Press Release
For Immediate release!
JULIEN’S AUCTIONS ANNOUNCES “MUSIC ICONS”
OVER 1,200 ITEMS OF ROCK AND ROLL HISTORY AND EXCLUSIVE ARTIST COLLECTIONS
Beyond Black, Celebrating Amy Winehouse’s Fashion and Style
Property from Bill Wyman and his Rolling Stones Archive
From the Personal Archives of Julian Lennon
From the Personal Archives of Bette Midler
The Top of the Pops 1960s Rosetti Egmond 276 Toledo Acoustic Guitar Featuring Over 35 Signatures Including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield, The Ronettes, The Crystals, Neil Diamond, Marianne Faithfull and More
Kurt Cobain’s Smashed Black Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar and Nirvana “Smells Like Teen Spirit” 1991 Debut Performance Handwritten Set List, Eddie Van Halen’s Van Halen 2007 & 2008 Tour Final Concert Stage Played Charvel EVH Electric Guitar, The Who’s Keith Moon “Stardust” Film Drum Kit, Bono’s 2002 U2 Stage Played Gretsch Irish Falcon Electric Guitar, Elvis Presley’s 18 Karat Gold Fire Opal and Diamond Ring, Freddie Mercury’s 1977 New York Yankees Queen Madison Square Garden Stage Worn Bomber Jacket, Lenny Kravitz 1973 “John Lennon Memorial Concert” Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar, Jimi Hendrix’s “51st Anniversary” Handwritten Lyrics & More to Rock the Three-Day Music Auction Event of the Year
Historic Collection of MTV “Moonman” Video Music Awards: Michael Jackson & USA for Africa 1985 “We are the World” VMA, Beastie Boys 2005 Signed “Ch-Check It Out” MTV Video Music Award Japan, Justin Timberlake & Timbaland 2007 Sexyback” MTV Australia Video Music Award, Aerosmith 1993 “Livin’ on the Edge” VMA and Others
Artist Signed Instruments and Items Donated by Gibson Gives from Dolly Parton, Gloria Estefan, Green Day, Tool, Robby Krieger, Cheap Trick, Adam Sandler, Shaquille O’Neal, Willie Nelson and More
FRIDAY, MAY 19TH, SATURDAY, MAY 20TH AND SUNDAY, MAY 21ST, 2023
Beverly Hills, California– (May 3rd, 2023) – Julien’s Auctions, the world renowned auction house to the stars, announced today their spectacular lineup of artifacts that will be offered in the industry’s premiere music auction event MUSIC ICONS, taking place Friday, May 19th, Saturday, May 20th, and Sunday, May 21st, 2023 live at Hard Rock Cafe New York and online at juliensauctions.com.
Over 1,200 items owned and used by the world’s greatest music artists such as Kurt Cobain, Nirvana, The Beatles, Guns N' Roses, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Eddie Van Halen, U2, Tupac Shakur, Judas Priest, Motley Crüe, Bob Dylan and more will be offered in addition to exclusive collections from Amy Winehouse, Bill Wyman, Julian Lennon, Bette Midler and Phil Spector with the three-day auction event closing as previously announced with the grand finale, Property from the Special Collection of Global Icon Janet Jackson.
One of the incredible highlights of the auction will be a 1960s Rosetti Egmond 276 Toledo acoustic guitar signed by a star-studded lineup of music icons who performed or attended as guests on BBC’s The Top of the Pops during the show’s early years, while Lorn "Johnnie" Stewart was the producer. Over 35 signatures and inscriptions from legendary musicians such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield, The Ronettes, The Crystals, Neil Diamond, Marianne Faithfull and more are featured on the instrument which is estimated to sell between $100,000 - $200,000.
