The iconic guitar was stored for more than 50 years on a couch. “It’s like finding a lost Picasso,” says auction house Julien’s Auctions, which will do the same at the end of May.
This is John Lennon’s Framus Hootenanny twelve-string acoustic guitar used in the recording of both the album and the film ‘Help!’ in 1965 and many other hits by the Liverpool (northwest English) quartet during the 1960s.
The guitar, recently found in the attic of a house in England, will be auctioned on May 29 and 30 at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York, the American company Julien’s Auctions announced in London.
Julien’s Auctions, which specializes in bidding on items from entertainment stars, said that what it considers the most important Beatles guitar to hit the market could fetch between $600,000 and $800,000 (about 560,400 to 750,000 euros), in an in-person sale. and online.
An extraordinary find
The auction house explained that the guitar, which was believed lost, was found in the attic of a house in the English countryside by its occupants while moving, who have put it up for sale.
In the mid to late 1960s, the famous Framus is believed to have been in the possession of Gordon Waller of the British duo Peter & Gordon, who later gifted it to a member of his team.
The directors and founders of the American auction house, Darren Julien and Martin Nolan, traveled to the United Kingdom to certify that it was the historic guitar from ‘Help!’.
Before the auction, the instrument can be admired until April 29 at the Hard Rock Cafe in London and from May 22 to 28 at the one in New York. Before the auction, the instrument can be admired until April 29 at the Hard Rock Cafe in London and from May 22 to 28 in New York.
Darren Julien stated in a statement that “Finding this extraordinary instrument is like finding a lost Rembrandt or Picasso, and it still looks and sounds great despite having been stored in an attic for more than 50 years”.
“Help!”: a pop culture icon
“Help!” It was an essential piece both in the history of The Beatles and in pop culture in general. Released in 1965 as a single and later as an album and film of the same name, “Help!” It marked a turning point in the group’s musical and cinematographic evolution.
The song “Help!” It emerged as an expression of vulnerability on the part of John Lennon, who wrote the lyrics reflecting his own internal struggles. Although initially conceived as a fast, catchy song, the lyrics reveal an emotional depth that resonates with audiences of all ages and generations.
The tune, with its characteristically brilliant Beatles vocal harmonies, became an anthem of authenticity and human connection.
The film “Help!”, directed by Richard Lester, took the song to new visual and narrative heights. Filmed in vibrant colors and at a frenetic pace, the film follows the four members of The Beatles on a series of comedic adventures as they try to protect Ringo Starr from a religious cult that wants to sacrifice him.
Although the plot is mostly an excuse to feature live performances of some of the band’s most iconic songs, such as “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” and “Ticket to Ride,” the film captures the playful essence and happy music of The Beatles.
The importance of “Help!” lies in its ability to transcend the barriers of time and space. Both the song and the film continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of all ages, serving as a testament to the enduring impact of The Beatles’ music and cinematic art.
Ultimately, “Help!” Not only did it help cement The Beatles’ position as one of the most influential bands of all time, but it also left a lasting legacy in music and film history.
