A Gibson CEO Manufacture #4 SG custom guitar, famously played by Kirk Hammett during Ozzy Osbourne’s “Attend To the Beginning” event in Birmingham, recently fetched an astonishing $76,800.Initially valued at just $6,000, this sale saw a buyer pay over twelve times the estimate for a piece of music history that accompanied Metallica in their rendition of a classic track by Black Sabbath, performed on Osbourne’s home turf.
This iconic instrument was held by Hammett during Metallica’s performance of “Gap In The Sky,” and after the show concluded, he autographed it. Julien’s Auctions featured this guitar as part of their annual “Played, Venerated & Worn” auction event, which showcased more than 800 items spanning various musical genres.
The guitar has now become part of the Gibson Offers Guitar Collection.This initiative not only supports the “Gibson Offers” charity but also invigorates the collectors’ market with another high-profile piece linked to live performances. Additionally, this auction included items from The kirk Hammett Collection—a unique opportunity for metal enthusiasts and collectors to acquire over 150 guitars and memorabilia associated with an artist who has significantly influenced modern heavy music.
Kirk Hammett, however, is clear about his intentions regarding his collection: he doesn’t want his guitars locked away indefinitely.He stated: “I’ve had the collector’s bug for provided that I can remember. I’ve amassed quite a few guitars over time—some are touring instruments while others are rare finds.”
“It drives me crazy to see so many guitars sitting idle; my hope is that people buy them and actually play them—create stories with them and take them on tour.”
While most individuals may never have $76,800 to spend on a single guitar, the narrative behind this instrument resonates deeply within the metal and hard rock community. Imagine if that same guitar where ever spotted at an intimate venue where a band passionately performs “Gap In the Sky” before an audience of just 80 fans—the true essence of rock woudl be alive in that moment.
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