Guitar fetches £7,000

A guitar featuring the signatures of some of the world’s leading musicians has raised £7,000 for Rainbows. 
  
Embellished with the signatures of many of the world’s greatest musicians, The Fender Stratocaster, was sold under the hammer at Bonhams Auction House, in London, today (11th). 

The guitar, which showcases the signatures of music legends including Pete Townshend, Alice Cooper, Gary Moore, Don McLean, Eric Clapton, Brian May and Jimmy Page, is the project of former music promotor Dave Allen.

Dave, of Market Harborough, watched the auction with baited breath and was delighted to have raised £7,000 for us. He said: “It was very exciting and this has been a fantastic result. It has been a long, long journey and I feel very privileged to have raised this money for Rainbows.”

The guitar went missing 10 years ago whilst in transit and despite national publicity and an exhaustive search and enquiry by the courier company, the guitar was only recovered earlier this year, after appearing for sale on an online auction site.
  
Andrew Ball, Director of Supporter Relations at Rainbows, added: “The guitar has made one of the most remarkable musical comebacks and this is a wonderful story with a very happy ending. It has been a labour of love for Dave and I know he will be sorry to see it go; but happy to see it go to a worthy home and for helping to create memories at Rainbows.

“We would like to thank Dave, and everyone who has signed the guitar, for their support. To raise £7,000 for Rainbows is incredible and behalf of all of the children, young people and their families, we are very grateful.”