The guitar promptly ignited a furious bidding war, which Irsays representative won by offering the max $3.75 million. Visit thejimirsaycollection.com for details. James Irsay (born June 13, 1959) is an American businessman, known for being the principal owner, chairman and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). But, in terms of owning historic instruments with rock n roll credentials and sheer spending power, nobody can top Jim Irsay." Among the collection are instruments owned and used by The Beatles, Prince, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Johnny Cash, James Brown, Eric Clapton, Jerry Garcia, Les Paul, David Gilmour, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Pete Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, John Coltrane, The Edge, and others. 'All of us in the guitar-collecting business were like: ''What? The comments below have not been moderated. NFL Owner Behind Free Las Vegas Concert, Unique Memorabilia Exhibit For I want no money, Irsay told Reuters. Jim Irsay pays record auction price when buying David Gilmour guitar If Irsays fondest wish comes true, his wildly eclectic collection will one day reside in its own wildly eclectic museum. Irsay and his band travel around the country to give free performances and public viewings. The Stratocaster that Bob Dylan played at Newport Folk Festival in 1965? However, one item in particular means a lot to Irsay: an Alcoholics Anonymous manuscript that lists the 12-step program with handwritten notes. It's also an excuse for Irsay to immerse himself in the lives of his heroes, like the evening he spent with Lennon's dear cousin in London. Jim will literally rock in concert with legends John Fogerty, Buddy Guy, and Ann Wilson, while showcasing over 75 pieces of history that will likely be housed in his own museum some day. 'It's so eclectic because it's everything.'" ai thinker esp32 cam datasheet But I can be a curator. The Jim Irsay Collection (@thejimirsaycollection) Instagram photos The electric guitar was also used by the tragic rock star in the music video for the song. Its a service of the arts to the community.. In 1977, the piano was used by Freddie Mercury for a 1977 Queen tour, and then by Paul McCartney during 1985s Live Aid concert. Irsay didnt procure most of this stuff personally. He not only submitted the winning offer at that price, but narrowly and unknowingly outlasted a wealthier bidder in Paul Allen. He typically sets a ceiling on how much he wants to spend and leaves the actual in-person bidding to an intermediary. When I first got the [On The Road] scroll, Rolling Stonesaid that I would destroy it! Irsay says, laughing. [emailprotected], Copyright Downtown Las Vegas Events Center 2023 | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions. According to the AP, Irsay dealt with addiction using prescription drugs after his college football career at SMU was ravaged by injury. Irsay owned four guitars, including a 1942 Martin D-18 originally owned by Elvis Presley, when he met McKinney. He inherited the franchise from his father, a man who to this day is still reviled by a contingent of Baltimore diehards for moving the Colts out of town. In addition to the artifacts, The Jim Irsay Bandled by Irsay on vocalswill entertain guests. He paid $965,000 for the Newport Stratocaster Bob Dylan played at the 1965 Newport Festival, when he and his band went electric for the first time; dropped $4.4 million for Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobains Fender Mustang; and $4 million for Pink Floyd guitarist David Gimours black Fender Stratocaster. 'I said, ''If you go to auction, I'm not gonna bid on it,''' Irsay said. Upon follow-up, he said it was priceless, and that if a Saudi sheikh offered him $1 billion, the answer would be a flat no. Irsay joined Cheddar News to talk about why he's bringing artifacts from the Beatles to Jerry Garcia to light now." ''', Irsay's collection also includes the robe Muhammad Ali wore before his 1965 rematch with Sonny Liston inLewiston, Maine, Irsay told DailyMail.com that his favorite piece is John Lennon's piano: 'I'd say John Lennon's piano is probably my favorite thing that I have, musically. The Jim Irsay Collection of guitars.Photos by Tony Valainis. I am only a steward of this collection, so its my job to share it with as many people as I can.. The collection had a heavy focus on music history, including instruments such as Ringo Starrs drum set from the Beatles famous appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, John Coltranes saxophone and a piano from Elton John. Hes still adding to the collection and keeping it topical. Buddy Guy, 86, Chicago legend, slaying at Jim Irsay event pic.twitter.com/xKO8ZXhXyy. