John Lennon's guitar has sold for a staggering £1.5 million, breaking the record for the most expensive piece of Beatles memorabilia ever sold.
The 12-string acoustic guitar used by the late Hootenanny music legend on the iconic group's 1965 album and film “Help!” has sat unused in an attic for the past 50 years.
The guitar originally belonged to Scottish musician Gordon Waller of the pop duo Peter and Gordon, but was later passed on to a colleague.
The most recent owner, who lives in the UK, had received an estimate of between £485,000 and £647,000.
The Julien's Auctions auction took place on Wednesday (May 29, 2024) at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City.
David Goodman, CEO of Julien's Auctions, said: “We are thrilled and honoured to have set a new world record with the sale of John Lennon's lost Hootenanny guitar.”
“This guitar is not only a piece of music history, but also a symbol of John Lennon's enduring legacy.
“[The sale] “This represents what Julien's does best – creating opportunities for people to reconnect with the cultural touchstones that have shaped the most important moments throughout their lives.”
The record-breaking sale follows the sale of a sitar belonging to the late Beatles guitarist George Harrison, which sold at auction for $66,993.
The musician purchased the instrument on London's Oxford Street in 1965 and used it during the recording sessions for the song “Norwegian Wood” from the band's album Rubber Soul, which coincidentally also featured a Hootenanny guitar.
Invented in medieval India, the instrument ignited Harrison's lifelong passion for Indian music, culture and Hindu spirituality, and also sparked widespread interest in the sitar among other Western musicians.
Harrison first visited India in 1966 and studied sitar under the tutelage of Ravi Shankar.
The instrument ultimately helped Harrison gain a deeper appreciation for Eastern melody and philosophy.
Harrison then wrote a series of Indian-inspired songs, including “Within You Without You” and “Love You Too.”
And Harrison's iconic sitar sold for a handsome amount at Nate D. Sanders Auction in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, in February it was announced that Sam Mendes would be making four separate films about each member of The Beatles.
The 58-year-old director had previously pitched Hollywood executives the idea of making four films about Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison, and Sony Pictures Entertainment's Tom Rothman and Elizabeth Gabler were said to be impressed with his ambitious plans.
Sam, who will direct all four films, told Deadline: “We went down to LA just before Christmas to pitch the project and it's fair to say people went wild for it.”
“What set Sony apart from the competition was Tom and Elizabeth's passion for their ideas and their determination to bring these films to theaters in innovative and exciting ways.”