Kurt Cobain’s Skystang I guitar, which he used at the final Nirvana concert before he died in 1994, was auctioned off in Nashville for $1,587,500 (£1,271,730).
Throughout Nirvana’s tour from 1993 to 1994, he played his blue Fender Mustang electric guitar, including their final show with him at Terminal Einz in Munich in March 1994, just over a month before his death.
The New Owner With A Vision For Rock’s Future
Mitsuru Sato, a Japanese businessman, won the guitar at a phone auction conducted by the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville. Sato plans to open a café with a museum-style exhibition. Also, he will display the Skystang I and other well-known musical instruments for public engagement and observation.
In a statement, he said, “I want to truly pass on rock to the next generation.” We’d want to use this instrument to help the future generation of musicians.”
The Significance Of Cobain’s Skystang I
Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions, also remarked on the sale, saying:
“This is a truly amazing historic guitar.” Kurt Cobain, of course. His guitar is a Fender Mustang. It’s his SkyStang 1 guitar, his workhorse, his all-time favorite.”
Charity Aspect And Previous Auction Success
A portion of the earnings from the Skystang I guitar auction will go to Kicking The Stigma. It is a mental health awareness program spearheaded by The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay Family. This blue left-handed Fender Mustang electric guitar, once owned by Cobain’s older brother, Chad, comes with its original guitar strap and strings.
Kurt’s legendary 1969 Fender Mustang electric guitar, which was utilized in Nirvana’s 1991 ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ music video, was also auctioned off for over $5 million last year at Julien’s Auctions. The instrument was bought in a global auction by the Jim Irsay Collection in Indianapolis, with buyers engaging online and via phone. It sold for over $4.5 million, well above its initial estimate of $600,000.
