Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
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.
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.
-
Director Patrick Creadon joins FilmWeek host Larry Mantle to discuss the legacy of Lawrence Herbert, the man who created Pantone’s Matching System. -
Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire and Beandrea July review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. -
The tune crooned by Bing Crosby is still one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. It's endured as a favorite — despite a complicated and controversial history.
They even got some of the movie's cast back together for a video sounding the call to action.
Sponsored message
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.
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.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
