Ringo Starr reunited with The Beatles bandmate John Lennon's long lost guitar

The Beatles' Ringo Starr has been reunited with his late bandmate John Lennon's long-lost Framus 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar after more than half a century.

The instrument, integral to the recording of The Beatles' iconic "Help!" album, resurfaced in an attic in the UK and will be sold by Julien's Auctions.

"After so many years, I'm happy to see this guitar again, thanks to a little 'Help' from my friends at Julien's," Starr expressed, reflecting on the discovery that has stirred excitement among music enthusiasts worldwide. The guitar's significance cannot be overstated, having played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of The Beatles during their heyday in the 1960s.

Its reappearance has ignited anticipation ahead of its auction at Julien's Auctions' much-anticipated MUSIC ICONS event. Experts predict it will fetch a sum surpassing its initial estimate of $600,000-$800,000 USD (£485,000- £647,00), potentially setting a new world record for the highest-selling Beatles guitar.

Music aficionados will have the opportunity to admire this legendary instrument firsthand, as it headlines an exhibition at Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus in London, running from Tuesday, 23 April 2024 to Monday, 29 April 2024. Subsequently, the guitar will journey across the Atlantic for a showcase in New York at Hard Rock Cafe New York, from 22 to 28 May before hitting the auction block.

The discovery of Lennon's Framus guitar serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of The Beatles and their indelible mark on music history. As fans eagerly await the auction, the guitar's remarkable journey from obscurity to the spotlight stands as a testament to the enduring allure of rock 'n' roll nostalgia.