Music

Julien's, Hard Rock Cafe® Piccadilly Circus Offer Rare Preview of ‘Music Icons’

Julien's exhibition at London's Piccadilly Circus showcases ultra-rare and iconic memorabilia up for bid in 'Music Icons' auction on May 30-31 in New York City.

May 9, 2025

The bustling heart of London's Piccadilly Circus is playing host to a unique and captivating exhibition offering music enthusiasts a tantalizing sneak peek into the extraordinary "Music Icons" collection soon to go under the hammer at Julien's Auctions. Displayed in the exterior window of the iconic Hard Rock Cafe® Piccadilly Circus from Friday, May 9th, the exhibit drew crowds eager to witness a selection of artifacts that have shaped the landscape of popular music.

This free and publicly accessible display provides an intimate encounter with items that carry the echoes of legendary performances, groundbreaking recordings, and the very essence of rock and roll royalty. From iconic guitars wielded by the hands of Kurt Cobain, Eric Clapton, and Eddie Van Halen to stage-worn ensembles that defined the personas of Cher, Elton John, and Dolly Parton, the exhibition offers a tangible connection to music history.

Adding further significance to this London showcase revealed on Friday, May 9th were special appearances by Julien's Auctions' esteemed co-founders and executive directors, Martin Nolan and Darren Julien. Their presence underscored the importance of this preview and the anticipation surrounding the full auction event scheduled for Friday, May 30th, and Saturday, May 31st, live at the Hard Rock Cafe® in New York City. Nolan and Julien, with their deep knowledge and passion for music memorabilia, undoubtedly shared insights and anecdotes with visitors, enriching their experience and highlighting the unique stories behind these remarkable artifacts.

a man standing behind five guitars on display

The carefully curated selection on display offered a mere glimpse into the nearly 700 lots that comprise the "Music Icons" auction. Imagine standing before Kurt Cobain's 1989 Studio Played Photo Matched Hilversum Session 1989 Warwick Dolphin Pro I Electric Bass Guitar, the very instrument played during Nirvana's pivotal 1991 Hilversum Sessions. Or consider the intricate detail of Dolly Parton’s 1975 “Hee-Haw” Appearance-Worn jumpsuit – a true and visual testament to her enduring style and stage presence. These are not just objects; they are tangible links to moments that have resonated across generations.

Beyond the instruments and attire, the exhibition also featured intriguing relics such as Jim Morrison’s 1969 Stage-Used AKG D-1000 microphone with accompanying photos and Bob Dylan's vintage handwritten lyrics for "Lay Lady Lay." These items offer a more personal and intimate perspective on the lives and creative processes of these iconic artists. The inclusion of John Lennon’s handwritten letter to chauffeur Les Anthony further amplified the historical weight and intimacy of the collection.

Highlights on Display in Piccadilly

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Music Icons

Nirvana

Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic Studio Played Photo Matched Hilversum Session 1989 Warwick Dolphin Pro I Electric Bass Guitar, Natural Oil Finish

A 1989 Warwick Dolphin Pro I four string electric bass, serial #G083 89, in satin natural finish. This bass was used by Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic of Nirvana during a recording session which took place on November 25th, 1991 in Hilversum, North Holland, Netherlands prior to the band’s performance at Paradiso that same evening. The instrument’s unique wood grain has been matched to photographs taken at the studio, one of which became the cover of Rolling Stone Argentina #185.

The session, which was a joint effort between Dutch radio stations VPRO and VARA, was held at Hilversum Studios. The band meandered through three songs including Leadbelly’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” And a cover of “Here She Comes Now” by The Velvet Underground; the unnamed third song would come to be known as “Horrified.” Both Kurt and Krist would play the bass at the studio that day, captured in photos taken by Michel Linssen which can be seen here. Accounts of how long the session lasted seem to vary, however only around 20 minutes of recorded material seems to have surfaced, which can be heard here.

The equipment for the session was backline rental gear including the Warwick bass, which still has its Music Plant inventory stickers affixed to the headstock and back of the body, as well as a sticker for H.V.K. Music, likely Herman Van Keeken Music, also located in Hilversum. The band used backline equipment that day as their own was already being set up for that evening’s concert.

The Warwick Dolphin Pro I was made in West Germany and features a 34” scale length seven piece Wenge and Zebrano neck with thru-body construction, a 26 fret Wenge fretboard, bell brass frets, mother of pearl dolphin position marker inlays, an abalone W inlay at the headstock, four gold plated Warwick tuners, and an adjustable brass nut. The ergonomically contoured body is made of Bioré, a rare African Rosewood, with an oil finish, a gold plated two piece bridge and tailpiece, gold plated knobs, and gold plated Schaller strap lock buttons. The bass is equipped with Bartolini J and MM pickups, a concentric pot for master volume and pickup blend, plus another concentric pot for the active 2-band Treble and Bass EQ, both push-pull for coil splitting each pickup (battery required).

Includes soft case plus an orange Warwick flight case with Music Plant logo and inventory stickers, and two additional soft bags inside the case for protection. Also includes the yellow, black, and brown Fender strap that can be seen in the photos of Krist playing the bass at the aforementioned session.

