Guitars signed by Nick Cave, Fatboy Slim, Moby, Madness, Mel C, Leigh-Anne, Jessie J, Paris Hilton and more will feature in Brighton Rocks, a fundraising exhibition and worldwide online auction supporting music therapy in Sussex hospitals.
The exhibition will run at Helm Gallery, Brighton, from 5th-11th December 2026, bringing together musicians and visual artists to raise funds.
The collection features more than 36 guitars donated by members of the public and transformed into artworks by artists including Hayden Kayes, Chemical X, TBOY, Cassette Lord, George Fox, Elizabeth Eade and Braille artist Mr Dot.
The collection will be offered through a worldwide online auction running from 4th-11th December 2026, giving music fans and collectors the opportunity to bid for the guitars while supporting music therapy services within the Trust.
Visitors to Helm Gallery will be able to see the complete collection and discover the stories behind the instruments and the artists involved.
The exhibition will also share the experiences of patients, families, therapists and NHS staff, exploring how music can support recovery, wellbeing and connection alongside clinical care.
The initiative is supported by Brighton-based independent live music promoter JOY. Concerts.
Dr John Young, Consultant Neurologist at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Music can support recovery in many different ways. For people living with brain injuries, dementia, learning disabilities or neurological conditions, music can unlock memories, emotions and connections that may otherwise be difficult to access. Music therapy is an incredibly valuable part of patient care, providing opportunities and benefits that would not otherwise be available on the ward.”
Paola O’Sullivan, Music Therapy Co-ordinator, said:
“We rightly spend a great deal of time focusing on what medicine can do for patients. Brighton Rocks gives us the opportunity to ask another important question: what role can music, creativity and human connection play alongside that care?”
Lizzie Griffiths, Project Manager, University Hospitals Sussex charity, said:
“Brighton Rocks is unlike anything we’ve done before. These guitars will stop people in their tracks, but the stories behind them are even more powerful. We’re turning guitars into art to help turn music into care. We hope people leave inspired not only by the artwork, but by the conversation it starts.”
Helm Gallery said:
“We are delighted to be supporting and hosting this magnificent event supporting NHS Hospitals in Sussex. Incorporating art and music is such a keyway to celebrate the Art’s, whilst also recognising the importance of music therapy to help with one’s mental health. To be able to showcase this exceptional collection of bespoke guitars is our honour.”
Exhibition Information
Brighton Rocks takes place at Helm Gallery, Brighton, with the following events and dates:
Media event: 4th December 2026, 12–2pm.
VIP event: 4th December 2026, 7–9:30pm.
Public exhibition: 5th–11th December 2026.
Auction Information
The auction takes place online – https://brighton-rocks.indy.
Further information: https://www.myuhsussex.org/
Full list of contributing musicians
Fatboy Slim
Peter Hook
Johnny Moped guitarist Slimey Toad
OMD
Lucy Spraggen
Prodigy – Keiron Pepper
Moby
We Are Scientists
Skindred
Madness
Dale Davis (Amy Whitehouse band)
The Selecter
Editors
The Maccabees
Badly Drawn Boy
Passenger
Evanescence
Levellers
Nick Cave
Saint Etienne
Stereo MCs
Starsailor
The Pride guitar features 12 signatures:
Leigh-Anne
Moonchild Sanelly
Ru Paul
G-Flip
Self Esteem
Jessie J
Pale Waves
Caity Baser
Mel C
Five
Holly Johnson
Paris Hilton