Michael J. Fox revealed in his recent memoir, Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum, that the famous guitar he played in Back to the Future is currently missing. The guitar, a red Gibson ES-345 used during the iconic “Johnny B. Goode” scene in the 1985 film, has an uncertain location, leaving fans and collectors intrigued about its whereabouts.
The Mystique Surrounding the Lost Guitar
In the years since its use in the movie, Fox noted the guitar has become more significant for its absence than its presence. He wrote,
“In the decades since the movie’s release, the guitar used in ‘Johnny B. Goode’ has grown more important for what it isn’t than what it is.”
The exact whereabouts of the instrument remain unconfirmed, and Fox expressed regret for not holding onto it himself.
I wish I could claim to possess it, but I didn’t have the foresight to know how valuable it would become,
Fox admitted.
Somebody did, though, and whether it’s in their active collection or stashed in their attic or home studio, they’re not speaking up. Perhaps they’re waiting for the statute of limitations on vintage guitar theft to expire.
The Value and the Search for the Red Gibson ES-345
Fox explained that collectible guitars, especially models like his Gibson ES-345, command extravagant prices in today’s market. Recognizing its high value, the guitar manufacturer Gibson has joined the effort to locate the missing instrument. Fox mentioned that Gibson has even sponsored a documentary dedicated to uncovering the guitar’s location.
Even going so far as to sponsor a documentary film chronicling the quest to find my famous red rock and roll machine,
Fox shared.
They haven’t found it yet; the documentary’s eventual release is linked to the existential discovery and retrieval. We’ll keep you posted.
The Significance of the ‘Johnny B. Goode’ Scene
The guitar featured prominently in a memorable scene where Marty McFly, Fox’s character, travels back to 1955 and performs Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” at a school dance. Fox described this as his favorite part of the movie, symbolizing dreams being realized not only for Marty but also for himself during that time.
This is my favorite scene in the movie — obviously. It represents dreams coming to fruition; me doing for me what Marty did for himself,
Fox reflected.
What was happening in my life at that moment was no less transformative than what was happening in Marty’s.
On screen, Marty delivers one of his most passionate performances, and Fox noted the intensity behind the scene.
He literally saves the world with his guitar,
Fox said, emphasizing the dedication he put into the moment as he worked harder on this scene than on any other part of the film.
The Scene’s Role Beyond the Plot
Though crucial to fans, the guitar performance isn’t essential to advancing the storyline. Fox admitted that filmmakers included the scene mainly for enjoyment and to lighten the mood after tense moments earlier in the film.
The dilemma for the filmmakers is that the ‘Johnny B. Goode’ scene isn’t truly necessary. Not only does Marty’s performance fail to progress the plot, it arguably interrupts the plot,
Fox wrote, describing it as a moment “for pure joy.” He challenged readers to watch it and try not to smile.
The scene adds a time travel joke, shocking the 1950s teenagers with the kind of music their kids will someday adore. It also releases the pressure from the preceding scenes,
he continued.
Tensions resolved; now let’s have some fun.
The Joy Behind the Camera
The filming of the musical scene also provided a lighthearted break for the cast and crew. Fox recalled director Robert Zemeckis’s enjoyment during production, proving that the sequence was as fun behind the scenes as it was on screen.
Months later, he shared with me that the days spent on this scene were the most fun he had on the movie,
Fox recalled.
Mission accomplished. I was pleased that he was pleased (no, I was thrilled that he was pleased).
Looking Ahead: The Quest Continues
Michael J. Fox’s memoir, released on October 14, offers fans not only insights into his life and career but also a glimpse into this enduring mystery. The search for the iconic Gibson ES-345 guitar remains ongoing, with both Fox and Gibson committed to uncovering its whereabouts. The upcoming documentary may shed more light on this quest, keeping the intrigue alive for collectors, fans, and admirers of the legendary film and its memorabilia.
