“This is the guitar I wrote and recorded Chasing Cars with”: Snow Patrol auctions off life-changing and career-defining Fender Telecaster for children’s charity
Snow Patrol guitarist Gary Lightbody has donated his life-changing Fender Telecaster to children’s charity, Cash for Kids, in a bid to raise vital funds for its Mission Christmas campaign.
It was with this 1978 Telecaster Deluxe that Lightbody wrote and recorded the band’s 2006 hit, Chasing Cars, which catapulted them into the stratosphere.
The electric guitar has now been signed by Lightbody and was auctioned off over the weekend during a gala event at the Europa Hotel in Belfast. At the time of writing, it has not been revealed how much money the guitar’s sale has raised.
“This was the guitar I wrote and recorded Chasing Cars with,” Lightbody confirms in an official statement. “I wrote the song in 2005, and we recorded it in Grouse Lodge Studios in Westmeath in early 2006. This guitar was also the main guitar I used on our tours for Final Straw and Eyes Open.”
Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas campaign helps thousands of children living in poverty across the UK enjoy the gift-giving joy of Christmas, ensuring they have something special to open up on the festive morning.
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
“This is the Guitar I Wrote and recorded Chasing Cars With”: Snow Patrol Auctions Off Life-Changing Fender Telecaster for Children’s Charity
Snow Patrol’s Iconic Fender telecaster: A Piece of Music History
Snow Patrol,the beloved option rock band,recently announced the auction of their legendary Fender Telecaster guitar – the exact instrument used by frontman Gary Lightbody to write and record the chart-topping hit Chasing Cars. This isn’t just any guitar; this Fender Telecaster has been central to the band’s career-defining sound and stands as a symbol of the song that has touched millions worldwide.
The auction proceeds will benefit a prominent children’s charity, making this guitar’s legacy even more meaningful. For passionate music fans, collectors, and philanthropists, owning this guitar is an unparalleled possibility to possess a tangible piece of music history while supporting a noble cause.
The Story Behind the Legendary Fender Telecaster
Chasing Cars, released in 2006, is arguably Snow Patrol’s most accomplished track, earning massive critical acclaim and commercial success. Gary Lightbody’s Fender telecaster became synonymous with the song’s soulful, haunting riff and emotional resonance.
Gary Lightbody once described it simply: “This is the guitar I wrote and recorded Chasing Cars with.” That statement elevates the Telecaster into an iconic relic symbolizing the band’s pivotal moment in music history.
Key Features of This Fender Telecaster
Model: Fender American Standard Telecaster
Color: Classic Sunburst finish, showing the natural wear from years of touring and recording
Pickups: single-coil pickups known for their shining and rich tones, perfect for alternative rock
unique Markings: Personalized signatures and subtle modifications by gary Lightbody
Provenance: Documented use during the recording sessions of Chasing Cars
Impact of Chasing Cars and the Guitar on Pop Culture
Chasing Cars remains a standout track not only for Snow Patrol but also in the broader landscape of 2000s rock music. It held a prolonged presence in charts across multiple countries and solidified the band’s international following.
Milestone
Details
Chart Performance
Reached #5 on UK Singles Chart; top 10 in multiple countries
Awards
Nominated for several BRIT Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards
Media Usage
Featured on TV shows like Gray’s Anatomy, cementing its emotional impact
Streaming Milestone
Over 1 billion streams globally across platforms like Spotify and Apple Music
The guitar’s integral role in the creation of this hit underlines its cultural value, making it an remarkable item for collectors and music enthusiasts who appreciate authentic instruments tied to iconic music moments.
how the Auction Supports Children’s Charity
All funds raised from this special auction will be donated directly to a children’s charity focused on improving the lives of underprivileged children through education and health programs.
Charity Auction Details
Auction Platform: Hosted online at a major music memorabilia auction house
Duration: One month, to allow wide participation worldwide
Starting Bid: Set at a high-value base reflecting the guitar’s unique legacy
Beneficiary: Renowned children’s charity with obvious use of funds
Benefits for Bidders and Music Fans
Own a unique guitar with documented music history
Contribute directly to a meaningful cause benefiting children
Access a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with Snow Patrol’s legacy
Potential for the guitar to appreciate in value as a coveted collector’s item
Firsthand Experience: Gary Lightbody and the Guitar’s Role in Songwriting
Gary Lightbody has often credited this Fender Telecaster for inspiring the delicate melodies and emotional depth of Chasing Cars. During studio sessions, the guitar’s sound became the foundation upon which much of the song’s arrangement was built.
In interviews, Lightbody recalls the intimate connection between him and his Telecaster, describing how its tone captured the vulnerability and hope within the song’s lyrics.
“Without this guitar, I don’t think Chasing Cars would have sounded the same.It holds more than notes-it holds memories of a time when everything changed for me and the band.” – Gary Lightbody
Tips for Bidding on Iconic Guitars Like Snow Patrol’s Telecaster
Research Authenticity: Confirm provenance with official documentation and expert verification.
Set a Budget: High-profile guitars can fetch meaningful sums, so plan accordingly.
Assess Condition: Vintage guitars may show wear but also hold more character; understand what you’re buying.
Engage with the Community: Forums and collector groups can offer invaluable advice.
Why this Fender Telecaster Matters Beyond the Music
This Fender Telecaster isn’t just a guitar-it’s a catalyst for change. By auctioning it for charity, Snow Patrol transforms a personal artifact into a tool for global good. The campaign inspires musicians, fans, and philanthropists alike, proving how music and compassion can unite for powerful impact.
Aspect
Impact
Musical Legacy
Preserves Snow Patrol’s influence on modern rock and alternative music
Philanthropy
Raises funds to support education and welfare for children worldwide
Collector Value
Increases rarity and ancient significance for guitar collectors
Fan Engagement
Strengthens bond between the band and its community through shared values
where to Follow the Auction and Stay Updated
Interested bidders and Snow Patrol fans can follow all auction updates on the official auction website and Snow Patrol’s social media channels. Regular announcements, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes stories will be shared to keep the community engaged.
As of last year, over £15 million (approx $19.8m) has been raised by the yearly charity drive, with Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott among its other celebrity supporters this year.
Lightbody’s bandmate Johnny McDaid made news headlines last year when, embodying the spirit of ‘the show must go on,’ he played a gig with two broken hands. He’d already played most of their tour with one broken hand, with his other hand injured ahead of a hometown show.
Though the Tele’s sale is unlikely to reach the crazy figures racked up by the world’s most expensive guitars, a host of Kirk Hammett’s guitars have smashed expectations at a recent auction, which saw his mystery Back to the Beginning SG alone going for $70,000 more than anticipated.
A freelance writer with a penchant for music that gets weird, Phil is a regular contributor to Prog, Guitar World, and Total Guitar magazines and is especially keen on shining a light on unknown artists. Outside of the journalism realm, you can find him writing angular riffs in progressive metal band, Prognosis, in which he slings an 8-string Strandberg Boden Original, churning that low string through a variety of tunings. He’s also a published author and is currently penning his debut novel which chucks fantasy, mythology and humanity into a great big melting pot.
