Get ready, New York, music history is about to hit the auction block, and it’s loud, legendary, and laced with leather.
Julien’s Auctions, the heavyweight champion of music memorabilia, is bringing its “Music Icons” showcase to the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, and it’s the kind of event that makes rock gods roll over just to get a peek.
From Kurt Cobain’s scuffed-up six-string to Taylor Swift’s magazine-glam dress, this is no ordinary garage sale. We’re talking nearly 700 artifacts of pure, unfiltered music history on display and up for grabs.
Shred-Worthy Guitars with Stories to Tell
If guitars could talk, these would scream like an amp cranked to eleven. Highlights include:
- Kurt Cobain’s 1989 Takamine, played during Nirvana’s game-changing Hilversum Sessions.
- Krist Novoselic’s Warwick Dolphin Pro Bass, oozing that early Nirvana studio magic.
- A stage-played Charvel Art Series guitar signed by Eddie Van Halen himself—yes, that’s real sweat.
- Noel Gallagher’s cherry burst Suzuki Hummingbird, plucked in Amsterdam during Oasis’s heyday.
- And a Ronnie Wood Telecaster, signed and inscribed with a lyrical wink from the Stones.
These aren’t collector’s items – they’re relics. Holy artifacts in the Church of Rock.
Stage-Ready Fashion That Walked (and Rocked) the Walk
If you think the guitars are fire, wait until you lay eyes on the fashion. Because what’s rock and roll without a bit of glam, glitter, and glorious rebellion?
- Dolly Parton’s custom jumpsuit, sparkled up for a 1975 “Hee Haw” appearance.
- Taylor Swift’s Rafael Cennamo dress, straight off a 2012 cover shoot.
- Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time” tour ensemble, which defined a pop generation.
- Amy Winehouse’s floral frock, as unforgettable as her voice.
This is fashion that doesn’t follow trends – it sets them.
Rock and Roll Relics That Rewrite the Story
From scribbled lyrics to historic microphones, the collection’s got more than just good looks.
- A portion of the Melvins’ tour van, defaced—in the best way—by Kurt Cobain with sketches of KISS.
- Bob Dylan’s handwritten lyrics to “Lay Lady Lay”, alongside a signed harmonica (key of C, naturally).
- John Lennon’s annotated “Yer Blues” lyrics and a letter to his chauffeur, not to mention a self-portrait with Yoko.
- A mic used by Jim Morrison of The Doors, still echoing with rebel spirit.
- Kurt Cobain’s 1991 Nirvana setlist from the Roxy, ranked the #1 gig of all time by Kerrang!.
When and Where to Be
Mark your calendars and warm up your air guitars:
- Media Preview: Wednesday, May 21 @ 10 AM EST
Location: Hard Rock Cafe, 1501 Broadway, NYC
Come early for interviews, sneak peeks, and priceless b-roll. - Public Exhibit: May 21–May 31
Free and open daily at the Hard Rock Cafe Times Square. - Live Auction: Friday, May 30 & Saturday, May 31
Bid in person or online at juliensauctions.com
This is your chance to own a piece of music history, whether you’re a hardcore collector or just someone who cried the first time you heard “Imagine.”
And if you end up snagging any of these awesome items, please let me know! It’s all just a bit too rich for me, so I want to live vicariously through you!
