A slew of items once owned by industry icons nabbed a total of nearly $5 million during a three-day auction organized by Julien’s Auctions, including Kurt Cobain’s self-portrait caricature, Elton John’s grand piano and Prince’s electric guitar.
More than 1,000 were on the block during the event, which took place from Friday-Sunday, including instruments, memorabilia, wardrobe and personal property owned and used by recording artists from all genres. Other artists represented in the auction included Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Cher, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Jimi Hendrix, Bernie Taupin, Tom Petty, Tupac Shakur, Whitney Houston, The Doors and Little Richard.
Cobain’s drawing, which was created during the band’s 1992 promotional tour for Nevermind, sold for $281,250, which was 28 times its original estimate of $10,000.
