Movies

‘Back to the Future’ Guitar Goes Missing

BBG News

It appears that the cherished Cherry Red Gibson ES-345 guitar, famously played by Michael J. Fox in the 1985 blockbuster film Back to the Future, has mysteriously vanished. In an effort to find the missing instrument, Gibson is initiating a worldwide search.

In the movie, the guitar significantly influenced the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll. Marty McFly (Fox) traveled back in time to perform an electrifying guitar solo at the “Enchantment Under the Sea” dance, playing “Johnny B. Goode”. This performance later reached future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chuck Berry.

In the original film, although the scene where the astounded teenagers watched Marty play was an instance of Hollywood bending history for cinematic purposes, it became one of the beloved inside jokes and played a significant role in sparking admiration among a fresh wave of aspiring guitarists.

However, upon returning for two sequels in 1989, the filmmakers found that they could no longer find the instrument. It seems it has never been discovered since then.

The Search for Marty McFly’s Cherry Red Gibson Guitar

According to the information provided, Gibson is initiating a search for an instrument they lost many years ago – specifically, the original Cherry Red ES-345 Gibson guitar that was featured in the movie played by Fox. If you have any clues about its current location, please reach out to Gibson via their new website “Lost To the Future” or call them at 1-855-345-1955 and share your tips there.

Bob Gale, co-creator, screenwriter, and producer of ‘Back to the Future’, expresses his shock from years past when he found out that this treasured film seemed to vanish into the expanse of time. Given our lack of a working time machine, this endeavor might be our greatest opportunity to unravel a mystery that has lingered for decades.

For me, one of the most thrilling moments at Gibson is expressed by Cesar Gueikian, President & CEO of Gibson. “Back To The Future” holds immense importance and significance in my life, and the ‘Enchantment Under the Sea’ school dance scene left a lasting musical impact on me. Collaborating with Michael J. Fox, Bob Gale, and the entire Back To The Future team is a long-cherished dream come true. I eagerly hope we can locate Marty’s Gibson ES-345! To all of you who share my fervor for this iconic film, please join us in our quest to find it!

Mark Agnesi, Director of Brand Experience at Gibson, shares, “I began my hunt for this specific guitar way back in 2009, on my very first day at Norman’s Rare Guitars. It’s been a 16-year journey, but I’m thrilled now to bring together the entire guitar community to aid me in finding the instrument that ignited my passion for playing, and inspired countless guitarists of my generation.

Gibson’s Lost to the Future Guitar Search Trailer

Michael J. Fox Addresses His Guitar Playing Back to the Future Legacy

Michael J. Fox shared that the guitar has played a significant role in his life, as he mentioned in a statement. In discussions about the ‘Enchantment Under The Sea’ scene from Back to the Future, he collaborated with the cinematographer and choreographer, suggesting he wanted to perform various signature moves of his favorite guitarists, such as mimicking Jimi Hendrix’s move behind his head, Pete Townshend’s windmill, and Eddie Van Halen’s hammer-on technique. He was thrilled that they agreed to this idea, resulting in a scene that showcases his passion for the guitar and the great musicians who inspired him.

Fox added, “I hadn’t realized how much impact that scene had on people. John Mayer expressed, ‘I play guitar because of you,’ and Chris Martin echoed the sentiment. I’m happy they didn’t stop at my level, but instead became exceptional musicians. I simply adore the guitar, and I admire the movie.

Todd Harapiak, Gibson Media Director, remarks that the scene of Michael J. Fox playing ‘Johnny B. Goode’ in the ‘Enchantment Under the Sea’ dance from the movie ‘Back to the Future’ resonated deeply with a whole generation of young viewers, prompting many to learn guitar for the first time. He also points out that this scene has had an enduring influence on musicians, and they are excited about tracking down the iconic guitar that has been associated with both film and rock history for nearly four decades.

