A 1969 Fender Competition Mustang guitar owned by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain is being auctioned at Christie’s in March 2025, with an estimated price of $2.5–$5 million. The guitar was used in recording sessions for the albums *Nevermind* and *In Utero*, as well as in the music video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and numerous live performances. It is part of the Jim Irsay Collection, assembled by the late Indianapolis Colts owner, which includes instruments from other music legends like John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, and Prince.
The sale matters because it highlights the enduring cultural and market value of iconic music memorabilia, particularly items tied to Kurt Cobain, whose influence continues to resonate across generations. The auction also underscores the growing trend of high-profile celebrity collections entering the art and collectibles market, with Christie’s leveraging the emotional and historical significance of such objects to attract a global audience of collectors and fans.