Hitting the auction stage front and center will be legacy items from one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, Nirvana, such as a black Fender Stratocaster electric guitar smashed by Kurt Cobain and signed by all three members of Nirvana with additional inscriptions to Mark Lanegan (of Screaming Trees) by Cobain that read: “Hell-o Mark! Love, Your Pal, Kurdt Kobain / Washed up rockstar” as well as the inscription Boddah Lives engraved to the neck plate (referring to Cobain’s childhood imaginary friend). The reassembled but unplayable guitar is set up in Cobain’s favored configuration for live performance: a Hot Rails pickup in the bridge position, and is housed in a black hard case with “Abort Christ” written on the top in white block letters and includes a white Ernie Ball guitar strap (estimate: $60,000 - $80,000).
Another historic relic is a Nirvana setlist, handwritten in pink marker to use for their April 17th, 1991 performance at OK Hotel in Seattle, Washington which marked the band’s debut performance of their breakthrough hit, “Smells like Teen Spirit” before its release. The list was written on the back of a printed “Guitar Lessons with Tommy Rose” flyer advertisement and included songs such as “Big Cheese,” “D-7,” “Love Buzz,” “About a Girl,” “Immoodiuum,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” and “In Bloom.” Nirvana headlined this benefit concert with Fits of Depression and Bikini Kill, just five months before their seminal breakthrough album Nevermind was released (estimate: $4,000 - $6,000). A six-unit rackmount heavy duty road case with removable front and rear covers used by Kurt Cobain while on tour with Nirvana (estimate: $1,000 - $2,000) is another highlight.
One of the marquee auction headliners of the three-day event will be the five-time GRAMMY Award® -winning retro-soul music superstar and pop diva, Amy Winehouse. This stunning collection of 50 pieces, synonymous with Winehouse’s distinct style and signature artistry, curated by Naomi Parry, author of Beyond Black, the definitive story of Amy Winehouse, and Winehouse’s stylist, designer and close friend, who created many of the style icon’s most famous fashion moments, were displayed recently at The Museum of Style Icons at the Newbridge Silverware Visitor’s Centre’s exhibition of Winehouse’s life and career. Her iconic costumes, garments, and personal property as well as never-before-seen items such as a group of figure-hugging mini-dresses Winehouse designed with Parry for a new fashion line and for her 2011 European Tour but never wore due to Winehouse’s untimely passing will be offered. Also included are rare design sketches, collages and artwork related to these colorful, custom-made creations designed for Winehouse’s famous silhouette and all of which she gave names to such as: “Palm Trees,” “Parry Keet,” “Flamin’ Go” “Itsy Bitsy Camden” (a yellow and black dress which according to Parry was Winehouse’s favorite from the collection), “The Origami(y),” “Shock Out,” “Bamboo Stripey,” and more (estimate range each dress: $5,000 - $7,000).
Another rare piece heading to auction for the first time will be her D&G brand shell patterned dress worn in her 2004 “F*ck Me Pumps” music video. The cotton mini dress with an enlarged Polynesian ‘60s style floral print and defined bust cups was featured in the music video for the fourth and final single off her 2004 Frank album and exhibited an early example of Winehouse’s love for wearing Dolce & Gabbana which continued throughout her career and personal life (estimate: $10,000 - $20,000). Other top highlights include: her strapless shiny black and white snake print mini dress with a satin bow to the center; dresses by some of Winehouse’s favorite designers and brands such as a David Dalrymple for Field New York jungle cat print halter dress; cobalt blue Preen Collection dress with asymmetrical neckline, a satin strap and waistband with ruching; a black stretch Fred Perry and Amy Winehouse dress with boned bodice and logo; a black strapless Juicy Couture mini dress with colorful floral velvet burnouts, as well as some of her most personal beauty products and style pieces such as her petal pink satin ballet slippers, Rimmel black eyeliner, pink Mac lipstick, cardigans, sweater vests, bras and more.