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Its a 200-foot scroll upon which Kerouac pounded out his most famous missive during a weekslong, alcohol- and drug-fueled frenzy. Its like Dylan says, He not busy being born is busy dying, Irsay asserts. Owner by Day, Rock 'n' Roller by Night Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has been steadily assembling one of the most interesting privately owned collections of artifacts in the U.S. We've received your submission. Its hard to argue with this assessment. If music isnt your thing, theres plenty of American history in the collection. That changed music, that brought 'Rubber Soul' with the Beatles. And then we have access to other resources to help us with preservation, control and security factors. The auctioneers said the sale of Cobain's guitar was a 'once-in-a-lifetime' event. But I dont possess it. Irsay's collection also includes Jerry Garcia's prized 1979 Doug Irwin 'Tiger' guitar (upper right), The Jim Irsay collection will be shown for free in New York on Friday after stops in Washington, LA, Austin and Nashville. Copyright 2023 Indianapolis Monthly, All Rights Reserved. 'I know what the future can bring. However, one item in particular means a lot to Irsay: that lists the 12-step program with handwritten notes. The original 1777 Continental Congress proclamation designating Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Its so important to me that in the museum, people can play things and touch them, he told guitar.com. Recent additions include the SG Special used by Pete Townshend during The Whos exhilarating performance on The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circusand the Steinway piano used on tour by Elton John from 1974-1993. Its much more than that. Buzz Aldrins space suit recently sold at auction for nearly $3 million, but Irsay is holding out for Armstrongs. Irsays lineup of famous guitars has been called the greatest on earth. Its hard to argue with this assessment. Irsay was on stage singing for the open and conclusion of the show, but stepped aside for a lengthy portion during the middle. There are also other forms of rare collectibles too, like one of Jackie Robinson's game-used bats and Jack Kerouac's 'On The Road' manuscript. Cobain said of it in his final interview with Guitar World: 'I'm left-handed, and it's not very easy to find reasonably priced, high-quality left-handed guitars. In an interview with Vlad Duthiers of CBS Mornings, Irsay touted self-owned guitars, artifacts and historic memorabilia belonging to The Jim Irsay Collection, estimated to be worth over $100 . Yet the 1964 Stratocaster Dylan played that day was soon left behind on a private aeroplane and he never looked back. Bought at auction in 2018 for another $2.4m, Irsay acknowledges that the text and its famous 12-step program has literally saved millions of lives. On 10 September 1962, Beatles manager Brian Epstein went to Rushworth's Music House in Liverpool and purchased a pair of nearly identical brand new Gibson J-160E acoustic guitars for John Lennon and George Harrison to use in the band, for the tidy . Most of these artefacts currently reside either at Irsays home or in his office at the NFL teams headquarters and practice facility. READARTICLE, "To call Irsays collection breathtaking would not do it justice. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay wants to open a museum for his pop 'If the [other bidder] would have gone to $4 million, I would have been out because I was asleep,' Irsay said. Nearly 500 bidders from around the world took part in the sale, including NFL owner Jim Irsay, who added one of Schon's most famous instruments to his own world-renowned collection: the 1977 black Gibson Les Paul played on 1981's chart-topping 10-million-selling . Its not just guitars, either. I was kind of early in the process, and I was outbid, Irsay told guitar.com. The greatest guitar collection on Earth Before sports became his life's work, Jim Irsay was a musician. John Lennon's 1962 Gibson J-160E - $2,400,000. The Nirvana frontman played the blue-and-white 1969 Fender Mustang guitar to record the band's seminal 1991 grunge anthem, The guitar, case and strap sold for seven times its $642,0000 estimate with Julien's Auctions in California. Given his great love for wordsmiths such as Dylan and Kerouac, Irsays answer is perhaps unsurprising. I have things I dont even know I have. In fact, Cobain's family donated a portion of the proceeds to the organization, which has already raised