NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In the iconic film “Back to the Future,” Marty McFly famously picks up a guitar during a 1950s high school dance, performing to save his place in time before journeying back to the 1980s. However, the musical instrument that played a vital role in this classic scene hasn’t had the same fate.
During the production of the 1989 sequel, the filmmakers attempted to trace the original guitar used, but it remains missing. Four decades after the original movie made its debut, attention has returned to the search for the Cherry Red Gibson ES-345, with the guitar’s creator leading the quest.
Based in Nashville, the Gibson company has turned to the public for assistance as they mark the movie’s 40th anniversary. This effort coincides with the creation of a new documentary, “Lost to the Future,” chronicling both the guitar’s story and the film’s legacy.
A video produced by Gibson features themes from the movie’s soundtrack playing as beloved “Back to the Future” cast members, including Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Harry Waters Jr., appeal for help in their entertaining style. Huey Lewis also makes a special appearance, reminding audiences of his band’s hit from the soundtrack, “The Power of Love.”
Christopher Lloyd, channeling his character Doc Brown, comically notes the mysterious fate of the guitar, claiming it to be “lost to the future.” Michael J. Fox, who portrayed Marty McFly, jests that it could very well be languishing in a forgotten garage somewhere.
In the film’s memorable school dance scene, McFly assumes the role of a stand-in guitarist for an injured band member during the “Enchantment under the Sea” dance. As he breaks into “Earth Angel” and then electrifies the dance floor with “Johnny B. Goode,” he introduces the teens to a sound they hadn’t heard before.
Fox wanted McFly’s performance to emulate the greats, incorporating moves reminiscent of Hendrix, Townshend, and Van Halen. As he dives into his solo, McFly leaves his audience in stunned silence, predicting, “I guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet… but your kids are gonna love it.”