The Fender Stratocaster guitar famously smashed by Kurt Cobain during the ’90s has soared in value, fetching an astonishing ten times its estimated amount at auction.
Kurt Cobain smashed Fender Stratocaster guitar auction price
The late frontman of Nirvana destroyed the electric guitar while recording the band’s iconic 1991 album, “Nevermind.”
However, the broken pieces were painstakingly restored and recently sold at Julien’s Auctions in New York City, per TMZ.
Initially expected to command a price range of $60 000 (est. R1.15 million) to $80 000 (est. R1.54 million), the instrument far exceeded predictions, ultimately selling for an astounding $595 900 (est. R11.4 million).
What makes this particular Stratocaster even more remarkable is that it bears the signatures of Cobain and his fellow bandmates, drummer Dave Grohl and bassist Krist Novoselic.
According to information provided by Julien’s Auctions, Cobain had actually gifted the guitar to Mark Lanegan, the late lead singer of Screaming Trees, while Nirvana was on tour in 1992.
However, the identity of the successful bidder at the auction remains undisclosed.
Cobain’s tragic death by a self-inflicted gunshot in 1994 shook the music world to its core.
At the tender age of 27, he had reached the pinnacle of his career and exerted a profound influence on the music scene, spearheading the grunge movement alongside other notable bands.
The soaring price achieved by Cobain’s shattered Stratocaster not only attests to his enduring legacy but also reflects the lasting impact he made on music history.
Fans and collectors alike recognise the instrument’s symbolic significance, encapsulating a pivotal moment in Cobain’s tumultuous career.
As this remarkable auction draws to a close, the guitar’s extraordinary value serves as a testament to Kurt Cobain’s iconic status and the indelible mark he left on the world of music.