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Great Scott! The hunt is on for the guitar from 'Back to the Future.' Here's how you can help
Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) memorably played Chuck Berry's hit "Johnny B. Goode" in this scene from the 1985 film "Back to the Future."
(
Courtesy backtothefuture.com via Gibson Guitars
)
Remember the red guitar Marty McFly plays in the iconic "Enchantment Under the Sea" school dance scene in the time-traveling film classic Back To the Future?
You know, this one?
Turns out, the guitar has been missing since the movie came out in 1985. It was originally rented for use in the film from Norm's Rare Guitars in Tarzana, but when the filmmakers went looking for it while making the sequel, it was nowhere to be found.
Sponsored message
As the film approaches its 40th birthday in July, Gibson Guitars says they're launching a global search for the guitar. And they want your help tracking it down.
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You may not know his face, but if you have been on Instagram for any amount of time in the last couple years, you’ve heard the music of SKAI Isyourgod.
They even got some of the movie's cast back together for a video sounding the call to action.
The search announcement comes alongside news that Gibson and filmmaker Doc Crotzer are teaming up on a documentary about the search called Lost to the Future.
No ordinary guitar
OK, so Marty McFly may not actually be responsible for inspiring Chuck Berry to write a song that would eventually become a rock 'n' roll staple. But the Cherry Red Gibson ES-345 guitar and the scene it's featured in are responsible for inspiring some of today's biggest musical acts.
Sponsored message
Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin said during a set at Glastonbury Music Festival last year, during which he brought Michael J. Fox on stage, that his band exists because of the movie.
Fox has also said that guitarist John Mayer told him: "I play guitar because of you."
How to help
Have you seen the guitar? Do you have a lead on where it might be? You can submit a written tip here, or you can call or text it to (855) 345-1955.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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