Article Contributed by Missing Piece Group
Published on 2026-03-25
Julien’s Auctions, the world’s leading celebrity auction house, announced today from Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus the full details of its highly anticipated MUSIC ICONS sale. This year’s collection celebrates the enduring power of heavy metal and commemorates the 50th anniversary of KISS in London with a touring exhibition of highlights from the sale. Bidding on the full collection with over 800 items opens April 27.
“Interest in music memorabilia is reaching unprecedented levels, fueled by collectors who appreciate both the cultural significance of these instruments and the legacy of the artists behind them—often resulting in record-breaking sales,” said Martin Nolan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions. “Our annual Music Icons auction, featuring extraordinary guitars from Ace Frehley, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Kirk Hammett, underscores Julien’s ongoing commitment to bringing museum-quality pieces to market while shaping the global conversation around music collecting.”
The highlights and registration are now available to view at juliensauctions.com. The two-day auction will be held May 29–30, live from Hard Rock Cafe Times Square in New York City.
The travelling MUSIC ICONS experience includes an extraordinary collection of some of the most powerful and influential guitars ever to hit the auction stage— instruments played by rock legends including Ace Frehley, Billy Duffy, Izzy Stradlin, Kirk Hammett, Mick Mars, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and also includes a Zildjian gong played by Black Sabbath’s Bill Ward.
The highlight exhibition unveiled today at Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus will remain on view through April 13 before traveling to Japan at Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo where it will be displayed on April 27, the day the sale goes live. Additional items will make a stop on May 13 at Hard Rock Cafe Times Square, remaining open to the public until the live auction takes place May 29–30.
At the centerpiece of the collection is Ace Frehley’s 1975 Gibson Les Paul, one of the most historically significant guitars in rock and roll. From the very beginning of his career, this instrument was Frehley’s constant companion, accompanying him on stage and in the studio with KISS more than any other guitar in his arsenal. His longtime use of this Gibson Les Paul has earned Frehley a place on nearly every “Top 10 Les Paul Players of All Time” list ever published.
Hosted in partnership with the world-renowned Hard Rock Cafe, Julien’s MUSIC ICONS auction brings together an extraordinary collection of genre-defining memorabilia from the most influential artists in rock and roll history, including instruments played on stage and in studio by revered musicians. This landmark event offers collectors and fans a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from the music legends who shaped generations.
The Highlights on the World Tour Include:
Ace Frehley:
1975 Gibson Les Paul Ace #1 in Sunburst Finish
1977 Tour Jacket – Ace Frehley’s Personal ‘1977 Rock & Roll Over’ Tour
Kimono – Full Length Black Kimono with Red Lining Embroidered with Golden Dragon from ‘Rock & Roll Over’ Tour Era
Ace Frehley/Arthur Kane Stage Worn Jumpsuit – Purple Velour One Piece Jumpsuit with Asymmetric Chest Zipper and Black Armbands. Jumpsuit was originally Silver/White, worn on stage by Arthur Kane of The New York Dolls. Kane gave the jumpsuit to Frehley, who dyed it purple before wearing it on stage.
Guitars & More:
Billy Duffy | 1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom Billy Duffy, also used for the cover image of The Cult’s 1989 album Sonic Temple
Black Sabbath | Bill Ward stage-used Zildjian Gong
Black Sabbath | Bill Ward RIAA Platinum Record Award for The Black Sabbath Story
Izzy Stradlin | 1987 Gibson HR Fusion 1, used during Appetite For Destruction sessions and in “Welcome To The Jungle” video
Mick Mars | 1984 Gibson Explorer, played by Mötley Crüe’s guitarist
Metallica | Kirk Hammett’s first Ouija ESP custom guitar, heavily used throughout the ’90s
Stevie Ray Vaughan | 1969 Guild F-412 Twelve String, played during MTV Unplugged performance on January 30, 1990
The exhibition of MUSIC ICONS highlights will be on display in the windows of Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus in London until April 13, Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo on April 27, and then at Hard Rock Cafe Times Square from May 13 through May 30. The exhibits are free and open to the public daily.
LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION
Hard Rock Cafe New York
1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
Friday, May 29 – Session: 10:00 a.m. EST
Saturday, May 30 – Session: 10:00 a.m. EST
REGISTERING TO BID
Registration is required to bid in this auction and can be done in person on the day of the auction, or online before the sale at Julien’s Auctions. For inquiries, please email info@juliensauctions.com or call 310-836-1818.
PLACING BIDS
There are four ways to bid in Live Auctions:
1. Bid with Julien’s Auctions online.
2. Bid over the telephone through an auction house representative.
3. Bid in person in the room at the auction events.
4. Bid in advance by absentee bid (forms available by calling 310-836-1818).
From the thunder of heavy metal to the timeless resonance of blues and rock, MUSIC ICONS stands as a powerful reminder that these instruments—and the artists who wielded them—continue to shape the sound and soul of generations.
