The guitar played by Kurt Cobain in the video for Smells Like Teen Spirit is expected to sell for more than $7 million at an upcoming auction in New York. The instrument — a 1969 Fender Competition Mustang — will be one of the highlight items in a large sale organised by Christie’s featuring hundreds of pieces of pop culture memorabilia.
The left-handed guitar was bought by Cobain shortly before the release of Nevermind in 1991 and became closely associated with the band after appearing in the song’s iconic music video. It previously sold at auction in 2022 for about $6.7 million, making it the most expensive electric guitar ever sold.
However, auction house experts say research suggests the guitar may not have been used during the recording sessions for the album itself, and instead gained its historical significance through the video and later performances.
The instrument is part of the collection of late American billionaire Jim Irsay, which includes nearly 400 items spanning decades of music and pop culture history.
Other items in the sale include instruments linked to major artists such as The Beatles, Prince and Elton John, along with guitars played by Johnny Cash and David Gilmour.
Proceeds from the auction will partly support philanthropic causes that Irsay backed during his lifetime, with several sales taking place throughout March in New York.
