LONDON – More than 120 guitars, amplifiers, and effects pedals from the legendary rock musician Jeff Beck’s career have been sold at auction for a staggering £8.7 million, exceeding pre-sale estimates by more than eight times.
The auction, held by Christie’s in London on Wednesday, attracted bids from 40 countries, with collectors and fans eager to own a piece of the iconic guitarist’s legacy.
Record-Breaking Sales for Iconic Instruments
Among the standout items was Beck’s famous 1954 “Oxblood” Gibson Les Paul, which graced the cover of his 1975 album Blow by Blow. Initially expected to sell for between £350,000 and £500,000, the guitar was eventually purchased for £1,068,500.
A white Fender guitar also drew fierce bidding, fetching £1,008,000—far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of £20,000 to £30,000.
Meanwhile, a Jackson guitar signed by Tina Turner saw an intense seven-minute bidding war before selling for £441,000, an astonishing 36 times its estimated value.
One of the biggest surprises was Beck’s pedalboard, which contained the setup used during his final tour in 2022. Originally valued at £3,000 to £5,000, it sold for an incredible £126,000.
Charity Contribution to Wildlife Rescue
While all of Beck’s instruments commanded high prices, the final four auctioned items, including a guitar and artwork, were designated for a cause close to the musician’s heart.
The proceeds from these items—amounting to more than £125,000—will benefit Folly Wildlife Rescue in Tunbridge Wells, a charity that Beck, his wife Sandra, and close friend Johnny Depp supported.
Reacting to the auction’s success, Sandra Beck expressed her gratitude to fans, saying: “I am so happy that Jeff’s guitars have been so popular amongst his fans and friends. Thank you so much for your belief in Jeff’s legacy.”
The wildlife charity was also overwhelmed by the unexpected generosity. “We are blown away by the bidding war and the funds raised. Jeff Beck’s passion for wildlife and nature was truly reflected in this incredible outcome,” a spokesperson for Folly Wildlife Rescue said.
A Lasting Legacy
Jeff Beck, widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, was born in Wallington, Surrey, in 1944. He rose to fame in the mid-1960s as a member of The Yardbirds, playing alongside fellow guitar legends Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.
His innovative style and genre-defying approach to music influenced countless artists over the decades. Beck passed away in January 2023 at the age of 78 at his home in Wadhurst, East Sussex. His extensive collection of instruments was a testament to his lifelong passion for music and craftsmanship.
Amelia Walker, Christie’s head of private and iconic collections, hailed the auction’s remarkable outcome: “We are thrilled with the results of Jeff Beck’s incredible collection, which pay testament to the legacy of a genius – a globally revered true rock legend.”
The record-breaking auction not only reaffirmed Beck’s enduring influence but also ensured that his legacy, both in music and philanthropy, will continue to resonate for years to come.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