See images from Hilversum session here.

Music Icons

Bob Dylan

Vintage Handwritten "Lay Lady Lay" Lyrics with LOA from Jeff Rosen

A set of lyrics for Bob Dylan's "Lay, Lady, Lay," handwritten in pencil by Dylan on a single sheet of stationary from Boston's Atlantic Lumber Company, with the title and chords written at the top of the page.

Each verse is numbered (1-3) and the lyrics handwritten here differ slightly from those heard on the recording of the song. For example, the first verse includes the alternate couplet "Whatever colors you can have and hold / I'll show them to you they'll shine like gold" with "be bright as" crossed out, as well other slight variations in the verses.

Accompanied by a signed Letter of Authenticity from Jeff Rosen on Bob Dylan Music Co. letterhead that reads, in part: "This letter will certify that the lyrics to LAY, LADY, LAY, contained herein, are authentic, original Bob Dylan lyrics worksheets, written in his own hand. These lyrics were discovered in a storage vault with several other of Bob Dylan's personal items dating from the 1960s and 1970s."

"Lay, Lady, Lay" was released as the second single off of Dylan's ninth studio album, Nashville Skyline (Columbia, 1969), which saw the singer-songwriter immersing himself in country music's sounds and styles. He first discussed the idea of a recording a country album with Johnny Cash in 1965 and though those plans never came to fruition, Dylan went on to promote the Nashville Skyline on The Johnny Cash Show on June 7, 1969. The album would become one of his most popular, receiving broad acclaim from critics and fans alike and peaking at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in September of 1969.

Though long believed to have been written for the film Midnight Cowboy, Dylan confirms--during a recently revealed, unpublished 1971 conversation with Tony Glover--that he originally conceived of the song as a duet between Barbra Streisand and himself.

Dimensions: 8 x 5 inches

Music Icons

Oasis

Noel Gallagher's Photo-Matched Owned and Autographed Suzuki Hummingbird Guitar Played Backstage in Amsterdam 2009, Cherry Sunburst

A photo-matched Grand-Suzuki Hummingbird guitar, serial #91008, used and owned by Noel Gallagher during his time in iconic British band Oasis. This guitar was originally obtained from Gallagher's personal collection and was used to warm up and jam backstage. Wear near the sound hole and patterns on the pickguard can be matched to a Mick Hutson photograph of Gallagher holding the guitar backstage at an Oasis concert in Amsterdam on 21st January 2009. (Click HERE to view the photo) The guitar is signed by Noel Gallagher on the back of the headstock in silver felt tip pen.

This Grand-Suzuki W-65H acoustic guitar is made in Japan and a replica of a Gibson Hummingbird. It features a 25.5” scale length Nyatoh neck with a bound 20 fret rosewood neck with block inlays, six chrome plated tuners, and a tortoise shell truss rod cover. The body has cherry finished Nyatoh back and sides with a sunburst finished laminate spruce top, a rosewood bridge with adjustable saddle, double binding, and a tortoise shell plastic pickguard with floral hummingbird motif. The guitar includes a black hardshell case with black interior with tape on the side inscribed “Suzuki Not Use For Show” and tape on the lower bout side of the case which reads “SN - 91008 / Grand Suzuki Acoustic Cherry Burst Noel.”

Music Icons

Eddie Van Halen

Stage Played and Signed Charvel Art Series Guitar, Black with Red and White Stripes with Photos

A c.2007 Charvel EVH Art Series electric guitar, #196, in black finish with red and white stripes. Signed and stage played by Eddie Van Halen on October 5th, 2007 in Uncasville, CT. Eddie has inscribed the guitar “Uncasville, CT 10-5-’07 Van Halen ’07” and signed the guitar on the bass side of the body in gold felt tip pen.

This limited series of EVH Art Series guitars were born from a partnership between Eddie and Charvel, designed to his specs, and offered only through internet auctions. #196 bears its edition number on the neck plate as well as on a holographic sticker affixed to the tremolo spring cavity which reads “Genuine EVH 000196.”

The guitar features a 25.5” scale length one piece bolt-on maple neck with 22 frets, black dot inlays, a thin oil finish, chrome locking nut and string retainer, and six chrome Schaller sealed gear tuners on the headstock. The basswood body is finished in black with white and red stripes with no pickguard, a single black tone knob on the master volume control, and a chrome Original Floyd Rose vibrato with D-Tuner installed. The lone pickup in the bridge position is a Fender-made EVH Humbucker wired to a volume control and sent straight to the output jack. Includes original black hardshell case with EVH branded interior, a chrome arm for the Original Floyd Rose vibrato, an original COA from Charvel signed by Eddie Van Halen, a bag containing two case keys on green tassels, and three photos of Eddie Van Halen playing the guitar on stage.

Dimensions: Case: 41.5 x 15 x 4”

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Music Icons

John Lennon

Handwritten Letter to Chauffeur Les Anthony

A letter from John Lennon to his chauffeur, Les Anthony, handwritten in pencil on Apple letterhead.