The King of Rock and Roll thrilled audiences once again in Baz Luhrmann’s blockbuster 2022 biographical film Elvis and his iconic Las Vegas residency and comeback television special as well as personal items from his private life and larger than life persona will reign in this auction. An oversized 18K Gold fire opal and diamond ring (estimate: $30,000 - $40,000), owned and stage-worn by Elvis Presley circa 1970s during his Las Vegas residency is just one example of the showman’s dazzling jewels. Elvis later gifted the ring to RCA executive, George Parkhill which was later purchased by Jimmy Velvet when he opened the Elvis Presley Museum.
Also, from Presley circa 1970s, are his 14k gold crucifix ring (estimate: $3,000 - $5,000), 14K Gold TCB (“Taking Care of Business” Presley’s personal motto) pendant necklace given by Elvis Presley to the singer’s close friend and Memphis Mafia member Cliff Gleaves, who worked as his security guard (estimate: $8,000 - $10,000) and black Ray Ban reading glasses (estimate: $5,000 - $7,000) among others.
From his famous 1968 NBC Comeback special are artifacts from the now classic musical performance recorded by Elvis Presley: “I Can Dream” music lyrics sheet in a framed display signed by Elvis Presley and inscribed, “To my friend Cricket / my best to you,” (estimate: $800 - $1,200) and an original ticket for the taping of the television special (estimate: $600 - $800). Personal items include a tazza style champagne glass with a clear and black swirled stem from the 1967 wedding reception of Elvis and Priscilla (estimate: $800 - $1,200), a business card with a lock of Elvis Presley’s hair taped to the front (estimate: $2,000 - $3,000), his baby blue compact travel hair dryer (estimate: $2,000 - $3,000), and a wireless gate door opener, used by Elvis Presley to open the gates of his sprawling Memphis estate, Graceland (estimate: $800 - $1,200).
Rare items from the legendary guitarist and singer Jimi Hendrix will rock the auction stage such as his handwritten lyrics for the 1967 Bath Pavilion “51st Anniversary” song signed by Hendrix and members of The Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding (estimate: $60,000 - $80,000). According to the original holders of the pages, they approached Hendrix for an autograph before a 1967 gig in Bath, U.K. As the pair didn’t have any paper for him to sign, Hendrix obliged by tearing a sheet out of a notebook he had been using to write down lyrics, ripping the sheet in half, and signing each piece, one for each of the fans. The two preserved their respective fragments of the page for 55 years, reuniting them last year. Though Hendrix was known for keeping notebooks at his disposal to jot down lyrics, very few such manuscript pages with his handwritten lyrics are available. Other Hendrix pieces include: a 1968 Fender Dual Showman 2x15 speaker cabinet (P52418) with JBL speakers, acquired by Jimi Hendrix for his 1968 U.S. tour with the Experience and stage-used by him on multiple performance dates, circa1968 onward such as his famous 1969 Newport Pop Festival performance (estimate: $60,000 - $80,000); an original matchbook cover from The Dorchester Hotel in London signed by Jimi Hendrix dated May 9th, 1967 which coincides with a Tribute to The Recording Industry luncheon honoring Jimi Hendrix and The Experience held by the Variety Club of London at The Dorchester (estimate: $2,000 - $3,000); unpublished photographs of Hendrix and more.
