10 Most Expensive Rock Memorabilia Ever Sold
via Virgin Rock / YouTube
As the years go by, the value of rock artifacts from past decades continues to grow. Items that were once seen as simple tools — like guitars, drum skins, and handwritten lyrics — have now become iconic pieces worth thousands or even millions of dollars. Some of these items were sold to raise money for important causes, while others were part of personal collections being cleared out. Here, we look at 10 of the most expensive rock memorabilia ever sold.
Kurt Cobain’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ Guitar: $4.5 Million
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This guitar was used by Kurt Cobain in the music video for Nirvana’s breakout hit “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The guitar is a 1969 Fender Mustang, one of Cobain’s favorites. It became a symbol of the grunge movement and Nirvana’s influential sound.
The guitar was sold at an auction for a staggering $4.5 million, making it one of the most expensive pieces of rock memorabilia ever. This sale shows just how much influence Nirvana has had on music and culture, with fans and collectors willing to pay big bucks for a piece of history.
Elvis Presley’s Watch: $1.8 Million
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Elvis Presley’s vintage Omega watch is another item that fetched a high price. This watch is special because it was given to Elvis by RCA Records to celebrate selling 75 million records. Elvis was known for his love of flashy jewelry, and this watch is a perfect example.
The watch was sold at an auction for an impressive $1.8 million. For fans of Elvis, this watch isn’t just a timepiece; it’s a link to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself.
Jerry Garcia’s ‘Wolf’ Guitar: $1.9 Million
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Jerry Garcia, the legendary frontman of the Grateful Dead, played many guitars, but none are as famous as the “Wolf” guitar. It was custom-made by luthier Doug Irwin and became Garcia’s main instrument for many years. The guitar was named “Wolf” because of a sticker Garcia placed on it.
The “Wolf” guitar was sold for $1.9 million at auction, showcasing the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead and the strong attachment fans have to the band’s history.
Janis Joplin’s Painted Porsche: $1.76 Million
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Janis Joplin, known for her powerful voice and rebellious spirit, owned a 1964 Porsche 356. What makes this car unique is its colorful, psychedelic paint job. Joplin had it custom-painted with vibrant scenes reflecting the era’s counterculture.
The car was sold for $1.76 million, much more than its market value for a standard Porsche of that time. For fans, this car isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a piece of Joplin’s free-spirited lifestyle and musical legacy.
‘Sgt. Pepper’ Drum Skin: $1.07 Million
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The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” is one of the most famous albums ever. The bass drum skin featured on its cover is an iconic image in rock history. The skin was auctioned and sold for $1.07 million.
This item is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a piece of art associated with one of the most significant albums in music history. The high selling price shows how the Beatles continue to influence music lovers worldwide.
Keith Richards’ ‘Blue Lena’ Bentley: $1,186,133
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Keith Richards, the guitarist of the Rolling Stones, was known for his wild lifestyle. His 1965 Bentley S3 Continental, nicknamed “Blue Lena,” was a big part of that lifestyle. He used the car to travel across Europe, and it was even involved in some infamous adventures.
The car was sold for $1,186,133 at auction. For fans of the Rolling Stones and rock history, this Bentley is more than a luxury vehicle; it’s a symbol of the band’s rebellious spirit.
Eric Clapton’s ‘Blackie’ Guitar: $959,500
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Eric Clapton’s “Blackie” is one of the most famous guitars in rock history. Clapton put it together using parts from several different Stratocasters. It became his favorite guitar and was used in many of his iconic performances.
“Blackie” was sold at auction for $959,500. This guitar is important not just because of its use but because of Clapton’s deep personal connection to it.
The Beatles’ ‘Hey Jude’ Lyrics: $910,000
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Paul McCartney’s handwritten lyrics for “Hey Jude” are another valuable piece of Beatles memorabilia. The song is a beloved classic that has been sung and celebrated for generations.
The lyrics were sold for $910,000 at an auction. For Beatles fans, owning the original manuscript of such a significant song is like having a piece of music history.
David Gilmour’s Black Stratocaster: $3,975,000
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David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist from Pink Floyd, used his black Stratocaster in many of the band’s recordings. The guitar is known for the distinct sound it helped create in iconic albums like “The Dark Side of the Moon” and “Wish You Were Here.”
The Black Strat was sold for $3,975,000, making it one of the most expensive guitars ever sold. For fans, this guitar represents the groundbreaking music of Pink Floyd and Gilmour’s incredible talent.
Kurt Cobain’s ‘MTV Unplugged’ Acoustic Guitar: $6 Million
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Kurt Cobain’s acoustic guitar from Nirvana’s “MTV Unplugged” session is one of the most famous guitars in rock history. The performance was one of Nirvana’s most memorable, showcasing Cobain’s raw talent and emotional depth.
The guitar was sold for $6 million, the highest price ever paid for a guitar. This sale highlights the lasting impact of Nirvana and Cobain on rock music and culture.
