A 1954 Oxblood Les Paul, featured on the cover of Jeff Beck's iconic "Blow By Blow" album, has sold for over £1 million at auction!
Initially estimated to fetch between £350,000 and £500,000, the guitar eventually sold for £1,068,500 ($1,315,109), setting the tone for an eventful auction. The sale was the highlight of a seven-hour, 128-lot auction that raised more than £8 million, also breaking three world records. Alongside the Les Paul, other notable items included a Tina Turner-signed 1983 Jackson guitar, which went for £441,000, and the pedal board Beck used during his final 2022 tour, which sold for £126,000.
The proceeds from the last four lots in the auction are set to benefit Folly Wildlife Rescue, a cause close to Jeff Beck's heart, with his widow Sandra and Johnny Depp being patrons. Sandra Beck expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response to Jeff's legacy, stating her happiness that his guitars were so cherished by fans and friends. Amelia Walker, Head of Private & Iconic Collections at Christie’s, praised the remarkable results, noting how passionate bidders competed for each lot. One standout moment was the auction of Beck's main white Stratocaster, "Anoushka," which sparked a thrilling nine-minute bidding war before selling for £1,008,000 – 50 times its estimated value.
The "Blow By Blow" album cover, featuring a stylized portrait of Beck playing the Oxblood Les Paul, was painted by John Collier, a renowned artist who also created artwork for jazz legends like Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie. The guitar's sale marks a fitting tribute to Beck’s musical legacy, showcasing the deep emotional connection between the artist and his fans.
