Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards auctioning NFT for charity
The Grammy Week event precedes the 64th Annual Grammy Awards telecast on 31 January
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is auctioning an ebony Gibson ES-335, the cornerstone of the Gibson ES line-up, along with a one-of-a-kind NFT video authenticating his signature on the guitar, written in silver marker.
The NFT – estimated value between $6,000 and $8,000 – is powered by the platform Oneof, the official NFT partner to The Recording Academy, which recently fetched a whopping $1m (£0.73m) for the first Whitney Houston NFT.
There are currently only two bids, the highest at $4,500 on the lot including the black Gibson ES-335 electric acoustic guitar donated by Gibson Gives, together with a hard guitar case and the NFT, a digital version of the signed guitar, minted on the Tezos blockchain.
The video of Richards signing the guitar at NYC’s Germano Studios – the first ever NFT by both Keith Richards and Julien’s Auctions – represents a seal of authenticity.
“With impeccable sounds across its wide-ranging tonal palette, the Gibson ES-335 has set an unmatched standard since its inaugural appearance in 1958 and can be found in the hands of jazz, blues, and rock players all over the globe,” said Julien’s Auctions, which organised the sale.
MusicCares charity auction
Keith Richards’ guitar is just one of the items included in the MusiCares Charity Relief Auction taking place live in Beverly Hills and online on 30 January, with the latest additions including exclusive memorabilia from Paul McCartney, BTS, Harry Styles and Joni Mitchell.
The Grammy Week event precedes the 64th Annual Grammy Awards telecast on January 31.
According to the Julien’s Auctions announcement, proceeds will go to MusiCares, which provides the music community a support system of health and human services.
Other donations from celebrities
Other items hitting the auction stage come from music icon Paul McCartney, with the Beatles legend offering a signed sunburst Hofner brand B-Bass Hi Series violin bass guitar, notably the model used at the Apple Rooftop concert and the Let It Be album recording sessions, with an estimate of $4,000 to $6,000.
South Korean boy band BTS are offering their custom-made ensembles – estimated at $30,000-$50,000 – from their unforgettable “Dynamite” performance, which was filmed in Seoul, South Korea for the Grammy Awards.
Canadian icon Joni Mitchell’s work will also be showcased in the auction with her offering of the proof print of her original oil painting of music icon Jimi Hendrix, estimated to be worth between $2,000 and $4,000.
Finally, Bono’s handwritten lyrics to U2’s new song “Your Song Saved My Life” from the upcoming “Sing” animated movie ($4,000-$6,000), while Tom Petty donated a signed guitar and Ozzy Osbourne donated a coat.
The pieces join an array of previously announced items being offered, including items from legendary acts like Dave Gahan, Depeche Mode, deadmau5, Demi Lovato, Dolly Parton, James Hetfield, Jason Aldean, Jeff Beck, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lionel Richie, Machine Gun Kelly, Slash, Scott Weiland, Tim McGraw and more.
