- Page Title
- Rock & Pop | Popular Culture | Sotheby's
- Brand
- sothebys.com
- Type
- Other
- First Seen
- 10/8/2025
- Last Seen
- 10/9/2025
- Domain
- sothebys.com
- URL
- https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/rock-pop?locale=en&lotFilter=AllLots&cmp=_b.perf_pl.fb_ct.manu_l.en_r.Global_ce.Bid_tc.RET_dv.LUX_c.EPOP_ft.sale_d.102425_n.N11902_mb.VT_f.PaidCut_
- Description
- Sotheby’s is pleased to present our latest auction devoted to the icons of classic rock and contemporary pop. Rock Pop is comprised of a fine selection of music memorabilia from some of the biggest names in music, including Freddie Mercury, Prince, Michael Jackson, Elvis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Van Halen. Collectors will have the opportunity to browse and bid on significant instruments, original manuscript lyrics, photographs, stage worn clothing, vintage posters, rare signed albums, and more.The auction will be lead by Eddie Van Halen’s iconic 1982 Kramer Electric Guitar in his trademark style black and white stripe abstract design with red paint by Van Halen; based on his original “Frankenstein” guitar. The guitar is inscribed on body by Eddie Van Halen to Rudy Leiren, his guitar technician in the 1980’s: “Rude - Its Been a Great Ten Years – Lets Do Another Ten. Eddie Van Halen” and shows extensive wear from playing.Eddie Van Halen visited the Kramer factory in Neptune, New Jersey to do modifications to this instrument. (He can be seen working on the guitar with an electric drill in photographs.) In addition, the guitar is featured in a famous Kramer advertisement. Rudy Leiren eventually sold the guitar to Motley Crue guitarist Mick Mars who played it extensively while recording the band’s album Dr Feelgood and other recordings. The lot also includes the factory Kramer case and a letter of authenticity from Mick Mars where he states: “… Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Also it’s a great piece of history.”Eddie Van Halen (1955-2020) was a self-taught guitarist who reinvented what it meant to be a guitar player, pioneering an entirely new lexicon on his instrument through virtuosity and a variety of electronics. This Kramer guitar personifies not only EVH’s innovative playing style but also his passion for design and engineering.For assistance with bidding and registration, please contact:+1 212 606 7000enquiries@sothebys.comFor all other enquiries please contact:Ralph DeLucaVice Chairman, Popular CultureRalph.Deluca@sothebys.comChaia MascallAssociate Specialist, Popular CultureChaia.Mascall@sothebys.comMadison RosenfieldAssociate Cataloguer, Popular CultureMadison.Rosenfield@sothebys.comFrances DohertyPre-Sale Experience Coordinator, LuxuryFrances.Doherty@sothebys.comCraig InciardiConsultant, Popular CultureCraig.Inciardi.consultant@sothebys.com
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