Finally, the much announced auction of 120 guitars and amplifiers from the personal collection of the legendary British musician Marco Knopflerleader of the Dire Straits group.

The announcement was made in December by Christie’s in London, and the exhibition at the famous auction house featured an immersive sound experience provided by Dolby and Neumann, which attracted thousands of fans from all over the worldgenerating much excitement and anticipation for nearly two weeks before the auction.

The collection aroused unprecedented interest, with the participation of more than 2300 members from 61 countries, of which 84% were new to Christie’s online auctions. The event lasted more than six hours and 100% of the 122 items were sold.

The relapse

The total was 11.2 million dollarsand the star of the competition was a vintage 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar, which was awarded for record sum of $876,659as indicated by the company in a statement.

It also scored an unusual value Think-Suhr MK-1co-designed by Mark Knopfler to play at the 1988 Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium.

The iconic Gibson Les Paul Standard ’59 Historic Reissue from 1983, used for the recording Money for nothing and played on the Live Aid stage it grossed 600 thousand dollars.

In turn, the emblematic red Schecter Telecaster from the successful video clip Life path It was auctioned for 500 thousand dollars.

25% of the funds raised will be distributed equally between four charities that the Scottish musician has supported for years: the Red Cross British; the nature conservation NGO Tusk; Brave Hearts of the North East -which recognizes the courage of children in the face of adversity- e Confidence against adolescent cancer.

What Knopfler said

“The auction was an incredible journey and I am very happy that these beloved instruments are finding new performers and new songsraising money for charities that mean a lot to me,” said Mark Knopfler, who will release a new solo album this year.

He also expressed his satisfaction at seeing “how much these guitars mean to so many people.” And she added: “To you, fellow musicians, enthusiasts and collectors, I wish many beautiful things.”

Mark Knopfler also explained in the auction house’s statement that he knows it will be “sad to see them go” after these “wonderful times together.”

“Why keep them when there are people who would like to have them and play with them every day?”, adds the star of Dire Straits, a band with which he created one of the most recognizable sounds of the 80s, inspired by blues, rock and country.