Lost to the Future Documentary

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that along with Gibson’s launch of the search for their iconic guitar, there’s a forthcoming documentary titled “Lost to the Future“. This documentary will mark the 40th anniversary of the film and feature extensive interviews with stars Michael J. Fox, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd, and Huey Lewis, who sang the film’s hit song “The Power of Love”.

The movie will additionally capture some artists influenced by it, along with their journey as they attempt to retrieve the famous guitar featured in the film.

On The Lost to the Future site, you’ll find a timer counting down approximately 4 months and 18 days from now.

The Best Movie Musicals For People Who Hate Movie Musicals

The Band Wagon (1953)

It appears that many viewers find it challenging to embrace musicals due to characters unexpectedly breaking into song without a clear narrative reason. If you’re interested in exploring the world of musicals, it might be more appealing to begin with films that justify their music. For instance, Vincente Minnelli’s “The Band Wagon” features characters who are preparing for a Broadway show. Although they don’t only perform the film’s songs on stage, they are highly theatrical individuals deeply involved in the entertainment industry. Consequently, it’s relatively simple to accept their occasional musical interludes. Additionally, when stars like Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse dance with such grace, who needs justification for the music?

The Blues Brothers (1980)

Another suitable backdrop for musicals is the realm of rock and roll, a world that has produced some of the most memorable film musicals, as well as those that are easier to digest from a narrative logic standpoint. For instance, “The Blues Brothers” showcases several exhilarating concert scenes, like when Jake and Elwood Blues (John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd) electrify a packed crowd at the Palace Hotel Ballroom with their performance of “Everybody Needs Somebody to Live.” Other moments are more fantastical, depicting the Blues Brothers and their bandmates dancing through Chicago’s streets and cafes. However, these scenes align seamlessly with the narrative of “The Blues Brothers,” a story that underscores the almost divine power of rock, blues, and soul music to unite people through the simple joy of melody.

A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

Discussing unstoppable rock ‘n’ roll, a movie you can’t miss is about the legendary group, the Beatles. The film “A Hard Day’s Night” showcases iconic Beatles songs such as “I Should Have Known Better,” “She Loves You,” and the title track, of course, in a blend of live performances and lighter scenes, like when the Beatles escape rehearsal and joyously dance (and seemingly float) to the rhythm of “Can’t Buy Me Love.” It’s hard to find someone grumpy enough to complain “Why are they singing without reason?” when it’s none other than the fabulous Beatles performing.

La La Land (2016)

We’re nearly reaching a film where singing seems spontaneous with no apparent reason, and that’s “La La Land.” Interestingly, Ryan Gosling’s character is a jazz musician, so music often flows from him (and yes, others who aren’t musicians too) in these moments of artistic expression. If the idea of non-musicians singing bothers you (and if it does, hackles are raised areas on an animal’s neck that signal aggression or fear, a term used metaphorically to describe strong emotions in humans), know that “La La Land” is about ordinary, understandable people living in a world that is not only realistic but also vivid and colorful.

Initially criticized during award season for competing against the highly acclaimed “Moonlight,” if the musical aspect or your fondness for “Moonlight” held you back from watching it earlier, now would be the perfect time to reconsider and embark on a journey to a city under the starry sky. Those stars are shining especially for you.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

If you can believe mermaids, who live in the ocean and adorn themselves with purple clam shells as swimwear, it’s not too much to imagine that they might occasionally break into song. And what beautiful songs they sing: “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” “Kiss the Girl,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” among others. Despite being primarily known as an animated film, let me clarify: The Little Mermaid is not just a great movie, but also a fantastic musical production.

One From the Heart (1981)

If you appreciate music but dislike musical scenes in movies, consider watching “One From the Heart,” directed by Francis Ford Coppola, known for his work on “The Godfather.” Unlike traditional musicals, this film’s narrative is accompanied by original songs written and performed by Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle. Characters, portrayed by Teri Garr and Frederic Forrest, do not sing themselves, yet the music beautifully complements the emotional scenes and stylish visuals. This way, you can enjoy a musical experience without onscreen singing, which some people might find bothersome.

