Some experiences are too good to pass up. When Christie’s announced an auction preview for Jeff Beck’s personal guitar collection, it was a no-brainer. A chance to see, up close, the instruments that shaped a career spanning decades—without a VIP pass, a backstage wristband, or even a bidding paddle. Just an open door and an invitation to explore.
This wasn’t my first time at a Christie’s rock auction. Having previously attended the previews for Mark Knopfler’s collection and Pattie Boyd’s photography and memorabilia, I knew the drill. A quiet reverence fills the room as music fans, collectors, and the merely curious wander through a space filled with history. It’s an opportunity that’s open to anyone who can make it to London, offering a rare, personal encounter with rock ‘n’ roll history before it disappears into private collections.
Jeff Beck: A Guitarist’s Guitarist
I don’t claim to be a huge fan. I certainly know his reputation and his admiration amongst fellow rock gods. I love the album Jeff Beck’s Guitar Shop, but I still wanted to see the collection as it was in London.
Jeff Beck was never one for convention. From his days with The Yardbirds to an unpredictable solo career that blended blues, jazz, and rock into something entirely his own, Beck was revered not just for what he played, but how he played it. His tone—sometimes screaming, sometimes whispering—was unmistakable, achieved with a finesse that left even his peers in awe. While he never chased mainstream success the way some of his contemporaries did, his influence ran deep, shaping generations of guitarists who followed.
I saw Eric Clapton, one of Beck’s Yardbirds bandmates, pay a touching tribute during his tour last year, performing Blue Dust, a song he wrote in honour of his late friend. The concert was a powerful reminder of the deep respect and admiration Beck commanded among his fellow guitar legends, reinforcing his status as a true guitarist’s guitaris
Rock Gods Auctions at Christie’s
Christie’s has built a reputation for handling the estates of rock legends, from David Gilmour’s record-breaking guitar sale to landmark auctions featuring the likes of Charlie Watts, Mark Knopfler and Pattie Boyd (with the original Layla artwork.).
This time, it was Beck’s turn. The collection was a mix of the tools of his trade—well-worn guitars, unmistakably played-in—alongside amplifiers and select pieces of artwork.
For those of us who attended, it was a chance to stand inches away from the very guitars Beck coaxed his magic from. Each instrument had its own story, its own wear and tear, its own place in his sonic landscape. Among the highlights was his famous 1954 Fender Esquire, an instrument that helped define his sound, which ultimately fetched £1 million when the hammer fell.
Jeff Beck’s Guitars
Walking up the stairs into the auction rooms I could sense a feeling of energy, a little frizzant of reverence as if we were in the presence of a late [Rock] god.
Set across four main rooms the team at Christie’s had done created a wonderful showcase of the guitars, with dark red walls, space for each guitar and large images of Jeff Beck himself.
On the main ‘stage’ stood the three ‘hero’ guitars in front of a looping video showing some of Beck’s live performances.
A few low slung chairs allowed people to sit, watch the videos and soak up the atmosphere.
I enjoy looking at the guitars. With Mark Knopfler, it was easier to ‘see’ the guitars and make connections with major events like Live Aid. I’m not a guitarist, so I can’t understand the nuance of a particular neck or body, but I could admire some of the more unique pieces like the Jayne Mansfield art, Felix the Cat, or the Oil Drum.
My favourite was the guitar that, I think, was on the cover of Guitar Shop (or was at least advertised with a copy of my favourite Jeff Beck album.)
It was a little emosh to see the signed guitar from the Jeff Beck Tribute concert signed by rock royalty including Eric Clapton, Ronnie Wood, Sir Rod Stewart, Johnny Depp, Kirk Hammett, Billy Gibbons, Joss Stone, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks. 100% of the hammer sale price was to benefit Folly Wildlife Rescue in Tunbridge Wells.
I do have a soft spot for flight cases, and it was great to see some of the battle-hardened cases that took him around the world—I wonder what stories those cases could tell!
My Experience at the Preview
What surprised me about this preview, in particular, was that there were many musicians in the room—some of them famous, some may have been famous, and many others were just there to pay their respects. It was a chance for fellow fans to meet up and share stories.
I found it fascinating to hear snippets of conversations: “What you are looking at here is a cross-section of musical history,” said one chap. Others were saying, “I’ll be here for a couple of hours,” which showed that people wanted to come and pay their respects to the rock god.
Others too would sit in the comfortable listening room as the brilliant sound system played out tracks, including Stars by Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp—a new musical discovery for me.
The artwork by Andrés Mariani, sold in aid of the charity, was also a cool addition to the auction preview.
More Than Just Guitars: The Value of a Catalogue
For those of us without a few spare million to drop on a guitar, the next best thing is the auction catalogue. At around £40, it’s an affordable memento—a beautifully curated book that not only details each piece but preserves a moment in time. Not every auction has an official catalogue but I do try and buy them if I can.
These catalogues can make good investments for the rock collector. David Gilmour’s auction catalogues still sell for over £100 on eBay, a testament to their lasting appeal. If you can’t take home a guitar, at least you can take home the story.
The Wider World of Rock Auctions
Beyond just attending these auctions, I have a personal passion for rock memorabilia collecting. While I’m not bidding on million-pound guitars, I do collect original vinyl, Rock Art, and memorabilia, often searching for rare or unique pieces at auctions. Having attended multiple previews, I’ve found a deeper appreciation for how these collections offer a direct connection to rock history.
Christie’s isn’t the only game in town. Sotheby’s made waves with the Freddie Mercury collection, while Bonhams recently showcased the Rory Gallagher collection. These aren’t just sales; they’re exhibitions in their own right, open to anyone willing to step inside and take a closer look. If you have an interest in rock history, they’re well worth keeping an eye on.
Final Thoughts – The Joy of a Rock Auction Preview
There is no pressure to bid—no one is hanging around you asking if you are serious about bidding for that axe. In fact, you can take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and even grab a coffee. Christie’s has a coffee stand, and I believe Sotheby’s still has a café, so you can make a day of it. They also allow you to take photographs, though you can’t hold the items.
The Jeff Beck auction preview was a reminder of why these events are so special. They’re a bridge between the past and the present, a chance to stand face-to-face with objects that helped shape the music we love. More importantly, they’re open to everyone—whether you’re a serious collector, a curious fan, or just someone looking for a closer connection to the artists who’ve soundtracked your life.
If you ever get the chance to attend one of these previews, take it. Even if you’re not planning to bid, the experience alone is worth it.
