Kurt Cobain’s smashed guitar sells for almost $600,000 at public sale

A guitar smashed as soon as performed by Kurt Cobain has offered for simply shy of $600,000 (£480,000) at public sale.

The instrument in query is a black Fender Stratocaster, which was reportedly damaged by the frontman across the identical time that Nirvana have been releasing their now-iconic second album, ‘Nevermind’.

Hosted by Julien’s Auctions, it offered on Saturday (Might 20) on the Exhausting Rock Cafe in New York Metropolis, and exceeded all expectations by reaching 10 occasions the anticipated worth. Initially, the axe was thought to usher in between $60,000 and $80,000 on the occasion, particularly because of the interval the musician used it and the main points it included on the physique.

Not solely was the Stratocaster reportedly utilized by the musician round 1991, nevertheless it additionally options signatures from all three band members – Cobain, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic. Accompanying the guitar was a brief word by Cobain, written for his pal and musical collaborator Mark Lanegan, who handed away in February final 12 months.

Within the inscription, which is on the backside of the guitar’s physique, the frontman additionally incorrectly spelt his personal identify. “Hell-o Mark. Love, your pal Kurdt Kobain. Washed up Rock Star,” it reads.

In keeping with the public sale home, the instrument was gifted to Lanegan by the late ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ singer throughout the North American leg of Nirvana’s 1992 ‘Nevermind’ tour.

The grunge icon notoriously smashed quite a lot of guitars all through his time within the band. Discussing his method in the direction of his stay performances, Kody Frederick of Julien’s Auctions instructed AFP information company (through BBC): “The person was indignant, and you could possibly really feel that on stage. And you’ll really feel that by the best way he would deal with his devices.”

The Strat – which offered with the closing bid of $596,900 (£478,522) – was put again collectively forward of the public sale, however stays unplayable. The identification of the client stays unknown.

Again in 2022, one other of Cobain’s smashed guitars offered for greater than £400,000 when going to public sale. The mannequin – which was a 1973 Fender Mustang – was smashed onstage by Cobain throughout Nirvana’s first US tour in 1989, and offered for greater than double the unique estimate.

Equally, in February, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk launched replicas of an Iron Maiden skateboard, which was hand-painted by Kurt Cobain, to lift cash for charity.