Guitar icon Johnny Marr has partnered with Gibson to create a limited run of 20 hand-signed Les Paul guitars, with all proceeds benefiting the Teenage Cancer Trust. The guitars will be available exclusively at the Gibson Garage London on Friday, February 21, 2025, starting at 11 am, as part of the venue’s Garage Fest anniversary celebrations.
Johnny Marr
This special release commemorates the one-year anniversary of the Gibson Garage London and offers fans a chance to own a piece of rock history.
The guitars are replicas of Marr’s beloved 1984 Cherry Red Gibson Les Paul Standard with Bigsby, the instrument he first used while recording The Smiths’ seminal album, Meat Is Murder.
This guitar became his go-to instrument throughout his career with The Smiths and subsequent projects, including The The, The Pretenders, The Cribs, and his work with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
1984 Gibson Les Paul
“These guitars are a faithful reproduction of my beloved 1984 Gibson Les Paul, bought in Manchester back in the day,” Marr commented. “It’s the guitar I’ve kept and used since that time on loads of different records, so I was beyond delighted to see it recreated in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. It’s an amazing organization that I’ve had an association with for about ten years. It’s a privilege to be involved in this good cause and I’m very glad to be affiliated with it, especially when it involves making a fantastic Les Paul.”
Made to Measure
These Made-to-Measure guitars authentically capture the look and feel of Marr’s iconic instrument. Given the limited number and the significance of the collaboration, they are expected to sell out quickly.
The price has yet to be revealed, so you must check on the release day or head to the Gibson Garage London in person.
Teenage Cancer Trust
Beyond the guitars, the partnership also includes an exclusive collaborative range of Teenage Cancer Trust and Gibson merchandise.
Limited edition t-shirts, hoodies, and caps, featuring a new design by Jamie Hewlett celebrating 25 years of Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, will be available at the Gibson Garage London, Gibson.com, and shop.teenagecancertrust.org.
Proceeds from these items will also go directly to the charity.
Jamie Johnson, Head of Music and Entertainment at Teenage Cancer Trust, expressed his gratitude for the continued support. “The influence of Johnny Marr can be seen and heard across generations of musicians,” Johnson said. “Not only is he an incredible writer and player, but he has a huge depth of knowledge in his craft. Combined with Gibson’s generosity and mastery, we are thrilled to benefit from this unique opportunity. The support we receive from Johnny and Gibson can be seen across the UK, where we are able to make very real and meaningful differences for young people with cancer. Thank you to Johnny and the team at Gibson for their kindness and generosity.”
Lee Bartram, Gibson Head of Commercial, Marketing, and Cultural Influence – EMEA, added, “To correspond with the Gibson Garage London’s one-year anniversary, it’s a great honor to continue our partnership with the Teenage Cancer Trust for another year and, for 2025, we have the legend that is Johnny Marr adding his support. These guitars Johnny has signed take inspiration from his 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard with Bigsby, which has been featured on many classic British records over the years and are a fitting tribute to the amazing work the TCT continues to do. Gibson is also thrilled to bring a range of apparel with the TCT to the Gibson Garage London, expanding its longtime partnership with the distinguished charity.”
Gibson Garage London
The Gibson Garage London is located at 61-62 Eastcastle St, London, UK (one block from Oxford Street). It is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
