News Upcoming auction features unique Nirvana items including guitar used on first Cobain demos |
The upcoming "Icons of Music" auction to be held in New York on May 31 will include a number of unique and fascinating items of music memorabilia. The auction includes some Nirvana-related memorabilia:Sears model bass guitar, serial number 20180. In 1982, according to Cobain's Aunt Mari Earl, Cobain recorded his first demo at her home in Seattle using this bass. The demo was called "Organized Confusion" a name he wished to call his band. In 1985 under this band moniker Cobain recorded a second demo also using this bass called "Fecal Matter." Accompanied by letter of authenticity from Cobain's aunt Mari Earl and a photo of Cobain playing the guitar.
- estimate: 40000.00 - 60000.00 USD
MTV Video Music Awards Moonman, dated 1991-1992, awarded to Nirvana for Best New Artist 1992 for "Smells Like Teen Spirit."
- estimate: 4000.00 - 6000.00 USD
Signed page from the Australian magazine HM (Hot Metal), signed "Kurdt" in black marker over Cobain's photograph, c.1991. A quote from the accompanying article reads:"...except for autographs. I don't mind compliments from people but autographs are becoming really obnoxious for me. I am planning on having an official Kurt Cobain autograph stamp made up." 15 3/4 by 26 1/4 inches, matted
- estimate: 600.00 - 800.00 USD
Ibanez Black Eagle bass, serial number F760076, mahogany body, pick guard has been removed, neck has been replaced. Novoselic used this bass on tour with Nirvana in 1992-1993. At one point he smashed the bass on stage and broke the neck, which he had replaced. Black case is beat up and road weary. Accompanied by a signed letter from Novoselic. In part: "Please play the heck out of that bass. I know I did." A photograph of Novoselic with the bass on stage from Halloween 1993 also present.
- estimate: 10000.00 — 20000.00 USD
Dark cerulean velvet jacket, with six brass buttons, worn by Kurt Cobain on December 13, 1993 at a MTV Live and Loud at Pier 48, in Seattle Washington. No tags present.
- estimate: 6000.00 - 8000.00 USD
Mailed October 14, 1991, Newsletter from Nirvana, printed on green paper, accompanied by t-shirt order form, with tour dates listed on reverse. Newsletter is signed "Chris," "Kurdt" and "Dave."The newsletter was mailed one month after the release of "Nevermind" which shot Nirvana to mainstream stardom. Both the newsletter and order form exhibit the early 90s DIY spirit of cut and paste plus photocopying. The newsletter has a brief and amusing anecdote about spelling "Kurt's" name as "Kurdt." But lacks an explanation of why "Krist's" name is spelled "Chris."
- estimate: 800.00 - 1200.00 USD
Nirvana and Mudhoney poster from October 29, 1991 at the Fox Theatre in Portland, Oregon, yellow with green print. 17 by 11 inches This concert was on the same day that the album "Nevermind" went gold.
- estimate: 600.00 - 800.00 USD
Inspired By Series Gibson Custom Dave Grohl guitar, serial number DG 174, based on Grohl's Gibson Trini Lopez guitar, laminated maple body and one-piece mahogany neck, Burstbucker pickups, diamond shaped f-holes, Pelham blue finish, inscribed "Cheers Dave Grohl" in black marker also present, accompanied by a Gibson Custom certificate of authenticity also signed by Grohl.
- estimate: 600.00 - 800.00 USD
Out of the 502 items in total, there's also rare letters, guitars and other memorabilia from the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles and Frank Sinatra.
A full listing of the items is available here. More info about the auction here.
The items will be exhibited for the public in Ireland, Los Angeles and New York. The actual live auction begins at the Hard Rock Café in New York on May 31 at 10 AM, EST.
From the press release:
"U2's the Edge announced the Icons of Music Sale II to benefit Music Rising to be held on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at Hard Rock Cafe New York in Times Square. This second annual auction event, hosted by Julien’s Auctions (www.juliensauctions.com), will offer one of the most significant collections of music memorabilia from many of music's greatest legends with proceeds benefiting Music Rising (www.musicrising.org), a campaign co-founded by U2's the Edge, legendary producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz in 2005 to aid musicians of the Gulf Coast Region in regaining their livelihood after the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita."
Posted or updated: 05-10-2008 @ 4:00 PM (GMT) by RH.