Extraordinary and more never before seen pieces from the renowned Rolling Stones archive of Bill Wyman, the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, English musician, record producer, songwriter and singer and founding member and bassist of the World’s Greatest Rock Band, will be an outstanding highlight of this music auction blockbuster. This intimate and personal time capsule of Wyman’s storied three decade career features important memorabilia, documents, jewelry and other treasures of Rolling Stones history such as (with estimates): Wyman’s silver fruit set and leaves chain necklace worn on the cover of the Stones’ 1976 album, Black and Blue and a silver plate necklace of 13 interlocking Scottish thistle links worn on the cover of his 1975 solo album Monkey Grip, both of which he purchased at a flea market in London in the 1960s (estimate each item: $4,000 - $6,000);
the original black box LP boxed set mock-up of the Rolling Stones "Black Box" album Bill Wyman came up with in 1974 to make use of the band's unreleased tracks which he designed with John Pasche, most famous for designing the band's tongue logo. Contents include a chart showing Wyman, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Ian Stewart's selections, a list of 15 tracks written in Mick Jagger's hand on stationery from the Munchen Hilton, a black LP sleeve, two rough versions of a booklet and a red ribbon wrapped around the box ($3,000 - $5,000);
a Rolling Stones cancelled German show poster promoting their show on March 29th, 1966 at the Grugahalle in Essen Germany that never happened. Nervous that the show would cause riots the Stones played no dates in Germany during their brief spring of 1966 European tour ($800 - $1,200); invoices, receipts and bills from the Rolling Stones’ day to day schedule and life on the road such as Brian Jones’ invoice from Dandie Fashions (one of the Stones’ favorite clothing shops) in Chelsea dated June 30th, 1967 that lists a pair of "red/blue" trousers and a fur waistcoat totaling £21 and 60 shillin ($800 - $1,200);
a Keith Richards signed invoice from Tour-Aides of London, an international courier, chauffeur and car hire agency listing driver services provided during the month of December 1966 that shows over 100 hours of services ($800 - $1,200); a tray containing 22 Rolling Stones badges from various tours most dating from the 1980s ($500 - $700); a brief letter written in 1965 by Keith Richards ($3,000 - $5,000) on Hotel Marina, Copenhagen Denmark stationery that reads, "Dear Fred; / Please send this / to my mother as I have / lost her address. / Thanks / Keith / P.S. We're all fine and healthy. / love from lads;" a Bill Wyman signed bill from Tramp, a private members-only nightclub located at 40 Jermyn Street, in London dated March 1st, 1976 ($800 - $1,200);
a framed color photograph of a very jolly looking Rolling Stones shot during their first trip to continental Europe in April of 1964 when they traveled to Montreux Switzerland to perform at a special Ready Steady Go taping during the TV Golden Rose Festival ($300 - $500); plus, numerous record awards, a Rolling Stones tongue logo telephone, a mustard yellow 1975 American tour cotton terry cloth towel with Rolling Stones tongue logo, posters, and more. A portion of the proceeds of Bill Wyman’s auction will benefit Kicking the Stigma, “Kicking The Stigma,” The Indianapolis Colts and Irsay Family’s mental health awareness initiative.
In their continuation of representing Beatles iconography of historical significance at auction, Julien’s proudly presents an array of remarkable pieces from Julian Lennon’s private collection of Beatles treasures and historic personal items from his father John Lennon. Rarely have pieces from GRAMMY® Nominated singer/songwriter, multi-faceted artist and humanitarian, Julian Lennon’s collection been seen or made available to the public. Revving up the auction stage will be a vintage Honda Z50AE Monkey Bike. In late 1969, Monkey Bikes were purchased by EMI as Christmas gifts for The Beatles. John Lennon was later pictured riding on his bike with a young Julian, as well as Ringo and then wife Maureen on Ringo’s original bike in the 1969 music video for “Something.” Julian‘s bike came from a gardener employed by Ringo Starr in the 1980s at his home, Tittenhurst Park, the estate he had purchased from John Lennon in 1973 (estimate: $10,000 - $20,000).
Several original framed black and white photograph prints of The Beatles in their most incandescent moments such as, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison playing their guitars on stage at the Top Ten Club in Hamburg, Germany, circa 1961; George Harrison lighting up a cigarette at the ABC Cinema, Huddersfield, on January 29th, 1964; and Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison leaning on a piano at the Gaumont Theatre, Bradford, on December 21st, 1963, and other photographs will be offered (each estimate: $400 - $600). Various RIAA Gold® Record Awards for some of their biggest studio albums, Meet the Beatles!, Help! Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and classic single hits such as, “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Yesterday,” and more will make fine additions to any Beatles history collection.
