(NEW YORK, NY) -- Julien's Auctions, the world's leading celebrity auction house, will host their MUSIC ICONS sale May 30 and Saturday, May 31, 2025 live from Hard Rock Cafe in New York City. The listings are live now at juliensauctions.com.
Hosted at the world-famous Hard Rock Cafe, Julien’s unites the most electrifying, genre-defying treasures of rock and roll history into a single, unforgettable event. With the return of its legendary MUSIC ICONS auction, collectors are granted a once-in-a-lifetime chance to claim pieces from the most iconic names in music.
“This incredible collection brings together the instruments, fashion, and personal items that shaped the soundtrack of our lives — from the guitars that changed music history to the unforgettable looks worn by the world’s biggest stars," said Martin Nolan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions. “It’s a celebration of artistry, legacy, and the timeless power and endless enjoyment of music.”
The sale includes several important guitars played on stage and in studio by revered musicians such as; Eric Clapton, Kurt Cobain, Brian May, Johnny Cash, Melissa Etheridge, Bob Dylan, Ronnie Wood, Django Reinhardt, Jack White, Noel Gallagher, Chet Atkins, Waylon Jennings, Yngwie Malmsteen, Slash, Angus Young, Randy Bachman, Richie Sambora and more. It also features gear used by artists including AC/DC, Aerosmith, Frank Zappa, Neil Young, Roxy Music, Rascal Flatts, The Eagles, Nirvana, The Ventures and so many more.
Alongside the historic guitars is a stunning array of ensembles worn by revered style icons such as: Cher, Dolly Parton, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Barbra Streisand, Jimi Hendrix, Chrissie Hynde, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Janet Jackson, Miley Cyrus, Amy Winehouse, Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, Christine McVie, Betty Davis, Karen Carpenter, Freddie Mercury and Britney Spears, along with additional personal effects and jewelry.
Rare handwritten works from David Bowie, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Noel Gallagher, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Madonna and more are also included in the auction. Find a full list of items with photos and descriptions via Julien’s Auctions website.
In the early ’90s, a cultural explosion erupted from the ashes of ’80s heavy metal and post-punk alternative rock that touched all aspects of popular culture. Grunge, born in the Pacific NW, was defined by bands playing distorted, overdriven guitar riffs and thunderous melodies. It gave voice to Gen X’s frustration, disillusionment, and passion. Grunge became the defining sound of a generation, and no band captured its spirit more than NIRVANA.
This sale features rare instruments used in session recordings by the band, along with photographs taken in 1991 in Hilversum, North Holland, Netherlands.
* Dave Grohl session-played Remo Acousticon Quadra drum kit, complete with cymbals, stands, and cases
* Krist Novoselic 1989 Warwick Dolphin Pro bass
* Kurt Cobain left-handed 1989 Takamine acoustic-electric rosewood guitar, featuring mother-of-pearl inlay
Continuing the tribute to the sounds of Seattle:
* Portions of the Melvins tour van, driven by Cobain, who then painted images of members of KISS on one side (described in detail by Consequence)
* Foo Fighter Taylor Hawkins custom seven piece Gretsch drum kit used on 2018’s “Concrete and Gold Tour”
* Original signed Ames Bros. Pearl Jam concert posters. Each piece is hand screen-printed, numbered and signed by the artists—crafted in small batches, making them highly coveted and extremely limited edition. More here.
An exhibition of the MUSIC ICONS highlights will be on display in the exterior window of Hard Rock Cafe New York until Saturday, May 31. The exhibit is free and open to the public daily.
The highly anticipated collection is projected to make history when these items hit the auction block for the first time at Julien’s Auctions' “MUSIC ICONS,” taking place Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31 live at Hard Rock Cafe in New York City.
The offering of nearly 700 lots is now live at juliensauctions.com.
Highlights include:
Legendary Guitars
* Kurt Cobain 1989 Takamine guitar played during Nirvana’s 1991 Hilversum Sessions recorded in North Holland
* Eric Clapton Pensa-Suhr Strat
* Krist Novoselic and Kurt Cobain played 1989 Warwick Dolphin Pro Bass in natural oil finish
* Eddie Van Halen stage played and signed Charvel Art Series in black with red and white stripes
* Joe Perry stage played and signed Gibson Les Paul
* David Bowie signed Seagull S6 Acoustic stage played at last ever Australian show
* Noel Gallagher autographed Suzuki Hummingbird Guitar in cherry burst
* Ronnie Wood Telecaster in metallic blue finish, signed and accompanied by a handwritten lyric “Have you heard about the midnight rambler?”
* Jack White Gretsch Parsons Triple-Jet
* Hank Williams Gibson Guitar
Stage, Magazine and Performance Worn Looks
* Karen Carpenter 14k gold bangle worn in her final days
* Cher custom Bob Mackie outfits
* Elton John 1970s era custom made suit
* Dolly Parton 1975 “Hee Haw” appearance-worn custom embellished jumpsuit
* Taylor Swift 2012 magazine cover-worn Rafael Cennamo dress
* Britney Spears 1999 “Baby One More Time” Tour worn ensemble
* Lady Gaga 2014 event worn denim outfit
* Elvis Presley 18k gold plated personalized signet ring
* Amy Winehouse 2007 interview-worn floral dress
* Jimi Hendrix circa 1969 suede fringe bag
* Mama Cass Elliot 1970 photo-worn Bob Mackie embellished velour caftan
* Janet Jackson multiple tour costumes
Rock and Roll Relics
* Kurt Cobain KISS Artwork Panel from Melvins tour van
* Bob Dylan vintage handwritten lyrics for “Lay Lady Lay” and signed Hohner Harmonica
* Neil Young Theremin and speaker cabinet
* The Beatles "Yer Blues" annotated by John Lennon, handwritten lyrics, handwritten letter circa 1971 to chauffeur Les Anthony, and John Lennon and Yoko Ono self-portrait
* Taylor Hawkins “Concrete and Gold” Tour stage used drumkit
* Microphones used by The Doors in concert and rehearsal, along with photos of Jim Morrison holding the mic
* Live Aid program signed by Bob Dylan, Madonna, Neil Young and more
* Kurt Cobain handwritten 1991 Nirvana concert set list with ticket stub and photos from the Roxy in LA. Years later, Kerrang! placed that show #1 atop their list of "The 100 Greatest Gigs of All Time"
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