R.E.M. AUCTIONS SIGNED GRETSCH GUITAR

Proceeds generated by scribbled-on instrument to benefit AthFest.

By Randy Harward

R.E.M. is showing some hometown love by auctioning off a signed guitar to benefit AthFest, a non-profit organization that preserves the jangly history of the Athens music and art scene. The Brian Setzer Model Gretsch Nashville hollow-body was donated by Gretsch, which celebrates 125 of years of guitar-making this year. From the press release:

In keeping with AthFest’s mission to educate people about music and arts, our staff is organizing a program that will bring musicians and music business leaders into local schools to make presentations to classes, as well as mentor kids interested in careers in music. Savannah, Ga.-based Gretsch Guitars has a foundation that donates guitars that are decorated by artists or signed by musicians and then sold to raise funds for music and arts education programs.

The guitar has been signed by all four original members of R.E.M., including retired drummer Bill Berry, and comes complete with a new deluxe case. The eBay auction will begin on June 18, coinciding with the start of AthFest, and conclude June 27.