Instruments owned by rock legends like Kurt Cobain, Ringo Starr, and David Gilmour from the late Jim Irsay's collection are set for auction at Christie's in New York. The sale follows Irsay's death in May 2025 and includes over 400 items valued in the millions. A portion of proceeds will support mental health organizations.
Jim Irsay, the late owner and CEO of the Indiana Colts, built an extensive collection of musical artifacts during his lifetime, drawing envy from institutions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum. Following his death in May 2025, his family has decided to auction the Jim Irsay Collection, which comprises more than 400 items.
The collection will be exhibited publicly for free at Christie's New York auction house from March 6 to 12, 2026, with bidding occurring across four sessions from March 7 to 17. Highlights include Ringo Starr's Ludwig drum kit, used on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 and estimated at $1 million to $2 million; Kurt Cobain's Fender Mustang guitar, featured in Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' video and on Nevermind and In Utero albums, projected to fetch $2.5 million to $5 million; and David Gilmour's Black Strat, which Irsay purchased for $3,975,000 in 2019 and is expected to sell for $2 million to $4 million. This guitar, acquired by Gilmour in 1970 and heavily modified, appears on Pink Floyd albums including The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall.
Other musical items up for bid are Jerry Garcia's Tiger guitar ($1 million to $2 million), John Lennon's 1963 Gretsch Chet Atkins guitar ($600,000 to $800,000, used in writing 'Paperback Writer' and 'Rain'), Elton John's Steinway piano, Eric Clapton's 'The Fool' SG, and George Harrison's Gibson SG. Non-musical pieces include Secretariat's saddle, Muhammad Ali's 'Rumble in the Jungle' belt, Jack Kerouac's On the Road scroll, Sylvester Stallone's Rocky script with notes, and Mike Myers' Austin Powers glasses.
Irsay's family emphasized the thoughtful decision in an October 2025 statement: 'This decision [to auction the collection] was not made lightly, but with deep reflection and love for the legacy he built.' They described Irsay as a passionate collector who valued stewardship over ownership, often loaning items and hosting a traveling museum. Larry Hall, chairman and chief curator, told The New York Times: 'He loved the fact that he had them, but … he loved having it so he could share it. He thought it was cool to own it; he wouldn’t use the word ‘owned.’ He would say, ‘be a steward.’'
As a mental health advocate, Irsay supported various organizations, and part of the auction proceeds will benefit them, ensuring his legacy continues through new custodians of these artifacts.