A group of original mounted animation cels from The Beatles landmark 1969 film Yellow Submarine including an animation image of the film’s iconic “Nowhere Man” sequence (estimate: $5,000 - $7,000) will make an exuberant appearance at the podium. Other highlights include: a group of 24 original The Beatles Monthly Book issues (estimate: $1,000 - $2,000); a pair of original tickets for the 1964 world premiere of The Beatles’ first feature film, the musical/comedy classic, A Hard Day’s Night (estimate: $800 - $1,200); a guitar-shaped John Lennon Beatle Brooch, Paul McCartney and Wings tour promo posters, and more. A portion of the proceeds of this auction of Julian Lennon’s collection will benefit Lennon’s nonprofit The White Feather Foundation.
A glittering collection from The Divine Miss M herself, Bette Midler, will dazzle the auction stage this May. Costumes, record albums, posters, and more from the entertainment icon’s illustrious film, stage and music career spanning five decades that have won her Grammy, Emmy and Golden Globe awards and legions of fans around the world will be offered. 
Highlights include (with estimates): her custom-made hippie ensemble in rose tones worn by Midler in her iconic Academy Award nominated role as Mary Rose "The Rose" Foster in the 1979 film The Rose as well as her ivory satin bias cut dress with plunging neckline Midler wore to the film’s premiere (each $2,000 - $4,000); a custom-made white wiggle halter dress with a black dalmatian spot print worn by Midler during performances of her 1979-1980 "Divine Madness" World Tour and performance as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on May 26th, 1979 ($1,000 - $2,000); her custom-made black stretch velvet 2003-2004 "Kiss My Brass" concert tour worn mermaid costume with a fish gill motif ($1,000 - $2,000); her custom-made figure-hugging black jersey cowl neck 2014 It's the Girls! album cover worn dress ($1,000 - $2,000); items related to Midler's "The Showgirl Must Go On" 2008-2010 residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace Las Vegas such as a gold tone microphone with a glittery finish signed by Midler housed in a black hard plastic case that reads "Bette's personal gold mic” ($600 - $800), six Bette Midler "A Showgirl Must Go On," commemorative poker chips, five sets of large flamingo pink ostrich feather hand fans and three embellished headdresses worn by the showgirls during the show performances; her custom-made 2015 "Divine Intervention" tour worn flamingo pink silk mini dress and more.
From the Estate of the Rock and Hall of Fame inducted American record producer and songwriter, Phil Spector, the infamous trailblazer of the “wall of sound” technique and some of the biggest hits in the canon of American pop music such as the Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Lovin Feelin,’” The Ronnettes’ “Be My Baby,” and The Crystals’ “Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home)” comes a collection of memorabilia, personal items, recording studio gear and more. Items include (with estimates): an original verifax photo collage by Walter Berman featuring sepia-toned images of Lenny Bruce, the Dalai Lama, and others that Spector loaned to 1978 Wallace Berman retrospective at the Otis Art Institute Gallery of Los Angeles ($30,000 - $50,000); original George Harrison handwritten lyrics to his song “You” ($800 - $1,200), as well as numerous Beatles related legal documents, personally owned albums, and photographs; a collection of more than two dozen studio mix tapes, circa mid-1990s, featuring a collaboration between Phil Spector and Celine Dion, as well as record awards and plaques, artwork, sheet music and more.
Julien’s Auctions has once again partnered with Gibson—the iconic, leading American instrument brand—in offering instruments and music items donated and signed by some of the biggest luminaries in entertainment. All proceeds of this auction will go towards Gibson’s charitable arm Gibson Gives whose mission is to support non-profit organizations to advance musicians, youth-focused education, music, and wellness initiatives.
