Michael J. Fox, the legendary actor known for his iconic roles in Back to the Future, has addressed a long-standing debate among fans and guitar enthusiasts alike. The discussion revolves around the guitar scene in the film, specifically the choice of instrument Marty McFly plays during his performance of Earth Angel and Johnny B. Goode.
The guitar in question is the Gibson ES-345, which Marty borrows from Marvin Berry. However, what many fans don't realize is that the Gibson ES-345 didn't exist until 1958, three years after the setting of Back to the Future. This has led to a common question: why didn't Marty use the Gibson ES-350T, which was released in 1955 and played by Chuck Berry? In his memoir, Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum, Michael J. Fox clarifies this temporal inconsistency.
Fox explains that the inclusion of the Gibson ES-345 was not an Easter egg but a deliberate choice. The film's art department selected the ES-345 because it resembled the iconic wine-red Gibson ES-355 that Chuck Berry famously played. Fox, who has a deep appreciation for Gibson guitars, finds the debate over the instrument's choice amusing. He states, 'both the '55 and '58 versions of the Gibson electric are rare and beautiful instruments; for me, it makes little difference which I played.'
The actor's love for Gibson guitars is evident in his enthusiasm for their size, weight, and sound. He appreciates how these guitars, despite their imposing nature, are hollow-bodied and lightweight, making them easy to play. Fox's passion for the instrument is further showcased in his collaboration with Gibson to find the missing ES-345 guitar used in the film. The search, which began in June, aims to locate the guitar that played a significant role in the movie's iconic scene.
Additionally, the article mentions a 'bootstrap paradox' in the guitar scene, where Marty's performance of Johnny B. Goode in 1955 inspires Chuck Berry's cousin, Marvin, to call Chuck and let him hear the song, leading to its release in 1958. This, in turn, allows Marty to travel back in time and perform the song in 1995. Fox's return to acting, after a five-year retirement, is also highlighted, with his upcoming role in the Apple TV+ dramedy Shrinking, where he plays a character living with Parkinson's disease, a condition he has dealt with since his diagnosis in 1991.
