The family of late Bristol guitarist Angelo Bruschini, known for his key contributions to Massive Attack and Blue Aeroplanes, has put his impressive collection of guitars and music equipment up for auction. The sale, which includes nine guitars and a variety of recording gear, will take place online over four days starting December 3. The auction, hosted by Gardiner Houlgate in North Wiltshire, will feature some of the instruments that helped define the iconic ‘Bristol Sound.’
Angelo Bruschini, who passed away from lung cancer in October 2023, was a beloved figure in Bristol’s music scene. His death was deeply mourned by family, friends, and fans worldwide. Known for his work with the Blue Aeroplanes in the 1980s and early ’90s, Angelo’s most notable impact came as a member of Massive Attack, where he played a pivotal role in the creation of the band’s darker, atmospheric sound on their acclaimed 1998 album Mezzanine. That album, which featured hits like “Teardrop” and “Risingson,” marked a turning point in Massive Attack’s sound and has since become a cornerstone of Bristol’s musical legacy.
Bruschini joined Massive Attack in 1995 as a touring guitarist, and his distinctive style became integral to the band’s sound. He also contributed to the 2003 album 100th Window, another massive global success. The guitars and equipment being sold are a testament to his decades of work in the industry, with several pieces directly tied to his performances with Massive Attack and his other musical projects.
Luke Hobbs, the auctioneer overseeing the sale, shared that some of Angelo’s collection has been kept by his family, including his musical children, but the auction still features some highly valuable pieces. Among the highlights is a 1968 Fender Telecaster guitar, which Bruschini adapted and modified to achieve his signature sound. The guitar played a key role on Mezzanine, and Hobbs noted that while an unmodified 1968 Telecaster might be worth around £5,000, this version’s modifications make it a one-of-a-kind instrument with potentially limitless value.
“This guitar was used prominently on Mezzanine,” Hobbs said. “You can hear its unique sound in the album itself, making it a crucial piece in the history of music, particularly in the context of Bristol’s musical influence.”
In addition to the guitars, the auction includes a range of equipment used by Bruschini throughout his career, such as recording gear, microphones, effects pedals, and even sets of guitar strings he never had the chance to use. Several items also bear the marks of the band’s global tours, further connecting them to Massive Attack’s live performances.
The auction will be held via a live webcast starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3. Fans of Massive Attack, Bristol’s music scene, and collectors of iconic music memorabilia won’t want to miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of history.
Related Topics
- Ringo Starr Hints at Barry Keoghan Playing Him in Sam Mendes’s Beatles Biopic
- Manami Suzuki Makes History with Triple Win at Hamamatsu International Piano Competition
- Historic Piano Survives 1956 Fire, Finds New Home at St. Mary’s County Historical Society