more than $16 million since 2020 to help fight the stigma of mental illness. The Jim Irsay Collection: Nashville Event The Jim Irsay Collection (@IrsayCollection) / Twitter Stone printing of the Declaration of Independence, one of the first exact facsimiles of the final signed document. Were always seeking. To me, its really important that the museum is alive. Historians and philosophers that have looked at the 20th century said that the 12 steps, which has been used in many ways to fight mental health issues, thats really something that [without it] realistically, half the people in this place wouldnt be here and believe me, youd see a ghost from me up here. He's responsible for letting Irsay know about a guitar's significance . 8 Reasons You Should Consider Taking Back-To-Back Cruises, 10 Fascinating Spots In New York City For History Lovers, 11 Best Things To Do In Enchanting San Miguel De Allende, This Expedition Cruise Ship To Sail Where No Cruise Ship Has Gone Before, Top 10 Most Visited U.S. National Park Sites In 2022 The 2 Unique Spots That Topped The List, Yosemite National Park Closed Indefinitely What Visitors Need To Know, Luxury Resorts And Slime The Spring Getaway Deal Perfect For The Entire Family, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Swanky New Train Station Coming To Orlandos Airport How It Will Help You Explore Florida, Worlds Largest Vow Renewal Happens In Vegas This March How You Can Join, Beautiful Ice Hotel Now Open In Canada Why You May Recognize It. Until then, an acoustic Gibson once owned by the Beatles' Lennon was the world's most expensive guitar, selling at auction in 2015 for $2.4 million. In 2014, Irsay was suspended by the NFL for six games and fined $500,000 for driving while intoxicated. There are plans for a European tour in the summer of 2024. Irsay's collection also includes Jack Kerouac's original 36-metre typewritten manuscript for On The Road ($2.4m), Hunter S Thompson's Red . Billionaire Colts owner Jim Irsay shares collection of rare guitars Smells like team spirit: Billionaire Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay shares his collection of rare guitars at a free exhibition after splurging $4.4 million on Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain's Fender Mustang READ ARTICLE. The Cobain family will donate a portion of the proceeds of the sale to a mental health initiative run by the Irsays, Kicking The Stigma. Read what he has to say in his own words here. READ ARTICLE, "Irsay, who possesses one of the most impressive collections of musical, historical, sports and pop-culture memorabilia on the planet, is determined to showcase the artifacts while celebrating the music he reveres." The Jim Irsay Collection features historical documents, sports collectibles, musical instruments, pop culture memorabilia, and more. There was, of course, a learning curve for Irsay, who was a little too flippant with the bidding paddle at his first Christie's auction in New York years earlier. In 2002, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay paid $957,000 for the late Jerry Garcia's famed "Tiger" guitar at auction. I want it to be interactive., I cant be Pete Townshend or Chrissie Hynde or whoever because thats just not me. Corporate Meetings: 702.388.2101 But its professional football. Over the years, some remarkable guitar collections have featured in the pages of this magazine. 'Lovely guy, and his wife came and it was cool,' Irsay said. READARTICLE. 10 young bluesbreakers who are making the Blues fun again, Maybe Id move to Japan and try and be an English teacher! Mastodons Bill Kelliher on the future of the band, his love of Les Pauls and what hed do if he wasnt in the band. To settle a bet, John Lennon showed up and played three songs in what would prove to be his final public performance. And speaking of drug-fueled missives, in 1998, Thompson sent Irsay an equally impassioned plea for the Colts to draft QB Ryan Leaf instead of Peyton Manning. During the past year, The Jim Irsay Collection World Tour (think of it as a new-age traveling museum with live music and more) has made one-night stops in Nashville, Washington, D.C., Austin, L.A., New York, and Chicago. The Nirvana frontman played the blue-and-white 1969 Fender Mustang left-handed guitar to record the band's seminal 1991 grunge anthem. Marcs weapon of choice is Dylans Newport Stratocaster and Kenny Wayne selects the Black Strat. The collection is highlighted by musical instruments and items owned and used by the greatest artists in music history, including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Prince, Eric Clapton, Sir Elton John, Jerry Garcia, Les Paul, David Gilmour, Jim Morrison, Pete Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, The Edge, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, and other icons, as well as signed photos, handwritten lyrics, and other historic music memorabilia. My biggest regret was when I lost Wilson, the volleyball from Cast Away. Former Colts players, including the uber-popular Pat McAfee, speak very highly of him. '', 'Thankfully [Allen] wasn't in an ornery mood [during the auction], because if we really got into a bidding war, I couldn't have lasted.'