The electric guitar that Kurt Cobain played in the 1991 video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit" has been sold for $4.5 million.
The late Nirvana frontman used the left-handed guitar during both the Nevermind and In Utero recording sessions as well as numerous prominent live performances.
The iconic 1969 Fender Mustang, which was originally estimated to be auctioned for around $600,000, fetched more than seven times the expectation during the Music Icons auction at Julien's Auctions on Sunday.
The Jim Irsay Collection of Indianapolis was the highest bidder among collectors who participated in the online and over-the-phone auction.
"To have this legendary guitar, one of the most culturally significant and historically important guitars of Kurt Cobain and in all of rock music history return to my home state of Indiana to be part of Jim Irsay's renowned memorabilia collection is a great honor and personal highlight of my life," said Darren Julien, president and chief executive officer of Julien's Auctions.
He added, "This once-in-a-lifetime auction has been one of the greatest privileges in my professional career and I'm duly pleased that the proceeds will also bring much needed attention to mental health awareness."
(Photo: Julien's Auctions)
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Entertainment News
April 17, 2026 15:29 ET The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to raise concerns for policymakers who worry about the impact of the supply shock and high energy prices on the real economy. Producer price data and various survey results on the housing market were the main news from the U.S. this week. In Europe, industrial production data for the euro area gained attention. GDP figures out of China and the policy move by the Singapore central bank were in focus in Asia.