Day one of Julien’s Auctions’ highly anticipated two-day event, “Music Icons,” made history with the sale of John Lennon’s lost hootenanny guitar, used by the legendary Beatle during the 1965 Help! album. The guitar fetched an unprecedented $2.9 million, setting a new record for the most expensive Beatles guitar ever sold at auction.
The guitar was acquired through a telephone bid at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York. Julien’s Auctions, renowned for its rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, has a history of breaking world records with Beatles artifacts. Previous notable sales include a John Lennon acoustic guitar for $2.4 million, Ringo Starr’s Ludwig drum kit for $2.2 million, the Ludwig Beatles Ed Sullivan Show drumhead for $2.1 million, and Ringo Starr’s White Album for $790,000.
“We are absolutely thrilled and honored to have set a new world record with the sale of John Lennon’s lost hootenanny guitar,” said David Goodman, CEO of Julien’s Auctions. “This guitar is not only a piece of music history but a symbol of John Lennon’s enduring legacy. Today’s sale exemplifies what we do best at Julien’s: creating opportunities for people to reconnect with the cultural touchstones that have shaped the moments that matter most throughout their lives. This unprecedented sale is a testament to the timeless appeal and reverence of The Beatles’ music and John Lennon.”
John Lennon’s historic Framus 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar, recently rediscovered in an attic after being presumed lost for over 50 years, was used in the recording of The Beatles’ Help! album and film, as well as many of the band’s greatest hits from the 1960s. It is considered the most important Beatles guitar to ever come to market, now holding the record for the highest-selling guitar in Beatles history.
The “Music Icons” auction continues tomorrow at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York and online at Julien’s Auctions. The marquee lineup includes historic items owned and used by music legends such as Prince, Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, U2, Michael Jackson, and more. Additionally, The Randy Bachman Collection, featuring over 200 of his guitars, will be represented.
Live and Online Auction Details:
Venue: Hard Rock Cafe, 1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
Event Schedule:
Music Icons: Wednesday, May 29th, 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Music Icons: The Randy Bachman Collection: Thursday, May 30th, 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Join Julien’s Auctions for an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of music history.
