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Propstore to Auction Oasis Memorabilia Including Infamous 2009 Breakup Guitar
A cherry-red Gibson ES-355 guitar, famously damaged by Liam Gallagher on the night Oasis split in 2009, is set to go under the hammer at Propstore's music memorabilia auction this October. The instrument, which belonged to Noel Gallagher and was used for writing and recording many Oasis songs, carries a pre-sale estimate of up to £500,000. The auction comes as the band is more than halfway through its highly anticipated reunion world tour, creating a poignant contrast between past tensions and present harmony.
The guitar's history is inextricably linked to the band's infamous backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris. According to Noel Gallagher's account, Liam initially threw a plum across the dressing room before returning with the guitar, which he was "wielding like an axe." The incident proved to be the final straw for Noel, who announced Oasis's breakup on their website later that night, stating he "simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer."
The Gibson forms part of a larger collection of 150 Oasis items featured in the auction, including Noel Gallagher's Takamine FP460SC acoustic guitar used to record "Wonderwall," estimated between £200,000 and £400,000. Zak Starkey, former drummer for Oasis, expressed pride in his work with the band and highlighted the opportunity for fans to purchase genuine memorabilia. The auction will showcase over 550 lots from celebrated artists with a combined estimated value exceeding £3 million.
Other notable items crossing the block include John Lennon's "Lost Weekend" tinted glasses (£150,000-£300,000), Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" white fedora (£40,000-£80,000), and Jimi Hendrix's handwritten lyrics for "Straight Ahead" (£40,000-£80,000). Mark Hochman, music specialist at Propstore, described the event as a celebration of music history, featuring instruments that defined cultural moments. The juxtaposition of the damaged Gibson's auction with Oasis's current successful reunion tour adds historical weight to the sale, offering collectors a tangible piece of rock and roll lore.