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A 1960 cherry red Gibson ES-355 used and owned by Noel Gallagher, and damaged by his brother Liam on 28 August 2009, the night Oasis officially broke up. The Gibson ES-355 model was a personal favourite of Gallagher's from 1996 until 2011. This is arguably one of the most significant guitars associated with Oasis, as it was the catalyst for one of the most famous splits in music history, and symbolises the turbulent relationship of a band that shaped the 1990s.
Gallagher describes his love for his original Gibson ES-355, and reveals the fact that he had two of these guitars, in an interview with That Pedal Show on YouTube in June 2023. Between 1996 and 1997, Gallagher purchased two ES-355 guitars, and has stated that he wanted a red semi-acoustic guitar after seeing Johnny Marr play one in The Smiths. Gallagher bought this second ES-355 in a guitar shop in Paris' La Pigalle district. Interestingly, the second guitar's serial number is the next one along from his original Gibson. This meant that two different Gibson employees made both guitars in Gallagher's collection on the same day. The second Gibson can be identified as it has a longer pickguard and a plain black truss rod cover. Gallagher and Gem Archer played this second Gibson during the Dig Out Your Soul tour in 2008, and it was used extensively in the studio. Archer can be seen playing it during their performance of "Don't Look Back In Anger" at Wembley Arena in 2008. Gallagher also used this guitar during an acoustic performance at the Koko Club in Camden, London on 2 November 2006.
On 28 August 2009, Oasis were scheduled to perform at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris. While preparing, a violent argument broke out backstage between the brothers, resulting in Liam swinging this Gibson ES-355 guitar around, ultimately destroying it. Liam chose this guitar as he knew it was one of Noel's favourites. "So then he leaves and goes to his own dressing room and picks up a guitar," Noel explained at a 2011 press conference. "He comes back in and he starts throwing it around like an axe."
A couple of hours after this infamous altercation, Noel announced that he was leaving the band, stating he could no longer work with Liam, and Oasis officially split. The bitter rivalry between the Gallagher brothers continued for many years. But in August 2024, they unexpectedly announced a reunion, and are currently playing a worldwide tour.
At Gallagher's request, the guitar was restored in 2011 by skilled luthier Philippe Dubreuille, who painstakingly preserved its vintage look. Gallagher kept it as part of his collection for some time while performing with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.
The guitar has the serial number "A34884". It comprises a mahogany neck featuring an ebony fingerboard, and a laminated maple body exhibiting a cherry-red finish and two F-holes. Gibson's hallmark five-piece diamond-like pearlescent inlay adorns the black headstock, and the guitar also features a tortoiseshell cellulose pickguard, two humbucker pickups, a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece and four control knobs.
The lot comes in a brown leather protective case lined with pink velvet and featuring a tape strip labelled "355 NG 1960". The case exhibits patches of wear to the leather. The lot is accompanied by a signed, handwritten note from Gallagher detailing the guitar's authenticity and confirming its history. He has also inscribed "Peace, love + Bananas!!". Dimensions (guitar): 107 cm x 40 cm x 9.5 cm (42" x 15.75" x 3.75"); (case): 110 cm x 45 cm x 13 cm (43.25" x 17.75" x 5.25")
Additional Provenance:
Lot 52 Artpèges Music, Instruments and Collectibles Memorabilia Auction, 17 May 2022
Contains electronics; see electronics notice in the Buyer's Guide.
Contains organic materials, see notice in the Buyer's Guide.
Estimate: £250,000 - 500,000 Ω
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