Signed guitar makes charity comeback
A GUITAR signed by rock royalty which went missing in transit 10 years ago has been recovered by the police and is to be auctioned for charity. The cream-coloured classic Fender Stratocaster had been autographed by famous Strat players Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend and Mark Knopfler along with fellow guitar icons Jimmy Page, Brian May, the late Gary Moore and Bill Wyman when a courier service failed to deliver it back to base. Leicestershire music promoter Dave Allen had been collecting the signatures with a view to raffling the donat- ed instrument in aid of Rainbows Hospice for children and young people, which serves the whole of the east midlands. After 30 years in the business, he retired four years ago, giving up hope of ever seeing the guitar again. Then, earlier this year, it was spotted for sale on ebay. Police were tipped off and within 48 hours the coveted axe was safely back where it belonged.
Its innocent online seller had bought it for £35 in a house clearance sale and had no idea of its significance.
Today, it is believed worth more than £20,000.
Mr Allen says the 10-year delay could have paid dividends as online advances and the rise of social media mean news of the guitar’s fundraising sale will now reach a much greater audience.
The instrument is to be auctioned by Bonhams, the London auction house, which holds twice-yearly sales of entertainment-related items.
In the meantime, Mr Allen is determined to add more famous names to the collection.
Strat players David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) and Jeff Beck are on his wish-list along with Rolling Stone Keith Richards and the legendary Sir Paul McCartney.
“If we can achieve these, would be very happy,” he said.
“We never, ever expected to see it again. We had written it off. “It’s a beautiful guitar. “We are over the moon to have it back.”
Mr Allen chose to raise money for Rainbows after learning about its “astonishing” work with the seriously ill child of a friend.
He launched the Legends Signed Guitar Project in 2007 and was part-way through collecting autographs when the instrument disappeared.
Rainbows spokesman Nish Saujani said: “It is an incredible story. to be I
“We are so grateful to David and the guitar icons who have signed the guitar.
“The cash from its sale will help support youngsters and families across the east midlands when they need it most.”