Iconic Instruments and Memorabilia Steаl the Show at MusiCares Julien’s Auctions

On February 5, 2024, music enthusiasts witnessed a spectacular array of iconic instruments and memorabilia at the MusiCares Julien’s Auctions Charity Relief Auction. Held for the first time at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, this highly anticipated event featured offerings from Grammy-nominated artists and past honorees.

The auction, presented in a multi-camera livestream directed by Jerry Foley, drew a global audience through platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram Live, providing a unique pre-Grammy Awards viewing experience.

Among the standout items, Dua Lipa’s stage-worn custom-made Casey Cadwallader for Mugler Gold “Illusion” catsuit stole the spotlight with a winning bid of $50,800, nearly thirteen times its estimate. The meticulously crafted ensemble, worn during Lipa’s 2022 “Future Nostalgia” tour in South America, featured over 1,160 hours of craftsmanship and 120,000 crystals.

A significant highlight was the appearance of Christine McVie’s beloved Yamaha C3 Baby Grand Piano, which graced the stage during Fleetwood Mac’s tours for “Rumours” and “The Dance” between 1977 and 1997. The piano sold for $50,800, surpassing its estimate of $20,000-$30,000.

Notably, Jon Bon Jovi’s stage-played and “Story of Love” music video-used 2018 Takamine black EF341SC acoustic guitar ignited a bidding frenzy, selling for $44,450, well beyond its estimate of $10,000-$15,000.

Top-selling guitars included Metallica frontman James Hetfield’s signature ESP LTD Vulture model, fetching $32,500, eight times its estimate of $4,000. Other impressive sales featured guitars owned by Jelly Roll, Lenny Kravitz, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Willie Nelson and Friends, among others.

Beyond instruments, the auction showcased diverse memorabilia, such as Paul McCartney’s signed hardcover copy of the 2021 book of the year, “The Lyrics: 1965 to Present,” which sold for $16,250.

A standout moment came with Gu𝚗s N’ Roses guitarist Slash’s signed 2023 Gibson Les Paul Anaconda Burst Guitar, which went for $16,250, surpassing its estimate of $6,000-$8,000.

Notable surprises included Olivia Rodrigo’s twice-signed Kingswell skate shop brand “Brutal” skateboard, selling for $4,550, and a Stevie Nicks Barbie Doll, inspired by her Rumours-era style, fetching $7,800—twenty-six times its estimate.

The event concluded with Joe Walsh’s personally owned and signed 2015 Fender Stratocaster guitar selling for $16,250, exceeding its estimate of $4,000-$6,000.

Proceeds from this official Grammy Week event will benefit MusiCares, a leading music industry charity offering support across various needs, including health and human services, addiction recovery, and disаster relief. The auction showcased the enduring allure of music memorabilia and its power to captivate fans worldwide.