Highlights include (estimate each: $1,000 - $2,000): a dark burst 2022 Gibson Southern Jumbo acoustic guitar signed by Dolly Parton; a natural 2022 Gibson G-00 acoustic guitar signed by Gloria Estefan, who has also inscribed partial lyrics from her hit 1992 single “Always Tomorrow;”
a dark turquoise sparkle 2022 Gibson J-45 acoustic guitar with tiger stripe signed by Willie Nelson; a 2020 black Gibson Les Paul Custom electric guitar signed by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Tre Cool, and Mike Dirnt; a black Gibson SG electric guitar, with a colorful monster face hand-painted and signed by Robby Krieger of The Doors covering the entire front of the body; an antique natural 2023 Gibson Explorer electric guitar signed by Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, and Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick;
a natural 2021 Gibson G-45 acoustic guitar signed by comedian and musician Adam Sandler with the inscription: “It’s time / for the / Chanukah! / Love you!”;
a cherry 2021 Epiphone Wilshire P-90 electric guitar signed by Colombian pop and reggaeton star Sebastian Yatra; a 2020 Gibson Les Paul Silverburst reissue electric guitar signed by Tool band members, Adam Jones, Danny Carey, Justin Chancellor and Maynard James Keenan;
a sparkling burgundy 2022 Epiphone SG electric guitar signed by ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons; a 2020 Gibson EDS-1275 double neck electric guitar signed by Don Felder, inscribed ”Welcome to the Hotel California,” together with the sheet music for the song, also signed by Felder; and two sets of KRK Systems Rokit 5 Nearfield studio sound monitors signed by Shaquille O’Neal (each set: $500 - $700).
“I want my MTV!” And Julien’s got it with a remarkable collection of MTV Video Music Awards through the different eras and continents the iconic awards show has been telecasted including for the first time at Julien’s, an MTV “VMAJ” Moonman from Japan (“Sumo award”) and MTV “AVMA” Moonman Australia (“Playtpus award”). The Sumo Award, previously donated to charity for Tsunami Relief in Japan, was given to the Beastie Boys for "Best Hip Hop Video" for their hit single, “Ch-Check It Out” in 2005 at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan which began in 2002. The award, signed by the group members Michael "Mike D" Diamond, Adam "MCA" Yauch, and Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz, is the first major Beastie Boys item Julien’s has offered at auction (estimate: $10,000 - $20,000). An MTV Australia Video Music Award or "Platypus" Award (estimate: $5,000 - $7,000) was presented to Justin Timberlake with Timbaland for "Best Hook Up" for their music video of “Sexyback” in 2007 at the MTV Australia Awards which was held annually from 2005 to 2009. Other Moonman award highlights include: the 1993 MTV Viewers Choice Award VMA given to Aerosmith for “Livin’ on the Edge” (estimate: $8,000 - $12,000); the 1985 “Best Group Video” VMA presented to Michael Jackson and the USA For Africa supergroup for “We are the World,” one of the best-selling singles of all time with 20 million copies sold to date. The award was previously owned by Michael Jackson, who co-wrote the song with Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones (estimate: $2,000 - $4,000); as well as Moonman awards given to Prodigy and Moby.
Other exceptional highlights include (with estimates):
- The Who’s legendary drummer, Keith Moon’s “Stardust” film used 1960s blue/black pearl finish four-piece Premier brand drum kit ($100,000 - $200,000);
- A circa 2002 Gretsch Irish Falcon electric guitar, stage-played by U2’s Bono. A devotee of the Gretsch 6196 Country Club, Bono commissioned ten Irish Falcon electric guitars from Gretsch in 2000. This particular Irish Falcon guitar was signed by all four members of U2 and donated by Bono when he was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year in 2003 ($100,000 - $200,000);
- A 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe electric guitar played by Lenny Kravitz in the early years of his legendary career with his seminal albums such as 1989’s Let Love Rule and 1991’s Mama Said. The guitar can be seen being played Kravitz live on stage during various performances from this time period, including the John Lennon Memorial Concert in Liverpool on May 5th, 1990 and throughout his 1991 European tour ($40,000 - $60,000).
