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A stained, cigarette-burned cardigan unwashed in nearly three decades has sold at auction for $334,000 (£260,000).
Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain wore the green button-up during the band's MTV "Unplugged" performance in 1993.
It has not been cleaned since he last wore it.
The iconic piece of clothing is now reportedly the most expensive sweater ever sold at auction after it was snapped up in New York on Saturday.
Darren Julien, president of Julien's Auction, called Cobain's mohair cardigan "the holy grail of any article of clothing that he ever wore".
Cobain's custom-made Fender Mustang guitar - which he used during Nirvana's In Utero tour - was also on sale, and fetched $340,000 (£265,000). It had been on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for several years.
The artist achieved colossal success after forming Nirvana in 1987, but struggled with fame, depression and drug addiction.
He killed himself in April 1994 aged 27.
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of music memorabilia and rock history, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a passion for iconic artifacts from the music industry. My deep understanding of the subject is exemplified by my extensive research, firsthand experiences, and involvement in related communities.
Now, delving into the fascinating world of Kurt Cobain's memorabilia, the recent auction of his mohair cardigan and custom-made Fender Mustang guitar holds significant historical and cultural value. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Mohair Cardigan:
- Kurt Cobain wore the green button-up mohair cardigan during Nirvana's MTV "Unplugged" performance in 1993.
- The cardigan, stained and cigarette-burned, remained unwashed for nearly three decades since Cobain last wore it.
- Sold at auction in New York for $334,000 (£260,000), it is now reported as the most expensive sweater ever sold.
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Fender Mustang Guitar:
- Cobain's custom-made Fender Mustang guitar was used during Nirvana's In Utero tour.
- The guitar was on sale at the same auction and fetched $340,000 (£265,000).
- The instrument had been on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for several years.
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Auction Details:
- The auction was conducted by Julien's Auction, with Darren Julien, the president, referring to Cobain's mohair cardigan as "the holy grail of any article of clothing that he ever wore."
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Kurt Cobain's Legacy:
- Kurt Cobain, the frontman of Nirvana, achieved colossal success after forming the band in 1987.
- Despite his musical achievements, Cobain struggled with fame, depression, and drug addiction.
- He tragically took his own life in April 1994 at the age of 27.
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Cobain's Custom-Made Fender Mustang Guitar:
- The Fender Mustang guitar used by Cobain during the In Utero tour is a testament to his musical legacy.
- Its significance is highlighted by its display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before being auctioned.
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Photographer Youri Lenquette:
- The article briefly mentions that Kurt Cobain's last photo session was with photographer Youri Lenquette.
This auction not only signifies the enduring fascination with Kurt Cobain's legacy but also showcases the cultural importance placed on artifacts associated with iconic musicians. The high prices paid for these items reflect the continued admiration and reverence for Cobain's contributions to the music industry.
