Gibson Launches Epic Search for ‘Back to the Future’ Guitar, Missing Since 1985

It’s one of the most memorable musical moments in movie history: Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, ripping through “Johnny B. Goode” at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance in “Back to the Future”. But the real star of that scene—the cherry red Gibson ES-345—has been missing for nearly 40 years. Now, Gibson is officially trying to get it back.

The guitar manufacturer has launched a public appeal to locate the missing instrument, believed to have vanished shortly after filming wrapped in 1985. A “Have You Seen This Guitar?” poster has been released, and even the film’s stars, including Fox himself, appear in a new video calling for its return.

The ES-345 was originally rented from Norman’s Rare Guitars in Los Angeles specifically for the shoot. It was reportedly returned afterward, but somewhere between then and now, the trail went cold.

Gibson suspects the guitar may have been quietly sold at some point, without documentation—meaning it could be sitting in someone’s home, unrecognized for the cinematic treasure it is.

Adding to the guitar’s mystique is its historical inaccuracy. The scene it appears in is set in 1955, but the model used was likely from 1960 or 1961. That anachronism didn’t stop the guitar from achieving cult status, and its absence has only added to the lore.

The renewed effort to track it down comes at a fitting time: 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of “Back to the Future”.

For fans, it’s a nostalgic milestone—and for Gibson, a chance to reunite an icon with its rightful place in movie history.

If someone unknowingly owns the guitar, they could be holding a piece of Hollywood history. Gibson hasn’t said what might happen if it turns up, but if social media buzz is any indication, the pressure—and incentive—to come forward is mounting.

As McFly said: “I guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet. But your kids are gonna love it.” Turns out, four decades later, we’re more than ready.