Kurt Cobain’s Iconic Guitar Auctioned Off For $1.5M
via Julien's Auctions / Youtube
In a recent auction held in Nashville, the iconic blue Fender Mustang electric guitar that accompanied Kurt Cobain during Nirvana’s last concert before his untimely death in 1994 has found a new owner. Mitsuru Sato, a visionary businessman from Japan, secured the prized Skystang I for an impressive $1,587,500, highlighting the enduring impact of Cobain’s musical legacy.
The Skystang I played a pivotal role in Nirvana’s tour from 1993 to 1994, including the band’s final performance with Cobain at Terminal Einz in Munich.
The guitar’s significance goes beyond its role as a musical instrument; it served as Cobain’s workhorse, his most played guitar of all time, according to Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions.
Sato, expressing his vision for the future of rock music, acquired the guitar through a phone bid at the auction hosted by the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville. In a statement, he conveyed his intentions to establish a cafe featuring museum-style exhibits, showcasing not only the Skystang I but also other renowned musical instruments. Sato aims to make these artifacts accessible to the public, fostering a genuine connection with the rich history of rock music.
“I want to pass on rock to the next generation in a real way. We would like to use this guitar to support the next generation aiming to pursue music,” said Sato, outlining his commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural significance of the Skystang I.
The charitable aspect of the auction cannot be overlooked, as a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Kicking The Stigma, a mental health awareness campaign initiated by The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay Family.
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This gesture reflects a broader trend in recent high-profile auctions involving Cobain’s possessions, where a social cause aligns with the musical icon’s enduring influence.
“This is a really incredible historic guitar. Of course, it’s Kurt Cobain. It’s his Fender Mustang. It’s his SkyStang 1 guitar, his workhorse, his most played guitar of all time,” commented Martin Nolan, emphasizing the historical significance of the auctioned guitar.
Notably, this is not the first time a piece of Cobain’s musical history has fetched a substantial sum. Last year, his 1969 Fender Mustang electric guitar, featured in Nirvana’s 1991 ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ music video, was sold for nearly $5 million at Julien’s Auctions. The success of these auctions reflects the continued admiration for Cobain’s contributions to the world of music.
Tthe auctioning of Kurt Cobain’s Skystang I guitar not only signifies the enduring allure of Nirvana’s music but also exemplifies the dedication of individuals like Mitsuru Sato to preserving and sharing the rich history of rock music with future generations. As these iconic instruments change hands, they continue to contribute to charitable causes, ensuring that Cobain’s legacy extends beyond the realm of music.
