Photo Courtesy of Christie's
An exclusive, one-of-a-kind Fender Stratocaster guitar customized by British superstar artist Damien Hirst, created especially for pop legends Squeeze, will be auctioned off at Christie’s Post-War & Contemporary Art sale in London on September 14.
The unique instrument was used by the famed band onstage at the Royal Albert Hall in March during the Concerts for Teenage Cancer Trust benefit event. The sale of the guitar will benefit music-focused cancer charities Love Hope Strength Foundation and Teenage Cancer Trust. Given its impeccable pedigree, it should probably be considered a sculpture at this point.
Conservatively estimated at up to about $25,000, the guitar was hand painted by Hirst with his iconic spot design and signed by the artist, who donated the piece for the auction. The Stratocaster is an iconic model dating from 1954 that has been used by many leading guitarists and can be heard on many historic recordings; Buddy Holly played one on his famed Ed Sullivan Show appearance in 1958.
In 1965, George Harrison and John Lennon of the Beatles both acquired Stratocasters and used them on several recordings. Other Stratocaster-loving stars include Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and John Mayer.