Kurt Cobain’s smashed Fender Stratocaster is displayed at Julien’s Auctions in Gardena, California, on May 2 ahead of Julien’s “Music Icons” auction of more than 1,200 items from rock history and exclusive artist collections.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
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Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
Kurt Cobain’s smashed Fender Stratocaster is displayed at Julien’s Auctions in Gardena, California, on May 2 ahead of Julien’s “Music Icons” auction of more than 1,200 items from rock history and exclusive artist collections.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
Kurt Cobain’s black Fender Stratocaster is covered in scratches and chipped wood. The names of Cobain and his former band, Nirvana, are misspelled. And the guitar itself, once broken and put back together, is no longer played.
But on Saturday, the guitar was broken sold at Julien’s Auctions for $596,000 – almost 10 times the opening price – proving that adoration for the rock icon is alive and well nearly 30 years after his death.
Cobain was known to destroy several Fender Stratocasters during his career. This particular instrument was broken while Cobain and his band worked on their main album, don’t pay attention, in the early nineties.
The guitar was eventually repaired and gifted to his friend and musical collaborator, Mark Lanegan of the Screaming Trees.
“Hell-o Mark! Love, Your Pal, Kurdt Kobain / Washed up rockstar,” Cobain wrote in silver marker on the body of the guitar. Nirvana members Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl have also signed their names.
Another iconic reference on the Fender Stratocaster is the inscription “Boddah Lives,” scratched into the neck plate, which refers to Cobain’s imaginary childhood friend. The guitar case also features the phrase “Abort Christ” written in large white letters.
