A red Gibson Les Paul Custom belonging to Noel Gallagher of Oasis fetched over €271,000 at a London auction. Once described as “the best in the world” by Gallagher, the iconic guitar was a centerpiece of Britpop history.
A guitar that belonged to Noel Gallagher, the lead guitarist and songwriter of Oasis, was sold at a Bonhams auction in London for an impressive £226,800, which equates to over €271,000. The instrument, a red Gibson Custom Shop Florentine Les Paul, was a key element in the Britpop icon’s collection during the height of the band’s fame in the 1990s.
The semi-hollow guitar, notable for its distinctive tone and unique design, was described by Gallagher in 1997 as “the best in the world.” It became a signature part of his musical identity, particularly during the creation and promotion of Oasis’s third studio album, *Be Here Now*. Tracks from the album, including hits like "D’You Know What I Mean?" and "Stand By Me," are believed to have been shaped, in part, by this very instrument.
The sale, part of a special auction dedicated to music memorabilia, exceeded initial expectations, reflecting the enduring appeal of Oasis and Gallagher’s influence on the music world. Bonhams highlighted the guitar as the centerpiece of their event, attracting significant attention from collectors and fans alike.
Gallagher’s red Gibson isn’t just a guitar—it’s a symbol of an era. Oasis was at the forefront of Britpop, and their music defined a generation. Items connected to this period continue to hold immense sentimental and cultural value. The anonymous buyer, who paid the substantial sum for the instrument, has acquired not just a piece of music history but an artifact tied to one of the most influential bands of the 1990s.
In addition to the guitar, the auction featured other noteworthy items, including handwritten lyrics, signed photographs, and instruments from various legendary artists. However, none matched the allure of Gallagher’s Gibson Les Paul, which stood out as the highlight of the event.
This record-breaking sale is another example of the lasting fascination with memorabilia from the Britpop era, with Noel Gallagher and Oasis remaining central figures in the story of modern British music.
With AFP
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