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Over 650 Rare Music Memorabilia Items to Be Auctioned
Live in New York City on May 29–30
KISS Band Member Ace Frehley’s Legendary Guitar – 1975 Les Paul-Ace #1
(Estimate: $400,000–$600,000)
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s 1969 Guild F-412, Used in the 1990 MTV Unplugged Performance
(Estimate: $300,000–$500,000)
Johnny Cash’s 1954 Martin Acoustic Guitar, Played During His 1956 Grand Ole Opry Debut
(Estimate: $100,000–$200,000)
Kirk Hammett’s Stage and Studio-Used, Signed, First Ouija ESP Custom Guitar
(Estimate: $250,000–$350,000)
Eddie Van Halen’s Stage-Played and Signed, Hand-Painted Striped Charvel Art Series Guitar, from His Last Performance with Sammy Hagar (Estimate: $50,000–$70,000)
The Beatles’ Signed “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” Album Sleeve (Estimate: $20,000–$40,000)
Gary Busey’s Owned and Screen-Used 1966 Gibson “The Buddy Holly Story” Southern Jumbo Acoustic Guitar, with DVD (Estimate: $10,000–$20,000)
U2 Member Adam Clayton’s Vintage Fender Jazz Bass, Used for “The Unforgettable Fire” Album Recording and the 1985 Live Aid Performance (Estimate: $20,000–$40,000)
Los AngelesMay 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Julien’s Auctions, the world’s leading celebrity auction house, today announced full details of the highly anticipated annual Music Icons auction. This year’s collection celebrates the enduring power of heavy metal music and commemorates the 50th anniversary of KISS’s debut performance in London, alongside a touring exhibition showcasing select highlights from the auction. Following stops in London and Tokyo, the exhibition will be on display at New York’s Hard Rock Cafe on May 13, open to the public daily. All 800+ items are now open for bidding at juliensauctions.com. The two-day auction will take place live on May 29–30 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, New York City.
Martin Nolan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions, said: “Passion for music memorabilia is reaching unprecedented heights. Collectors not only cherish the cultural significance of these instruments but also honor the legacies of the artists behind them, often driving record-breaking prices. Our annual Music Icons auction, featuring extraordinary guitars from legendary musicians like Ace Frehley, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Kirk Hammett, once again underscores Julien’s unwavering commitment to bringing museum-quality treasures to market and leading the conversation in the global music collecting community.”
This “Music Icons” auction showcases a remarkable collection, including some of the most influential and evocative guitars in auction history, played by rock legends such as Ace Frehley (KISS), Eddie Van Halen, Billy Duffy (The Cult), Izzy Stradlin (Guns N’ Roses), Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Mick Mars (Mötley Crüe), Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), Scott Ian (Anthrax), and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Among the many highlights is the guitar Johnny Cash played during his 1956 Grand Ole Opry debut. Cash’s 1954 Martin D-18 acoustic guitar, used from 1954 to 1956, is likely the first professional guitar of his career. During that period, Cash recorded singles including “Hey, Porter,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line,” and “There You Go.”
For KISS fans, the auction includes dozens of unique items, ranging from stage-worn costumes to personal effects. The centerpiece is Ace Frehley’s 1975 Gibson Les Paul, one of the most historically significant guitars in rock history. Frehley relied on this guitar throughout his career. Whether on stage or in the studio, it was his most frequently used guitar during his time with KISS, surpassing all other instruments in his collection. With his long-standing association with the Gibson Les Paul, he has appeared on nearly every “Top 10 Les Paul Players of All Time” list.
Visit Julien’s Auctions’ website for more selected highlights, including images and detailed descriptions.
