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Spinal Tap's Live Earth guitar goes under the hammer

Christopher Guest aka Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap performs on stage during the Live Earth London concert, at Wembley Stadium on 7 July, 2007 in London. Photo: Dave M Benett/Getty Images
The guitar was played by Spinal Tap's lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel - aka actor Christopher Guest - at the Live Earth event in London in July 2007 Photo: Dave M Benett/Getty Images

A unique guitar used by spoof rock band Spinal Tap at the July 2007 Wembley Live Earth concert is expected to fetch up to £12,000 (€13,886) at auction in the UK.

The instrument features a working thermometer and a snow globe containing a figurine of former US vice-president Al Gore.

It was played by Spinal Tap's lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel - actor Christopher Guest - at the Live Earth event and a number of subsequent concerts.

The rear of the guitar has been autographed by Tufnel.

Built by US manufacturer Ernie Ball, the guitar also features a laser-engraved image of a burning planet Earth and buttons in the shape of pyramids and ice cubes.

Undated handout photo issued by Gardiner Houlgate of the guitar used by spoof rock band Spinal Tap at the 2007 Wembley Live Earth concert that is expected to fetch up to £12,000 at auction. Photo: Gardiner Houlgate/PA Wire
The instrument features a working thermometer and a snow globe containing a figurine of former US vice-president Al Gore Photo: Gardiner Houlgate/PA Wire

The instrument took more than 1,200 hours to design and build.

The guitar is being sold by a private seller to fund his love of travelling the world to see his favourite rock bands, particularly Pearl Jam.

The sale will take place at Gardiner Houlgate specialist music auctions in Corsham, Wiltshire, on 9 June.

Auctioneer Luke Hobbs, who will be selling the guitar, said: "This is one of those weird and wonderful guitars that it's a delight to auction. It's a genuinely unique instrument - and it always raises a smile."

Spinal Tap are a fictional British heavy rock band featured in the 1984 mockumentary film This is Spinal Tap.

Such was the success of the film that the band toured and recorded music, including the single The Majesty of Rock.

Auctioneer Luke Hobbs with the guitar used by spoof rock band Spinal Tap at the 2007 Wembley Live Earth concert. Photo: Gardiner Houlgate/PA Wire
Auctioneer Luke Hobbs: "This is one of those weird and wonderful guitars that it's a delight to auction. It's a genuinely unique instrument - and it always raises a smile" Photo: Gardiner Houlgate/PA Wire

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, a sequel to the original film, was released last year.

Live Earth was a one-off 2007 event to raise awareness of climate change. More than 150 musical acts played in 12 locations around the world, including London's Wembley Stadium.

Source: Press Association

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