A recent auction left many in awe, especially those with an eye for iconic music memorabilia.
The legendary 1969 Black Stratocaster owned by Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour fetched a staggering $14.5 million at a New York auction, marking it as the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction.
This remarkable sale occurred during Christie’s Jim Irsay Collection Auction, a multi-day event featuring items from music, film, and pop culture that once belonged to the late owner of the Indianapolis Colts.
The guitar sold for more than twice the previous record, which was held by Kurt Cobain’s Martin D-18E from Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance, that went for $6.1 million in 2020.
Additionally, a 1969 Fender Mustang, used by Cobain in the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video, also went under the hammer for $6.9 million, becoming the most expensive item associated with the iconic frontman.
Gilmour’s guitar changed hands following a 21-minute bidding battle, eventually going to an anonymous buyer. This guitar was notably featured on several landmark albums, including “The Dark Side of the Moon” and “The Wall.”
Auctioneer Thomas Scriven astutely remarked, “It was like the Super Bowl for this market. This is the largest auction of music memorabilia.”
Sean, a fellow bidder, shared his enthusiasm: “I was here more for my friend’s bid, but I’m really into guitars and music. These items represent so much history, and while we hope to see them again, there’s always the chance we won’t.”
Reportedly, Gilmour acquired the guitar in 1970 from Manny’s Music, which was conveniently located near the auction house.
This guitar accompanied Gilmour throughout his influential career, featuring on every Pink Floyd album from 1970 to 1983 and across his solo projects. He has humorously noted it became his go-to instrument unless a different sound was needed.
Thursday’s auction also marked a record for the most expensive Stratocaster ever sold, as well as setting another milestone for items associated with Gilmour.
Overall, over 44 items valued at more than $89 million were sold during this opening night, with 22 new records established. Julien Pradels, president of Christie’s Americas, expressed the historic nature of the event.
Tash Perrin, a seasoned auctioneer, reflected on the experience, stating, “It was thrilling to know that these items would find new caretakers who appreciate their significance.”
The Jim Irsay Collection auction is set to continue, both in-person and online, until March 17th.
Among the collection’s other notable pieces was Ringo Starr’s drum head from The Beatles’ 1964 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, which sold for $2.9 million. The record for a Beatles item was set at $3.2 million for the piano on which John Lennon wrote “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.”
Notably, Janis Joplin’s guitar sold for $381,000, making it the most expensive guitar owned by a female musician.
Additionally, the original scroll of Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” sold for $12.135 million, setting a new high for modern literary manuscripts. Tom Leckie, a former Christie’s employee, highlighted its unparalleled importance as a physical artifact.
“Once you see it, you have to get it,” he concluded, “especially if you love literature.”