. 'When it got to over $4 million, it was crazy. The Jim Irsay Collection: $100 Million Traveling Museum Worth the (Free) Price of Admission. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. . Its so important to me that in the museum, people can play things and touch them, he told guitar.com. Style 000-42 guitar (Eric Clapton - 'MTV Unplugged'), 1963 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 guitar (Lennon), 1964 Fender Stratocaster guitar (Bob Dylan - 'Dylan Goes Electric'), 1979 Yamaha BB-1200 bass guitar (Paul McCartney), 2002 DeArmond by Guild M-75T guitar (Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page), 1969 Fender Mustang (Nirvana's Kurt Cobain - 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'). We did some fun things with it but we were always careful. It was in his place, in his flat. The lot came with the guitar case the Smells Like Teen Spirit group's late frontman used, which has a poster of Poison Idea's album Feel the Darkness on it, whilst inside is a bunch of guitar strings, picks and a 'stash' bag. 'I'm a man of integrity, and I didn't bid on it.'. $957,500. In 1977, the piano was used by Freddie Mercury for a 1977 Queen tour, and then by Paul McCartney during 1985s Live Aid concert. "Over the years, some remarkable guitar collections have featured in the pages of this magazine. While Irsay has collected items from across the spectrum of American history, there is a specific emphasis on the 20th century (We went from horse and buggies on the road to a man on the moon in 65 years, Irsay pointed out to The Post). Colts Owner Jim Irsay Shows Off Unique Collection Worth Millions, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. (From left to right) Grammy-nominated Kenny Wayne Shepherd on blues guitar, John Mellencamp guitarist Mike Wanchic, Tom Bukovac, and REM bassist Mike Mills, Irsay outbid late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen for Ringo Starr's drum kit, which will be in display in New York on Friday. An 1823 William J. Items on display ran the gamut from historical artifacts such as letters from George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, the wanted poster for John Wilkes Booth and the Atlantic Charter signed by Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt to pop culture items such as Hunter S. Thompsons Red Shark 1973 Chevrolet Caprice convertible. campaign to encourage others to use mental health resources when needed. The exhibit is at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum at The Lowell National Historic Park. When you recover, you want to do what you can to help those because now, today, theres millions out there struggling.. Speaking between drags of his cigarette from a midtown-Manhattan hotel room, Irsay was preparing to exhibit his extensive collection of rare music memorabilia in New York on Friday. Last May, Irsay purchased a baseball that was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to New York City in 2019. 'It sounds ridiculous,' he added. The half-day event at Manhattan's Hammerstein Ballroom is free to the public and features everything from John Lennon's piano, used to write 'A Day in the Life,' to Irsay's newly acquired Fender. The collection isnt just for viewing purposes, however. Irsay said although the manual is not music-related, its used as a reminder that there is hope in life. Watching this collection come together over about 25 years has been a beautiful thing. 'These things will come alive some day,' Irsay said. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay's collection of rare rock & roll instruments is touring the country The 62-year-old billionaire recently spent $4.4 million at auction for a guitar. 'I went into that thing, and I was pretty determined to get it, but I really didn't know what was going to happen,' said Irsay, who was actually awake and personally participating in that auction. I think when people gather, for instance, for a three-hour football game or for seeing these artifacts in concert, youre released from the sort of that worry and angst that can follow you around, Irsay said to Duthiers. That's insane. Indeed, hes not shy about allowing his numerous musical celebrity friends to play guitars from his collection, and will occasionally do it himself. It was a lot of adrenalin.'