Daisy Rock Guitar autographed at the 2006 Grammys by Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban
Save the date, all you jazz, rock and pop music fans. Come July, you've got a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a piece of music history .
New York-based auction house Guernsey’s is set to host A Century of Music, featuring guitars owned by absolute legends Paul McCartney, Eddie Van Halen, Bo Diddley and Eric Clapton—even the Daisy Rock Guitar autographed at the 2006 Grammys by McCartney, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban.
See also: Christie's Brings Watch Auctions Online for Spring 2021
There's more on the bidding block than just guitars. Other unique instruments include Bill Clinton’s saxophone, which he used to perform at his very own inauguration and is signed by attendee Jack Nicholson. You can also nab Chick Corea and Elton John’s pianos, or Paul Butterfield and James Cotton’s harmonicas.
Not particularly musical? Get closer to the icons by bidding one of Billie Holiday's gowns, an original artwork by John Lennon, or original photos of the Beatles by Robert Freeman. Bidders can also vie for the only known test-pressing of Miles Davis' "Meaning of the Blues" at Carnegie Hall, or the actual front doors of the Chelsea Hotel, home to a plethora of musical icons from Patti Smith to Bob Dylan, Cher and Sid Vicious.
Eddie Van Halen Red / White Stryper Guitar
A pair of control-room speakers from Jimi Hendrix' iconic Electric Lady Land studio and art and memorabilia from the original Woodstock festival—including a hand-painted map—help round out this stunning selection, as do an 18th-century harp, vintage violins, banjos and instruments, courtesy the Meisel Collection.
This is an opportunity for more than just music fans, and the goods are even more meaningful due to the rich history behind them. Most meaningful is the chance to help guitar virtuoso Jason Becker in his fight against ALS. The former David Lee Roth Band member is auctioning the instruments he played on to help fund his battle against the debilitating disease.
All this and more is available to the highest bidder during the massive, two-day A Century of Music auction, taking place July 14 and 15. All available items are now on display online via Guernseys, Live Auctioneers and Invaluable. See pictures of some of the hot-ticket items below, and learn more via Guernseys.com.
Bo Diddeley’s Gretsch Jet Firebird Guitar. It is strongly believed that this is the very instrument that appeared on four of Bo’s earliest and most beloved record album covers.
Jason Becker’s Blue Hurricane Guitar. A guitar phenom in the 1980s, Jason contracted a debilitating disease. Proceeds from the sale of his items will fund his medical needs.
The Chelsea Hotel’s Front Doors. Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia and many other music greats lived at the Chelsea, some during the days of Woodstock.
The sole surviving Woodstock Directional Map from the famed 1969 Rock Concert.
The only known test pressing of Miles Davis playing “Meaning of the Blues” at Carnegie Hall.
Allen Collins / Lynyrd Skynyrd Firebird guitar. Allen was one of the founding members of the famed group. He survived the terrible plane crash that killed several members of the band. He went on to become a lead member of the group that re-emerged years after the crash. This Gibson Firebird is known as the “Freebird Guitar” as Allen often performed that wildly popular song in front of live audiences with this instrument.
Buddy Holly’s performance-worn jacket
John Lennon Original Art. Just one of many Beatles-related objects up for auction.
Autoharp from the Meisel Collection
Photography by: Courtesy Guernsey’s
