Jim Irsay Is Auctioning His $1 Billion Guitar Collection Including Guitars Once Played by Hendrix, Clapton, and Cobain

A Historic Collection Heads to Auction

The late Indianapolis Colts CEO and billionaire businessman Jim Irsay, who passed away earlier this year at 65, owned one of the most remarkable guitar collections in the world. Many music historians and collectors have described it as the greatest ever assembled, featuring instruments tied to some of the most influential names in rock history.

Now, that legendary collection is set to find new owners. Christie’s New York will host a series of auctions starting in March 2026, offering music fans and collectors a chance to own instruments once played by some of the biggest legends in music.

Priceless Instruments from Rock’s Greatest Artists

Irsay’s vast collection, once valued at over $1 billion, includes guitars owned and played by John Lennon, Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Jerry Garcia, Bob Dylan, Kurt Cobain, Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton, Bo Diddley, Janis Joplin, and David Gilmour, among others.

The value of the collection became clear when Irsay reportedly turned down a 10-figure offer from a “Middle East element.” Among its highlights are Kurt Cobain’s Smells Like Teen Spirit Fender Mustang and David Gilmour’s iconic Black Fender Stratocaster—two of the three most expensive guitars ever sold at auction. Also featured are Eric Clapton’s “Fool” SG, which sold for $1.27 million in 2023, and John Lennon’s Gretsch 6120 Country Gentleman. These are only a few examples of what the upcoming auctions will showcase.

 

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Honoring Irsay’s Legacy and Philanthropy

Christie’s will also host free public exhibitions at its New York headquarters at 20 Rockefeller Plaza to accompany the auctions. A portion of the proceeds will support various charitable causes that Irsay supported throughout his life.

“Christie’s is honoured to offer this magnificent collection, so lovingly compiled, maintained, and shared by legendary collector Jim Irsay over decades,” said Julien Pradels, president of the Christie’s Americas region. “These extraordinary objects will be made available to passionate collectors around the globe, who have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history, and provide this exquisite collection its next chapter.”

More information about the upcoming sales will be announced in the coming months.