Following the lead of Eric Clapton, David Gilmour and Mark Knopfler, the widow of Jeff Beck has parted with 128 of his guitars, amps and “tools-of-the-trade.”
The auction was held today (Wednesday) at Christie’s in London with a total take of $10.8 million, which is eight times the pre-sale estimate.
The big seller was a 1954 Gibson Les Paul that went for $1.3 million. Used, and pictured on the cover of his 1975 Blow by Blow album, it had a pre-auction estimate of $369,000 to $615,000.
Beck also played it during the encore of David Bowie‘s final performance as “Ziggy Stardust,” in July 1973.
100% of the hammer price of the final four lots in the sale will benefit Folly Wildlife Rescue in Tunbridge Wells, England, a charity Beck and his wife Sandra supported, along with his friend, actor and musician Johnny Depp, who continue to act as patrons.
Sandra says, “I am so happy that Jeff’s guitars have been so popular amongst his fans and friends. Thank you so much for your belief in Jeff’s legacy.”
Beck died from bacterial meningitis on January 10th, 2023. He was 78
REUTERS PHOTO
