The Curious Case of Michael J. Fox’s Missing ‘Back to the Future’ Guitar

The actor has joined Gibson’s search for the cherry red ES-345 guitar he played in the 1985 film.

Actor Michael J. Fox, who attended the launch party of the "Back to the Future" DVD release held at Universal Studios in Hollywood, Calif., on Dec. 16, 2002. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

The cherry red guitar that Michael J. Fox famously jammed out on while playing high schooler Marty McFly in “Back to the Future” has been missing ever since the cult sci-fi classic hit theaters on July 3, 1985.

Ahead of the film’s 40th anniversary, the actor has teamed up with leading guitar manufacturer Gibson to track down the missing instrument—and they’re asking for the public’s help.