. The Jim Irsay Collection - Facebook 'It's so eclectic because it's everything.'" . I mean, its the fabric of peoples lives. He also draws parallels between trailblazers in music and creatives in business watching James Brown work is no different than Steve Jobs and over the years has found kindred spirits in the many musicians he counts as friends. Thus, one item which Irsay would covet should it come available is Neil Armstrongs space suit. We touch down in Indiana to pay him a visit. READ ARTICLE, "Irsay, who possesses one of the most impressive collections of musical, historical, sports and pop-culture memorabilia on the planet, is determined to showcase the artifacts while celebrating the music he reveres." Many items, if not most of the Irsay Collection, were acquired at auction, but Irsay usually wasnt sitting in the crowd waving a tiny paddle with a number on it. The late Microsoft co-founder and Seattle Seahawks owner was a good friend of Irsay's and an accomplished collector as well. One guy dropped out and then the [other] guy was at [$3.25 million] and then he went to [$3.5 million], and then we went to [$3.75 million] and then silence silence silence'''. READ ARTICLE, "As much of a spectacle as the cover sets might bewith Irsay backed by members of John Mellencamps band and R.E.M., among otherstheyre simply a warmup act for the main attraction, Irsays massive and still-growing collection." Some might know Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay as just that the owner of a football team. Somewhat paradoxically, the 63-year-old Irsay also gives off the impression of being one of the most normal people in the pro sports ownership ranks in the sense that hell mingle with the average fan, and wants to be liked. He takes it on the road and shows it off for free. READARTICLE, For matters related to TJIC Exhibitions/Tour, For all media inquiries related to TJIC, For all other (non-tour matters) related to TJIC. In high school it was always, Are you a Lennon or McCartney man? I mean, I love Paul, but theres just no question. Mostly, though, Irsay is drawn to collecting because hebelieves these instruments are more than just inanimate keepsakes. The event will be open to the public, and while tickets are free, advance registration will be required to attend. Thats why were especially excited to share this special evening with our friends, fans and neighbors right here in Indianapolis.. Jim Irsay Touts Musical Collection Worth Millions | Heavy.com Similar Stories to Jim Irsay's Guitar Collection Rocks: Here Are 3 Famous Guitars In Colts Owner's Collection on Bing News. Artifacts and signed documents from numerous U.S. Presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and others. I want to make that very fucking clear. GENERAL INFO: This is an ALL AGES event. He wrote Sgt. The original manuscript for Alcoholics Anonymouss Big Book, the groups founding document that includes the origin of the organizations 12-step program. Previously,Cobain's acoustic guitar from Nirvana's iconic 1993 MTV Unplugged performance sold for a record-breaking $6million at auction in June 2020. I look at it (as if) I own nothing because you never see a hearse pulling a U-Haul, Irsay said. During the course of our photoshoot, he not only pretends to smash the Black Strat but he also mischievously tucks a lit cigarette under the strings behind the nut. His travels have taken him to Puerto Vallarta, Costa Rica, Spain, and the Dominican Republic, but he's happiest at home with his wife, two daughters, and dog. An 1823 William J. The following are just a few of the guitars in Jim Irsay's collection: 'I said, ''Paul, hey man, thanks for not bidding on those drums, I appreciate it,''' Irsay said. The Jim Irsay Collection is highlighted by instruments and items owned and used by some of the greatest artists in music history, including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Prince, James Brown, Eric Clapton, Sir Elton John, Johnny Cash, Jerry Garcia, Les Paul, David Gilmour, Jim Morrison, Pete Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, John As you get older, you get more of a position of service. Larry Hall, the chairman of the Jim Irsay Collection, who is also the VP of Special Projects and Historical Affairs with the Colts, described part of the intricate process in transporting all of the valuable artifacts.