A new 4K restoration of the film titled “One From the Heart: Reprise” is currently being screened in national theaters. This version is about 15 minutes shorter than the original, but it’s still a captivating watch, particularly on a large screen. Whether you prefer the extended version or this one, it’s worth experiencing either way.

RRR (2022)

In contrast to American movies that traditionally maintain action and music as distinct genres, Indian cinema is known for its fusion of these two art forms, finding common ground in the choreographic aspects. If you’re a fan of intricate action choreography, I would recommend watching the critically acclaimed film RRR, a global sensation that seamlessly blends grand battle scenes with captivating musical sequences. The leads, N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan, deliver their dance routines with equal passion as they do their punches and kicks, and the film is filled with an electrifying, hard-to-resist energy throughout.

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

In the realm of classic Hollywood musicals, this film stands out as a gem from the golden era – yet it remains grounded in its realistic portrayal. The characters here are not just singing and dancing; they’re silver screen legends grappling with the shift from silent to talkie films. I challenge you not to be captivated by Donald O’Connor’s performance, complete with song, dance, acrobatics, and his infectious laughter in “Make ‘Em Laugh.” I double dog dare you not to find joy in it!

Sing Street (2016)

John Carney, an esteemed Irish filmmaker, is recognized as a pioneer in the contemporary and musically engaging movie musical genre. His films showcase songs that stem from the emotions and vocations of the characters, making them all exceptional choices. Among his works, my preferred pick is “Sing Street“, a semi-autobiographical narrative based on Carney’s teenage years in Dublin. Feeling out of place at a new school, Conor (portrayed by Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) finds his niche through an unconventional route: by creating a band and composing songs, primarily to capture the affection of a girl he admires. The ’80s pop soundtrack is featured in low-fi music videos, school events, and notably, in a dream sequence where Conor envisions himself delivering an enchanting performance that seemingly resolves all his life’s problems. If only life mirrored the charm of a musical, it would undoubtedly be more entertaining!

A Star Is Born (2018)

One reason I find it puzzling when people dislike musicals is because they offer a unique experience: watching characters fall in love while singing together, which is something I personally find very romantic. It might seem strange, but I can’t help it! The latest example that comes to mind is Bradley Cooper’s film “A Star Is Born,” where his character, Jackson Maine, becomes infatuated with Ally, played by Lady Gaga, through their harmonious musical performances. If you’re wary of the perceived artificiality in some musicals, then “A Star Is Born” might appeal to you; Cooper opted to use real concerts performed by other artists for Jackson and Ally’s duets to make their performances as authentic as possible.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

In the magical realm of Oz, where inanimate objects like scarecrows come alive and lions can speak, it’s not surprising that they burst into song as well. Even before Dorothy crosses over the rainbow and finds herself in the vibrant Land of Oz, she starts singing. In the fantastical world depicted in “The Wizard of Oz,” this seems perfectly reasonable.

It’s not strange for characters in the story of Oz to sing, even before Dorothy goes over the rainbow, because it’s a magical world where unusual things happen.

The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967)

After enjoying some movies from the list, if you’re now interested in a musical experience with a bit more depth, I recommend Jacques Demy’s “The Young Girls of Rochefort.” Set within the realm of show business, the film revolves around two sisters, Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac, who portray twins teaching piano and ballet. They aspire for lives on Parisian stages. Theatrical performances are interspersed, but musical numbers abound in this movie. While it’s not an uninterrupted singing spectacle (for that, watch Demy’s extraordinary “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”), “Young Girls of Rochefort” does feature quite a bit of spontaneous crooning and dancing. In the vibrant, Demy-painted cityscape of Cherbourg, characters express their innermost feelings to the rhythm of jazzy Michel Legrand melodies. It’s truly captivating.

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2025-06-03 22:27

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