Robert Smith Donates Guitar Designed By Gorillaz To Charity Auction
Robert Smith of The Cure has donated a guitar designed by Gorillaz to an auction to benefit Brian Eno’s climate change charity EarthPercent. The Guild S-200 T-Bird guitar, customised by Jamie Hewlett and Damon Albarn, was first used by Smith at Gorillaz’s huge London show at The O2 last summer for NHS workers.
On 20 October it will form part of the Bonhams Pop X Culture auction at New Bond Street, London. Claire Tole-Moir of Bonhams said in a statement: “Both Robert Smith and Gorillaz are true innovators and pioneers of new music, and we are thrilled to be able to work with them by offering this unique customised guitar in aid of Brian Eno’s charity EarthPercent. To be able to own a one-of-a-kind guitar that is both a piece of art and a piece of music memorabilia is already a rare opportunity, but to be able to support EarthPercent’s ongoing campaign of tackling climate change at the same time, is very special and exciting for collectors and fans alike.”
EarthPercent added: “We are thrilled to offer this gorgeous, signed guitar so kindly donated by Gorillaz and Robert Smith to EarthPercent. The funds raised will be redistributed in full to environmental and climate justice organisations tackling the planetary emergency. Music can play a vital role in positive climate action and support like this, from such important artists (and their fans!), is a wonderful contribution to organisations doing the hard work on the frontline of this crisis.”
EarthPercent was launched in 2021 by British musician, composer, record producer and visual artist Brian Eno, and aims is to provide a simple way for the music industry to support the most impactful organisations addressing the climate emergency. They hope to raise $100 million from the industry collectively by 2030 by encouraging artists and music-related organisations to pledge a small percentage of their income to EarthPercent. This percentage can then be collected at source and diverted to EarthPercent where it will be directed to the most impactful organisations dealing with climate change.