From iconic instruments to personal keepsakes, celebrity-owned musical items hold a unique allure for collectors and fans.
When these treasured artifacts hit the auction block, they often fetch staggering prices, reflecting their historical significance, artistic merit, and the enduring fascination with the musicians who owned them.
These aren't just guitars or old song lyrics; they're tangible links to pivotal moments in music history – echoes of creativity, passion, and the intimate connection between an artist and their craft. Each item tells a story, whispering tales of legendary performances, groundbreaking recordings, and the diverse spectrum of music genres and iconic figures.
A guitar from a career-defining gig, handwritten lyrics to a timeless anthem, or even stage-worn clothes can become coveted relics, embodying the spirit and legacy of musical giants - so get ready for some jaw-dropping figures as we explore the 13 most valuable musical items ever sold.
5. David Gilmour's 1954 Fender Stratocaster (#0001)
Sold for $1.8 million in 2019 at Christie's, this white Fender Stratocaster, bearing the serial number 0001, was used by David Gilmour on Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall (Parts 2 and 3), adding to its significant musical history. | Getty Images/Christies
6. Bob Dylan's Handwritten Lyrics for "Like a Rolling Stone"
Sold for $2 million in 2014 at Sotheby's, the four sheets of hotel stationery contained Bob Dylan's original handwritten lyrics for his ground-breaking 1965 song Like a Rolling Stone. | Getty Images
7. Ringo Starr's Ludwig Drum Kit
The Ludwig drum kit was used by The Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr during many of the band's early recordings and live performances between May 1963 and February 1964, a pivotal period in their rise to fame. It sold for $2.2 million in 2015 at Julien's Auctions. | Getty Images
8. John Lennon's Gibson J-160E Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Sold for $2.4 million in 2015 at Julien's Auctions, this guitar, identifiable by its distinctive humbucker pickup, was used by Lennon on early Beatles hits such as Love Me Do and P.S. I Love You and was later lost for decades before being rediscovered. | Julien's Auctions/Getty Images