Highlights include:
Ace Frehley:
- 1975 Gibson Les Paul Ace #1, Sunburst (Estimate: $400,000–$600,000)
- Ace Frehley’s Stage-Played, 1996 KISS Reunion Tour Light Show Sanchez Custom Gibson Les Paul Jr, Metallic Silver Sparkle Pink (Estimate: $10,000–$15,000)
- 1977 Tour Jacket – Ace Frehley’s Personal “1977 Rock & Roll Over” Tour Jacket. During the band’s Japan tour, legendary Japanese promoter Mr. Udo personally gave one such jacket to each KISS member. This jacket bears a makeup stain, which Ace confirmed is a direct imprint from his makeup after a performance. (Estimate: $4,000–$6,000)
- Kimono – Black full-length kimono from the Rock & Roll Over tour era, with red lining and embroidered golden dragons (Estimate: $4,000–$6,000)
- Ace Frehley/Arthur Kane Stage-Worn Jumpsuit – Purple suede jumpsuit with an asymmetrical chest zipper and black armbands. Originally silver/white, this jumpsuit was worn on stage by Arthur Kane of the New York Dolls. Kane gave the jumpsuit to Frehley, who dyed it purple and wore it on stage. (Estimate: $3,000–$5,000)
Guitars and Basses
- Stevie Ray Vaughan | 1969 Guild F-412 Twelve-String Guitar. Stevie played this guitar during his January 30, 1990, MTV Unplugged performance (Estimate: $300,000–$500,000)
- Metallica | Kirk Hammett’s Stage and Studio-Used, Signed, First Ouija Glow-in-the-Dark ESP Custom Electric Guitar – Inscribed by Hammett: “First Ouija Guitar – 0001! One of my main touring and recording guitars from the ’90s.” (Estimate: $250,000–$350,000)
- Johnny Cash | 1954 Martin D18 Acoustic Guitar Played During His 1956 Grand Ole Opry Debut (Estimate: $80,000–$100,000)
- Eddie Van Halen | Stage-Played and Signed, Hand-Painted Striped Charvel Art Series Guitar 076, from His Last Performance with Sammy Hagar (Estimate: $50,000–$70,000)
- Izzy Stradlin | 1987 Gibson HR Fusion 1 Izzy. Gibson gave this guitar to Stradlin in 1987 while the band was recording “Appetite For Destruction.” It appeared multiple times in the “Welcome To The Jungle” music video (Estimate: $30,000–$50,000)
- Adam Clayton | Vintage Fender Jazz Bass Used for “The Unforgettable Fire” Album Recording and the 1985 Live Aid Performance, Natural Finish (Estimate: $20,000–$40,000)
- Mick Mars | 1984 Gibson Explorer Mick Mars Theater. Owned and played by Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars (Estimate: $20,000–$30,000)
- The Cult | Billy Duffy’s Stage, Studio, and Music Video-Used 1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom, Natural Maple Top. This guitar was used for the cover shoot of The Cult’s 1989 fourth studio album “Sonic Temple” (Estimate: $20,000–$30,000)
- Gary Busey’s Owned and Screen-Used 1966 Gibson “The Buddy Holly Story” Southern Jumbo Acoustic Guitar, with DVD (Estimate: $10,000–$20,000)
- Dave Mustaine | Megadeth Stage-Played and Signed 2007 Dean Blood Lust Double-Neck Mustaine V Electric Guitar (Estimate: $5,000–$7,000)
- Black Sabbath | Bill Ward’s Stage-Used Zildjian Gong (Estimate: $3,000–$5,000)
Personal Memorabilia and More Items:
- The Beatles | Band-Signed “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” Album Sleeve (Estimate: $20,000–$40,000)
- Bail Bond Document Signed During Arrest for Lewd Exposure at a March 1, 1969, Performance in Miami (Estimate: $20,000–$30,000)
- John Bonham | Velvet Suit Worn in a 1976 Photo, Custom-Made for the Led Zeppelin Drummer (Estimate: $15,000–$25,000)
- Paul Cook/Sex Pistols | 1977 Stage-Worn Sex Pistols “Anarchy in the U.K.” Sleeveless T-Shirt (Estimate: $10,000–$15,000)
- Joni Mitchell | Original Clean Draft Handwritten Lyrics for “Woodstock” (Estimate: $20,000–$30,000)
- Sabrina Carpenter | Bluemarine Shorts Worn in the “Manchild” Music Video (Estimate: $1,000–$2,000)
- Lisa/BLACKPINK | Gloves Worn During a 2025 “W-Magazine Korea” Photoshoot, with Magazine (Estimate: $400–$600)
Live and Online Auction
“Music Icons”
Hard Rock Cafe New York – 1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
Friday, May 29
Session: 10:00 AM (Eastern Time)
Saturday, May 30
Session: 10:00 AM (Eastern Time)
Bidding Registration
Pre-registration is required to participate in this auction, available on-site on the day of the sale or online in advance at Julien’s Auctions’ website.
Bidding Methods
There are four ways to bid in the live auction:
- Bid online via Julien’s Auctions’ website.
- Bid by phone through an auction house representative.
- Bid in person at our auction venue.
Julien’s Auctions Media Contact / RSVP:
Julien’s Auctions
Capturing Extraordinary Moments.
Are you familiar with that moment—when the lights dim and your favorite band is about to take the stage? Or the feeling as the credits roll before a movie ends, one that changes your world in an instant? The air is thick with anticipation, words fall short, because that feeling truly must be experienced in person.
At Julien’s, we bring those moments back to life through iconic artifacts and one-of-a-kind collectibles. Whether working directly with artists, partnering with legendary estates, or collaborating with discerning collectors, our auctions always aim to explore and relive the pulse of pop culture. From Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Ringo Starr to Lady Gaga, Banksy, and Kurt Cobain—from Los Angeles to the world, we connect originators with kindred spirits.
About Hard Rock®:
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized enterprises, with over 300 venues in nearly 80 countries, including owned, licensed, or managed hotels, Rock Shops®, live performance venues, and cafes. Starting with a guitar donated by Eric Clapton, Hard Rock now boasts the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia, with over 88,000 precious items displayed in locations worldwide. The Unity™ by Hard Rock global loyalty program rewards members for their preferred activities at participating venues. Additionally, Hard Rock Digital focuses on iGaming experiences, reimagining products for its global players with the Hard Rock spirit.
HRI has won numerous industry, destination, and workplace awards in travel, hospitality, entertainment, and dining. HRI currently holds investment-grade ratings from major credit rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB), Moody’s Investors Service (Baa2), and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information about Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.