What became of the iconic Cherry Red Gibson ES-345 guitar famously played by Michael J. Fox in the 1985 cinematic masterpiece Back to the Future? The legendary instrument has seemingly vanished, prompting Gibson to initiate a worldwide campaign to track down this invaluable piece of musical history.

In the film, this guitar was pivotal to the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll, as Marty McFly, portrayed by Fox, traveled back in time to perform a breathtaking guitar solo at the memorable “Enchantment Under the Sea” high school dance, delivering a rendition of “Johnny B. Goode.” This performance was later shared with the future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chuck Berry, adding a layer of musical intrigue to the plot.

While this plot point showcased a creative twist of history for cinematic flair, it remains one of the most cherished moments of the original film, captivating audiences as they watched Marty’s electrifying performance. This unforgettable scene inspired countless aspiring guitarists, igniting a passion for music and performance in a new generation.

However, when the filmmakers returned for the sequels in 1989, the treasured instrument was inexplicably missing, and despite extensive searches, it has never been recovered.

The Quest to Locate Marty McFly’s Missing Cherry Red Gibson Guitar

As mentioned, Gibson has officially launched a campaign aimed at recovering this legendary instrument after all these years. Fans who might have any information regarding the location of the original Cherry Red Gibson ES-345 that Fox played are encouraged to reach out to Gibson through the newly created Lost To the Future website or submit tips and information via text at 1-855-345-1955.

“Years ago, I was shocked to learn that this cherished cinematic artifact had seemingly disappeared into the space-time continuum,” remarked Bob Gale, co-creator, screenwriter, and producer of Back to the Future. “Since we currently lack a working time machine, this initiative is likely our most effective chance to solve this long-standing mystery.”

“This is a thrilling moment at Gibson for me,” expressed Cesar Gueikian, President & CEO of Gibson. “Back to the Future is one of the most significant films of my life, and the ‘Enchantment Under the Sea’ dance scene profoundly impacted me musically. Collaborating with Michael J. Fox, Bob Gale, and the rest of the Back to the Future team is a dream come true. I sincerely hope we can locate Marty’s Gibson ES-345! To everyone who shares my passion for this iconic film, your help in our search is greatly appreciated!”

“My quest for this guitar began back in 2009 on my very first day at Norman’s Rare Guitars,” stated Mark Agnesi, Director of Brand Experience at Gibson. “After 16 years of diligent searching, I’m thrilled to rally the entire guitar community to assist in locating the guitar that inspired me and so many other musicians of my generation to pursue playing.”

Watch the Trailer for Gibson’s Lost to the Future Guitar Search

Michael J. Fox Reflects on His Enduring Musical Legacy in Back to the Future

“The guitar has always held a significant place in my life,” stated Michael J. Fox in a recent statement. “During our discussions about the ‘Enchantment Under The Sea’ scene in Back to the Future, I collaborated closely with the cinematographer and choreographer, expressing my desire to incorporate riffs inspired by my favorite guitarists, like Jimi Hendrix playing behind his head, Pete Townshend performing a windmill strum, and the signature Eddie Van Halen hammer-on technique. It was fantastic that they were receptive to my ideas, and we brought all those elements to life. I’m genuinely pleased with the scene, as it encapsulates my passion for the guitar and the incredible talents of great musicians.”

Fox added, “I never anticipated the lasting influence that scene would have on audiences; even John Mayer said, ‘I play guitar because of you,’ and Chris Martin echoed similar sentiments. I’m glad they took their skills further than I did, as they have become exceptional players. My love for the guitar and this movie endures.”

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“Watching Michael J. Fox deliver his iconic performance of ‘Johnny B. Goode’ during the ‘Enchantment Under the Sea’ dance was a moment that resonated with an entire generation of young people, inspiring many to pick up a guitar for the very first time,” remarked Todd Harapiak, Media Director at Gibson. “Few cinematic moments have had such a lasting influence on musicians as this unforgettable scene in Back to the Future, and we’re excited to embark on this journey to locate the guitar that has carried the legacy of both film and rock history for nearly four decades.”

Exciting Developments: The ‘Lost to the Future’ Documentary

As Gibson embarks on its search for the iconic instrument, an exciting new documentary titled Lost to the Future is also in production. This documentary will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the beloved film, featuring in-depth interviews with stars like Michael J. Fox, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd, and Huey Lewis, who famously performed the film’s theme song “The Power of Love.”

The documentary will also highlight some of the musicians who have drawn inspiration from the movie while documenting the search for the legendary guitar as they endeavor to recover this iconic piece of cinematic history.

The Lost to the Future website currently features a countdown that will culminate in approximately four months and 18 days.