It’s confirmed—a “rock” is set to be installed in Rockefeller Plaza.
A significant collection of music memorabilia from the late Jim Irsay, the billionaire former owner of the Indianapolis Colts, is headed to auction at Christie’s in March. This is shaping up to be one of the most noteworthy sales of items from the rock ‘n’ roll era.
This auction features an array of priceless pieces, including Ringo Starr’s drum set from the Beatles’ first U.S. TV appearance and Kurt Cobain’s guitar from the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” music video, as reported.
Additionally, Irsay’s collection encompasses various sports memorabilia, such as a bat used by baseball legend Jackie Robinson and autographed pieces from Babe Ruth.
“It’s not every day you see this level of iconic items all in one spot,” noted Nathalie Ferneau, who leads Christie’s private and iconic collections. The auction runs from March 3rd to 17th and promises a diverse array that appeals to many different fans.
“Each person has their unique connections to these pieces, which broadens their appeal,” Ferneau added.
She emphasized that Irsay’s collection is remarkable for its breadth and that much interest has already been generated, predicting a surge of music enthusiasts at Rockefeller Plaza’s galleries during the public sale from March 6 to 12.
Irsay was known for sharing his collections through public exhibitions, stating that he sought out items with significant historical relevance.
“I’ve often pondered the true value of memories,” Irsay shared in an ESPN interview this year. “How do memories shape who we are? There are historical moments that really do alter the course of history.”
Among the high-value items is a drum head bats used by Starr during his iconic 1964 performance, expected to bring in between $1 million and $2 million. Cobain’s 1966 Fender Mustang guitar is anticipated to fetch between $2 million and $5 million, having previously sold for $4.7 million.
Other notable pieces include David Gilmour’s Black Strat used in seminal Pink Floyd albums, Jerry Garcia’s custom guitar, and John Lennon’s 1963 guitar used during Beatles sessions.
The archive also boasts handwritten lyrics for “Hey Jude” and an affidavit from McCartney regarding the Beatles’ breakup.
Plus, if you’re not ready to spend millions, Joe Walsh’s guitar slide might go for around $100.
In the sports section, enthusiasts can find Wayne Gretzky’s jersey from his 500th goal game, Secretariat’s saddle from his Triple Crown win, and various autographed items from Babe Ruth, including a ball signed by both Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
A championship belt from Muhammad Ali’s famous fight in 1974 could reach up to $4 million.
Officials at Christie’s have announced that the extensive collection will tour globally starting in early 2026, with stops in major cities prior to the auction.
Irsay, who took over the Colts from his father in 1995, referred to his collection as his life’s passion and rejected numerous lucrative offers to part with it.
“I turned down a $1.15 billion offer from someone in the Middle East,” he recalled in 2023. “It’s irreplaceable to me. I didn’t start this collection just to make a profit.”
Following his passing last May, his daughters decided to sell part of the collection and give some proceeds to charity.
“Our dad was a devoted collector who valued objects for their beauty and history, not just ownership,” the family stated. “Every item carries a story, and he loved sharing those stories.”
