Michael J. Fox, star of the 1985 sci-fi comedy classic Back to the Future, sheds light on a longstanding guitar error during a key 1955 prom scene in his memoir Future Boy, released recently. The issue involves the guitar Marty McFly uses to perform “Johnny B. Goode,” highlighting the tension between the film’s time travel premise and real-world historical accuracy.
The Guitar Mistake That Fans Have Noticed for Decades
During a pivotal moment in the film, Marty steps in as guitarist for a 1955 band and launches into songs like Earth Angel and the classic Johnny B. Goode, inspired by rock pioneer Chuck Berry. Fox explains that Marty’s guitar—a Gibson ES-345—was actually introduced in 1958, three years after the film’s 1955 setting. This detail has been a source of frustration for dedicated fans and guitar experts alike who spot this anachronism repeatedly.
Fox acknowledges the scrutiny the mistake has invited:
“To play ‘Johnny B. Goode,’ Marty borrowed Marvin Berry’s Gibson ES-345, a guitar first introduced in 1958 - three years after the 1955 scene in the movie,”
he says, further calling it
a temporal inconsistency that guitar aficionados and Back to the Future fans have pointed out again and again.
He adds,
“Granted, this is noteworthy only for the thousands of Future heads who clock every detail in the movie and parse every quirk in the timeline continuum.”
Why the 1958 Guitar Was Chosen Despite the Timeline Error
Fox clarifies that the misstep was not intentional or meant as a clever Easter egg. Instead, the film’s art department selected the ES-345 for its visual similarity to Chuck Berry’s famous wine-red guitar, aiming to evoke the spirit of the rock legend rather than adhere strictly to historical facts.
“There’s no cinematic Easter egg intended here - the film’s art department simply picked the ES-345 because it evoked the iconic wine-red axe that Chuck Berry famously duckwalked across stages all over the world,”
Fox states.
This explanation aligns with fans’ observation that while Marty, coming from 1985, would know the song, it is inconsistent for the 1955 band to perform a tune not written until 1958. Nonetheless, Fox reflects on the guitar’s appeal personally:
“Both the ’55 and ’58 versions of the Gibson electric are rare and beautiful instruments; for me, it makes little difference which I played. I’ve always loved the Gibson E line: big, imposing guitars yet hollow-bodied and therefore lightweight. Even a little guy like yours truly could sling ’em and fling ’em and still make ’em sing.”
The Broader Impact of the Guitar Flub and Fan Dedication
Back to the Future has maintained an enduring fanbase that celebrates the film through anniversary screenings, fan conventions, and merchandise sales, showing a deep appreciation for its intricate details. This lasting enthusiasm has made the guitar error a notable talking point among enthusiasts. Fox’s memoir acknowledges the fans’ intense focus on every element of the movie’s timeline, underscoring the passionate community that supports the film decades later.
Gibson’s Global Search for the Missing Back to the Future Guitar
Adding to the ongoing guitar lore, Gibson recently launched a worldwide search for the actual instrument used in the film. The guitar has become iconic, yet its whereabouts have remained unknown since the production of the sequels. Fox highlights this mystery, noting in his memoir:
“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. What it isn’t is available—which is to say, it’s missing.”
Gibson’s campaign invites music fans globally to assist in locating the lost guitar. The company explained that during the filming of the sequel, the instrument had vanished and cannot be found. Fox, alongside costars Lea Thompson and Christopher Lloyd, has encouraged fans to contribute any leads. This effort reflects the guitar’s significance as an enduring symbol of cinematic and pop-culture history.
The Cultural Significance of the Back to the Future Guitar Mystery
The guitar’s role in Back to the Future represents more than a prop; it symbolizes the seamless blending of music, nostalgia, and science fiction that defines the film. Its mysterious disappearance has generated a new wave of excitement and engagement among fans and collectors. As the search continues, it underlines the film’s lasting impact, showing that even small details like a prop guitar can inspire fascination decades after a movie’s release.
