Dreaming of holding the guitar that played the solo to “Welcome to the Jungle?” Pondering the Les Paul that defined the look of KISS?
Then look no further than New York City this May when Julien’s Auctions holds the Music Icons event, and the lineup is dynamic.
From the 50th anniversary of KISS to the grunge and thrash legends of the 1990s, the Music Icons collection covers some of the most electric moments in music history.
The main event happens live from the Hard Rock Cafe Times Square, but bidders can get in on the action from anywhere in the world.
Bidding opens on April 27, 2026, online, and the live auction takes place May 29 – 30, 2026.
Collectors and rock aficionados can experience these primary instruments played on stage and in-studio by the legends themselves:
Ace Frehley | ’75 Gibson Les Paul | His #1 most-played guitar from the ’70s and ’80s.
Stevie Ray Vaughan | ’69 Guild F-412 | The 12-string from his iconic MTV Unplugged set.
Kirk Hammett | “Ouija” ESP Custom | Serial #0001. The holy grail for Metallica fans.
Izzy Stradlin | ’87 Gibson HR Fusion | The guitar seen in the “Welcome to the Jungle” video.
Billy Duffy | ’76 Gibson Les Paul | The face of The Cult’s Sonic Temple album cover.
1. Ace Frehley’s Les Paul, 2. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s 1969 Guild F-412 Twelve String, 3. Mick Mars | 1984 Gibson Explorer Mick Mars Theater, 4. Billy Duffy | 1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom , 5. Izzy Stradlin | 1987 Gibson HR Fusion 1, 6. Metallica | Kirk Hammett Stage-Played Studio-Played and Signed Very First Ouija ESP Custom Electric Guitar
And if bidders can’t wait for the auction? Head to Tokyo!
Julien’s has taken the headliners on a global victory lap before they hit the auction block. Following a stint in London, the tour hits Tokyo, opening April 27 at the Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo. Then the event comes to NYC’s Hard Rock Cafe Times Square on May 13, where it is expected to stay until the hammer falls.
More Than Just Guitars
With over 700 lots up for grabs, there’s something for every level of collector.
What to Expect:
Stage-Worn Gear: Ace Frehley’s “Rock & Roll Over” kimono and Alice Cooper’s leather jacket.
Rare Percussion: Bill Ward’s (Black Sabbath) massive stage-used Zildjian gong.
Rock Royalty: Personal items and instruments from B.B. King, Lita Ford, Mick Mars, Dave Mustaine, and Scott Ian.