Iconic Kurt Cobain Fender Mustang Guitar from 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' Video to be Auctioned at Christie's New York
Kurt Cobain's iconic 1969 Fender Mustang guitar, famously used in Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit music video, is set to be auctioned at Christies in New York. The guitar, expected to fetch up to $5 million, is part of a collection of over 400 items previously owned by the late Jim Irsay, former owner of the Indianapolis Colts. The auction features guitars once owned by music legends like David Gilmour, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Prince.
The collection, described as one of the greatest sets of music, film, sports memorabilia, and historic Americana, will be open for public viewing at Christie’s New York auction house from March 6 to 12. The auctions for the iconic instruments will take place from March 7 to 17. The decision to auction off the collection was made by Irsay's family following his passing last year at the age of 65, with a portion of the proceeds going to philanthropic causes supported by Irsay during his lifetime.
Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit video, shot in Culver City, California in 1991, was inspired by Kurt Cobain's favorite films. The video premiered on MTV's 120 Minutes show and quickly gained popularity, propelling the song to success. According to Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, the video played a crucial role in the song's rise to fame, attracting a wider audience to the band's music and live performances.