George Michael’s iconic 1940s Gretsch Synchromatic 160 guitar, central to his 1987 Faith video, is set to auction on October 29, with estimates ranging from £60,000 to £120,000. The sale of the instrument, along with personal items from his assistant Siobhan Bailey, has sparked a family dispute over its legacy.
A Family Rift Over Personal Treasures
Siobhan Bailey, Michael’s personal assistant for 20 years, amassed the collection before her death in 2014. Her brother, speaking to the BBC, criticized the auction as “tawdry,” arguing that Bailey would have opposed the sale. She would never have consented to this,
he said, adding that the items were meant to stay within the family. The dispute centers on Bailey’s partner, who legally owns the items and has chosen to sell them, 12 years after her death.
The auction house, Sworders, estimates the entire collection—spanning Wham! era artifacts to tour materials from Michael’s solo career—could fetch over £200,000. Highlights include a gold disc for sales milestones, rare cassettes, and signed photographs inscribed to Bailey. Guy Schooling, Sworders’ chairman, emphasized the items’ cultural significance, calling them a unique insight into the working life of a music legend.
The Guitar’s Legacy and Market Value
The Faith guitar, now on display at Sworders’ London gallery, is valued at £100,000 ($134,200). Discover SWNS noted its role in Michael’s 1987 album, which sold over 25 million copies globally. The instrument’s original hardshell case bears a label reading The Rockabilly Rebel,
a nod to its cultural impact. Guitar World described it as arguably the most famous Gretsch Synchromatic in the world,
citing its historical and musical significance.
Michael’s leather jacket, also part of the auction, sold for £176,400 earlier this year, influencing the current estimate for the guitar. The sale coincides with the release of the upcoming George Michael The Faith Tour film, amplifying interest in the items. Despite the high estimates, Bailey’s brother lamented the commercialization of personal mementos. It’s just so tawdry and contrary to how she was,
he said.
The auction, scheduled for October 29, will determine the final price of the guitar and other items. While the sale has drawn attention from fans and collectors, it also brings up concerns about the ethical boundaries of monetizing an artist’s personal history. For now, the debate over the guitar’s fate remains unresolved, with the family’s emotional ties to the items clashing against their market value.