day.
Among the other items sold were a Banksy Think Tank artwork for £107,100 and Elvis Presley’s 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 not only set a new standard for Oasis memorabilia but also marked the highest total ever achieved for such items worldwide.
In a separate auction, a red Baldwin Burns Double Six solid electric 12-string guitar with an interesting history was also sold for a significant amount. The guitar, borrowed by British rock icon Mark Knopfler and reportedly not returned for 50 years, was originally owned by Jeff Sadler of Gosforth, who played for bands like Brethren, later known as Lindisfarne.
Mark Knopfler, known for his role in Dire Straits, used the guitar both behind the scenes and on stage during significant moments in his career. The guitar, listed for £30,000, attracted attention from fans and collectors due to its rich backstory. Before his solo career, Knopfler led Dire Straits from 1977 to 1995, achieving immense success and influencing generations of musicians.
Despite being in Knopfler’s possession for 50 years, the Double Six guitar remains in perfect original condition. Initially slated for Christie’s Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection Sale, the instrument was withdrawn before the auction in 2024 and returned to its original owner, Jeff Sadler.