Smells like a lot of money.
The guitar Kurt Cobain played in Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ music video is set for auction — and, hello, hello, hello, early estimates aren’t low.
The iconic blue guitar from the band’s iconic ’90s hit goes on sale next month and is expected to fetch bids of up to $800,000
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” became the anthem of a generation and the grunge movement that took Cobain’s scruffy rock star persona and crowned him king.
According to Martin Nolan, managing director of Julien’s Auctions, the left-handed 1969 Fender Mustang is arguably one of the most famous in rock ‘n’ roll history.
“This is one of the most iconic guitars to ever hit the auction block; this is the blue Mustang Fender guitar, one of Kurt Cobain’s favorite guitars of all time,” Nolan told Reuters.
“The guitar comes with its original case and also the guitar strap, so that’s…really important for collectors when they come to the auction to experience the originality,” added Nolan.
Cobain’s 1965 Dodge Dart, which he dubbed “Baby Blue,” is estimated to fetch up to $600,000. Julien’s Auctions
Nolan noted that while the price range is between $600,000 and $800,000, he stated that this is “a very conservative auction estimate” for a piece of this caliber in music history.
“To have this fabled guitar, one of the most culturally significant and historically significant guitars not only in the legacy of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana, but in the entire history of rock music, to be featured in our auction house has been one of our greatest privileges and honors. said Darren Julien, the auction house’s president and chief executive officer.
He noted that the guitar has stayed in the family since Cobain’s tragically infamous death in 1994. A portion of the proceeds will go to Kicking the Stigma, a mental health charity, in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
The company’s Music Icons auction will take place May 20-22 in New York and online. It will also include a number of other lots – including Cobain’s only known surviving car, a 1965 Dodge Dart he dubbed “Baby Blue,” which is expected to fetch between $400,000 and $600,000. Also up for grabs are some of Cobain’s original artwork, including a painting of Michael Jackson and his illustration for Iron Maiden’s 1985 Killers skateboard deck.