Kurt Cobain’s 1959 Martin D-18E guitar will be exhibited in London for the first time. Owned by Peter Freedman, it was previously auctioned for $6 million. The exhibition will also feature Cobain’s clothing items, and marks a significant moment in rock history linked to the band’s MTV Unplugged performance.
Kurt Cobain’s 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic-electric guitar, used during Nirvana’s iconic ‘MTV Unplugged’ performance, will be displayed in London for the first time. This guitar, which sold for $6 million in 2020, holds the record for the most expensive guitar ever sold. Now owned by Peter Freedman, CEO of Røde Microphones, it is on loan to The Royal College of Music for an exhibition starting in June.
The exhibition will also showcase items from Cobain’s wardrobe, provided by Courtney Love. Although Cobain typically favoured the Fender Mustang or Jaguar, he chose the Martin D-18E for the band’s 1993 MTV appearance. This model is rare, with only 301 ever made, and was specially modified for Cobain’s left-handed style with an added pickup by the band’s technician.
Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged set was a landmark moment in rock, featuring a mix of covers and lesser-known tracks rather than their mainstream hits, with notable performances of David Bowie’s ‘The Man Who Sold The World’ and Lead Belly’s ‘Where Did You Sleep Last Night?’. The performance took on an even deeper significance following Cobain’s tragic death five months later, which left a profound impact on the music community. MTV frequently re-broadcast the Unplugged show, reinforcing its status as an iconic performance.
Kurt Cobain’s Martin D-18E guitar is being showcased in London for the first time, highlighting its historic value and connection to Nirvana’s influential MTV Unplugged performance. This rare instrument, sold for a record $6 million, reflects Cobain’s musical legacy, especially in light of his tragic passing shortly after the performance.
Original Source: faroutmagazine.co.uk