A piece of rock and roll history is set to change hands as an electric guitar once owned by George Harrison heads to auction. The instrument, a Futurama model with a distinctive sunburst finish, was a key part of the Beatles' early sound and is expected to command a substantial sum.
George Harrison, born on February 25, 1943, in Liverpool, England, was the lead guitarist of the Beatles, a band that would revolutionize popular music. The group, formed in Liverpool in 1960, used this particular Futurama guitar during their formative years, including performances at the iconic Cavern Club and their first tour of Germany.
The Cavern Club, which opened its doors in 1957, saw the Beatles perform an impressive 292 times between 1961 and 1963. It was during this period that Harrison honed his skills on the Futurama, contributing to the band's evolving sound. The guitar was also present during the recording of the Beatles' first official records for Polydor in 1961, marking a significant milestone in their career.
"It had a great sound."
Despite its importance, Harrison described the instrument as "very difficult" to play, though he appreciated its "futuristic" appearance. This sentiment reflects the guitarist's innovative spirit, which would later manifest in his songwriting for the Beatles, with his first composition "Don't Bother Me" appearing in 1963.
The guitar's journey took an unexpected turn in 1964 when Harrison donated it to a rock magazine as a competition prize. Interestingly, the winner opted for a cash alternative, leaving the instrument in the possession of the publication's editor. This decision inadvertently preserved a piece of musical history.
Before its auction, scheduled for November 20-22, 2024, the Futurama guitar will embark on a European tour. For the next two weeks, it will be on display at The Beatles Story in Liverpool, a museum dedicated to the band's history. This exhibition offers fans a rare opportunity to see the instrument up close before it potentially disappears into a private collection.
Auctioneers have dubbed the Futurama "one of the holy grails of historic Beatles guitars," reflecting its significance in the band's early development. With an estimated value between $600,000 and $800,000, the final selling price is anticipated to exceed these figures, potentially surpassing $800,000.
The auction of this guitar comes more than two decades after Harrison's passing on November 29, 2001, at the age of 58. Throughout his career, Harrison played over 10 different guitar models, but few hold the historical significance of this early Futurama. Its sale represents not just a transaction, but a transfer of a tangible link to the early days of one of the most influential bands in music history.
Harrison's legacy extends far beyond his work with the Beatles. He enjoyed a successful solo career, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2004, and was part of the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys. His interests were diverse, ranging from film production with HandMade Films to gardening at his Victorian neo-Gothic mansion, Friar Park.
As the Futurama guitar prepares to find a new home, it serves as a reminder of the Beatles' humble beginnings and the incredible journey that followed. From the streets of Liverpool to global stardom, this instrument was there at the start, helping to shape the sound that would change music forever.