Kurt Cobain’s smashed guitar sold for 10 times more than expected at auction

A signed guitar once owned by Kurt Cobain has sold at auction for nearly $600,000, Billboard reports. The black Fender Stratocaster was initially listed at $60,000 but bidding on the memorabilia was fiercely contested, pushing the price up way beyond expectations. It is unknown who the buyer is, with the seller named as Tony Palmer. Auction house Julien's called the closing bid of $596,900 "astounding."

Cobain's guitar was sold with significant damage to the body, sustained when the Nirvana frontman smashed it on stage during a show in the band's Nevermind era. The damage on the guitar makes it unplayable. It was signed by Cobain, alongside his bandmates Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, and also carried a message from Cobain to Screaming Trees singer Mark Lanegan from Kurt that read, "Hell-o Mark! Love, Your Pal, Kurdt Kobain/ Washed up rockstar."

According to a description, Cobain gave the instrument to Lanegan in the fall of 1992 during a North American tour. Additional details include the guitar’s neck plate featured an engraving reading "Boddah Lives," a reference to Cobain’s imaginary childhood friend. It came in a black hard case with the message "Abort Christ" inscribed on it.

In addition to the Strat, a separate bidder also paid $50,800 for a setlist from Nirvana's April 17, 1991 show at the OK Hotel in Seattle, Washington. The show was notable for being the first time they played "Smells Like Teen Spirit" live.