The letter reads: "Dear Les and family, As you know we seem to be living half our life abroad these days, and it's crazy to keep a large staff, as we need people here - right? You've been a good lad over the years and faithful - for which I thank you. I know you've spoken to Peter Howard and Dan about leaving - and I hope the arrangements suit you, See you some day, all the best, John & Yoko. P.S. If there's anything you want to say to us, call May at ABKIO, if you need a reference - tell us what you need ok? P.P.S. Say goodbye to your wife and kids xxx."

Les Anthony was a chauffeur to Lennon from the mid-1960s until 1971, when Lennon moved to New York.

Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inches

Music Icons

Taylor Swift

2012 "Bliss" Magazine Cover-Worn Dress with Magazine

A purple portrait collar cocktail dress from the Rafael Cennamo Fall 2011 RTW Collection, worn by Taylor Swift on the November 2012 cover of Bliss Magazine.

A "Paul Wilmot Communications" label is present as well as a white hang tag that reads "Taylor Swift - F11 424 - Size 10."

Includes a copy of the November 2012 issue of Bliss Magazine.

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Music Icons

Jimi Hendrix

Suede Fringe Bag with Photo

A teal suede shoulder bag with fringe details, circa 1969, previously owned by Jimi Hendrix.

The bag features lacing details to top, and a strap attached by two brass-colored rings. No size or label present.

Hendrix can be seen wearing a similar bag in a c. 1969 photograph at his rented home in Boiceville, New York, where he lived in the weeks leading up to the Woodstock festival.

Includes a photo print of Hendrix with a fringe bag.

Music Icons

Britney Spears

1999 "Baby One More Time" Tour Stage-Worn Ensemble with Doll, Ticket, Signed Photo, and Greeting Card

An ensemble stage-worn by Britney Spears during her 1999 "Baby One More Time" Tour.

The ensemble consists of a tan leatherette and elastic jumper with a breakaway fastening strip closure on front, glittery silver-color lining, and pink residue on both sleeves; matching pink paint-flecked trousers with a rear zipper closure and a paper tag numbered "8/839" pinned to the interior; a white elasticated sleeveless turtleneck vest piece with two pink buttons and glittery pink detailing; and a black foam Shure fanny pack. Also included are a black foam-padded Shure headset; a plastic-laminated "Support" pass issued to staff on the "Baby One More Time" tour; two original tickets to Spears' August 24, 1999 performance at the State Theatre in Detroit, MI with serial numbers "S-23654088" and "S-23654089;" an unused "Britney Spears: Live! In Concert" action figure featuring Spears in her ..Baby One More Time tour costume along with a limited-edition Britney "Soda Pop" CD in their original Play Along box; and a black-and-white photograph of Spears printed with her signature for her stint as the Grand Marshal for the Krewe of Endymion at Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 2000.

Timed to support the release of the Grammy Award®-winning singer's debut studio album, the tour earned more than $1.7 million in box office receipts, catapulting Spears into the top echelons of pop music and cementing her status as a cultural icon. Throughout the tour, Spears wore white costumes with pink detailing which were later immortalized in Play Along Toys' line of Britney Spears action figures.

This lot originated from the collection of Johnny Wright, Spears' long-time manager. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Mike Wilferd, Johnny Wright's property manager, as well as a greeting card featuring Spears wearing the ensemble.

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Music Icons

Amy Winehouse

2007 Interview-Worn Floral Dress

A red cotton, floral patterned mini dress with a sweetheart neckline, front bow detail, and an elastic waistline, owned and worn by Amy Winehouse in a 2007 interview with Kelly Osbourne, which took place before her headlining performance at Summerset House in London, which was televised in the UK.

Labeled "Reko Handmade in London." No size present.

221

Music Icons

Mama Cass Elliot

1970 Photo-Worn Bob Mackie Caftan with Photo

An aubergine velour caftan dress designed by Bob Mackie, worn by Mama Cass Elliot in a 1970 portrait.

The caftan is generously embellished with chunky coral and turquoise colored beads; gold tone beads, sequins, and topaz colored rhinestones in metal casing. No size or label present.

Includes a photo print featuring Mama Cass wearing the caftan.

Julien's Auctions & Hard Rock Cafe®

The strategic partnership between Julien's Auctions and Hard Rock Cafe® for these preview exhibitions in both London and New York accentuate the global appeal and cultural significance of these musical artifacts. By making these highlights accessible to the public, they are not only generating excitement for the upcoming auction but also offering a valuable opportunity for fans to connect with the history they cherish.

For those unable to witness the London display firsthand, the anticipation now shifts to the Hard Rock Cafe® in New York City, where another exhibition will run from Wednesday, May 21st, until Saturday, May 31st, coinciding with the live auction. The online catalog offers a comprehensive view of the entire "Music Icons" collection, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to explore the vast array of musical treasures up for bid.

The exhibition at Hard Rock Cafe® Piccadilly Circus served as a compelling reminder of the power of music and the enduring legacy of its icons. As the "Music Icons" collection prepares to make hit the auction block, the world watches with anticipation, ready to witness these pieces of music history find new custodians.

a black and white photo of a man playing an acoustic guitar

Live Auction

Music Icons

May 30, 2025

7:00 AM PDT