- A Goff Professional rebuilt 1960 Hammond B3 organ, stage-played by keyboardist, arranger and film composer Ed Shearmur while on tour with Jimmy Page & Robert Plant circa 1995-1998 ($30,000 - $50,000);
- Freddie Mercury’s New York Yankees bomber jacket stage-worn during one of Queen’s News of the World tour stops in 1977 at Madison Square Garden ($20,000 - $40,000);
- David Bowie signed Man Who Fell to Earth fedora hat ($4,000 - $6,000);
- Eddie Van Halen 2004 Charvel EVH Art Series 78 electric guitar, stage-played during the final concert of Van Halen’s 2007 & 2008 Tour featuring David Lee Roth who was back in the line-up for the first time since 1985. The performance at which this guitar was used on stage was part of Quebec City’s Summer Festival on July 3rd, 2008 ($30,000 - $50,000);
- Multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald’s vast collection of career items and instruments during his time with King Crimson and Foreigner such as his stage-played from 1977-1980 Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone ($1,000 - $2,000), “Long, Long Way from Home” Hohner D6 clavinet, ebony Gibson ES-335 electric guitar, vintage 1967 Fender Deluxe Reverb Amplifier and more.
- A 2003 candy apple red custom Hamer K.K. Downing Vector electric guitar, used extensively by Downing on-stage during Judas Priest’s 2005 Angel of Retribution tour and on the cover of Downing’s autobiography Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest ($20,000 - $40,000);
- A vintage 1959 Olympic white Fender Stratocaster electric guitar, owned and used by Motley Crüe’s Mick Mars from his early days with the band through 2002 ($10,000 - $20,000);
- Tupac Shakur’s “Throw Ya Hands Up” handwritten music lyrics ($1,000 - $2,000);
- Queens of the Stone Age’s leopard print painted Lester Piano Company / Lindeman and Sons baby grand piano with red-painted interior, hand pump modification, and Styrofoam prop teeth from the music video for their song “The Vampyre of Time and Memory” ($10,000 - $20,000);
- Ronnie Lane’s custom-made 1971 Zemaitis resonator acoustic guitar with parts from his Gretsch resonator guitar by Tony Zemaitis. This one-of-a-kind instrument is the only six-string resonator guitar made by Zemaitis and was played by Lane while performing solo and with Slim Chance and was photographed on the back cover of the Slim Chance album Anymore for Anymore ($40,000 - $60,000);
- Prince’s original sealed The Black Album record album, his notorious 1987 production whose album release was quickly cancelled one week prior to its intended publication date ($10,000 - $20,000).
- Eric Clapton Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs original MCI JH-16 prototype tape recorder machine studio used during the production of the sole Derek and the Dominos 1970 studio album with the aforementioned title. Designed and constructed by MCI Inc. founder Jeep Harned, the imposing 16-track machine (known affectionately as "Dumbo") was essential to the rich layering of the title track, "Layla," the chronicle of Eric Clapton's infatuation with Pattie Boyd (then-wife of Clapton's friend and musical collaborator, George Harrison). The JH-16 prototype was likely used to record many other iconic tracks in Criteria's Studio B (c. 1970-1974) as well.
“Julien’s Auctions is proud to unveil our annual Music Icons lineup featuring a collection of over 1,200 museum quality artifacts, instruments and memorabilia that have earned their place in the pantheon of music history,’ said Martin Nolan, Founder and Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions. “All of the most popular and best-selling music artists of all time will be represented from Kurt Cobain to Elvis Presley to Eddie Van Halen to Jimi Hendrix and more. Additionally, we are excited to offer the exclusive collections of rare never before seen items from Amy Winehouse, Julian Lennon, Bette Midler and Bill Wyman in this music auction event of the year.”
