Icons & Idols: Music Icons

Just months before his death, Kurt Cobain appeared on the now-famous MTV Unplugged performance of 1993. Cobain performed eight original Nirvana songs and six additional covers before a live audience. The show was alternately called his greatest work and “his last self-portrait.” Appearing in the upcoming Icons & Idols sale, offered by Julien’s Auctions, is Cobain’s Martin D-18E guitar used for the MTV show. The guitar has several personalized modifications, including recuts allowing Cobain to play left-handed and an added Bartolini 3AV pickup. Another notable instrument in this sale is Prince’s stage-used blue Cloud guitar. It was created specifically for the artist and used during his Purple Rain Tour between 1984 and 1985. 

More than 800 lots will be available in this auction, spread over two days and four sessions. Several items owned by crossover artist Johnny Cash are highlighted, including the 1990 Mercedes-Benz sedan that he drove until his death. Outfits worn by Elvis Presley, Madonna, and Michael Jackson stand out, as well as handwritten lyric sheets from the Beatles and a journal kept by Jim Morrison of the Doors. To view the complete listings, visit Julien’s Auctions.