Oasis guitar sold at auction for $385k
An iconic electric guitar once played by Noel Gallagher, the former lead guitarist of the British rock band Oasis, fetched £289,800 ($385,541) at a London auction, according to Propstore on Friday. The cherry-red Gibson ES-355 is especially famous for the dramatic role it played in the band’s 2009 breakup.
The instrument was damaged during a notorious backstage altercation at Paris’ Rock en Seine festival, when Noel’s brother and co-frontman, Liam Gallagher, struck it during a fight. The incident occurred just before Oasis was scheduled to perform on stage, leading to the cancellation of the concert and Noel Gallagher’s immediate announcement that he was leaving the band. This altercation marked the end of an era for one of Britain’s most celebrated rock groups.
After being repaired, the guitar was sold at an auction in Paris in 2022 for 385,000 euros ($445,000), highlighting its status as a highly prized collectible among music memorabilia enthusiasts. Despite this history, Thursday’s sale in London fell well below the pre-auction maximum estimate of £500,000, Propstore noted.
The auction also featured several other notable music-related items. Handwritten lyrics by Noel Gallagher, reflecting the creative mind behind Oasis’ greatest hits, were sold for £75,600. Meanwhile, a pair of sunglasses worn by Elvis Presley fetched the same price, demonstrating the continued fascination with the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. Adding to the star-studded lineup, Michael Jackson’s white fedora, worn during his iconic “Smooth Criminal” music video, sold for £50,400.
Collectors and fans alike often prize such items not only for their connection to legendary performers but also for the stories they carry. The Noel Gallagher guitar, in particular, embodies a moment of rock history that was both chaotic and transformative, symbolizing the tension and brilliance that defined Oasis during their peak years.
With Oasis announcing a worldwide reunion tour in 2025, currently underway, the sale of this guitar serves as a poignant reminder of the band’s turbulent yet influential legacy. It also underscores how music memorabilia, particularly instruments and personal items associated with defining moments in a band’s history, continues to command significant attention and value in the auction market.