JULIEN’S AUCTIONS PUBLIC EXHIBITION & LIVE AUCTION LOCATION
Hard Rock Cafe New York
1501 Broadway-Times Square
New York
NY10036
Exhibition: Monday, May 15th, 2023 – Friday, May 19th, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time Daily
Free to the public
LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION<
Friday, May 19th
MUSIC ICONS
Session I (Lots 1-603): 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Saturday, May 20th
MUSIC ICONS
Session II (Lots 604-1259): 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Sunday, May 21st
MUSIC ICONS: Property from the Special Collection of Global Icon Janet Jackson
Session I (Lots 1-809): 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
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About Julien's Auctions
Julien’s Auctions is the auction house to the stars. Collaborating with the famous and the exclusive, Julien’s Auctions produces high profile auctions in the film, music, art and sports markets.
Julien’s Auctions has received international recognition for its unique and innovative auction events, which attract thousands of collectors, investors, fans and enthusiasts from around the world. Julien’s Auctions specializes in sales of iconic artifacts and notable collections including Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Lady Gaga, Banksy, Cher, Michael Jackson, U2, Barbra Streisand, Les Paul, Neil Young, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix, Hugh Hefner, Pelé and many more.
In 2016, Julien’s realized $5 million in the historic auction of the Brazilian soccer icon, three-time World Cup Champion and FIFA Player of the Century’s collection of memorabilia, personal property and awards, which featured the sale of Pelé’s 3 World Cup Gold medals, sold for a combined total of US $970,992 (£674,300),
including his 1970 World Cup winner’s medal sold for $427,100 (£346,000), which set world records for the most expensive Pelé item and the most expensive soccer medal ever sold at auction. In 2020, Julien’s shattered multiple records of sports jerseys sold at auction in the sale of a trio of historic #23 basketball
jerseys worn by Michael Jordan (his historic 1984 “Signing Day” official Chicago Bulls rookie #23 which sold for $320,000, a new world record sale for a jersey worn by the 14 Time All-Star and five-time MVP legend), Barack Obama (the forty-fourth U.S. President’s 1979 #23 Punahou School jersey which sold for
$192,000, a new world record selling price for a high school jersey) and Lebron James (the NBA legend’s 2003-2004 official Cleveland Cavaliers rookie year NBA jersey rookie season which sold for $128,000) which combined totaled $640,000 as well as Colin Kaepernick’s official San Francisco 49ers rookie jersey which
sold for $128,000, a new world record for most expensive NFL jersey sold at auction. Other notable Sports memorabilia sold by Julien’s Auctions include Babe Ruth’s 1938 Brooklyn Dodgers coaching uniform which sold for $187,500 and NASCAR legend Richard Petty’s 1974 Dodge Charger Daytona race-winning car
which sold for $500,000.
In 2016, Julien’s Auctions received its second placement in the Guinness Book of World Records for the sale of the world’s most expensive dress ever sold at auction, The Marilyn Monroe “Happy Birthday Mr. President” dress which sold for $4.8 million. Julien’s Auctions achieved placement in the Guinness Book of World
Records in 2009 for the sale of Michael Jackson’s white glove, which sold for $480,000 making it the most expensive glove ever sold at auction. In 2020, Julien’s Auctions received its third Guinness Book of World Record placement for the sale of Kurt Cobain’s “MTV Unplugged” 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic-electric guitar,
which sold for $6 million making it the world’s most expensive guitar ever sold at auction. In 2022, Julien’s Auctions sold the world’s second most expensive guitar ever sold at auction with Kurt Cobain’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” music video 1969 Fender Mustang electric guitar, which sold for $4.5 million.
Based in Los Angeles, Julien’s Auctions has a global presence bringing their auctions and exhibitions to targeted destinations worldwide including London, New York, Las Vegas, Japan and China. Live auctions are presented for bidders on-site and online via live streaming video and mobile technology. For more information on Julien’s Auctions, go to www.juliensauctions.com.
Connect with Julien’s Auctions at www.facebook.com/JuliensAuctions or www.twitter.com/JuliensAuctions
or www.instagram.com/juliens_auctions.
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