“It was only at the end of the day when he was heading home, he rang me on the train and freaked out – just a little – that he had had Rory’s Strat in his hands”: The life and times of the late guitar expert Steve Clarke

Guitar expert Steve Clarke with Claire Tole-Moir of Bonhams (left) and his wife, Anni.

Everyone at Guitarist was deeply saddened to learn the news that Steve Clarke, the vintage guitar expert who authored the Famous Frets books, died recently after a short illness.

Though not someone who often stepped into the spotlight – at least not without a guitar in his hands – Steve inspected and authenticated some of the most famous guitars in the world, including Rory Gallagher’s 1961 Stratocaster and dozens more in the course of his work with renowned auction house Bonhams and for his reference books.