An iconic guitar played by Eddie Van Halen is headed to auction.

The rock star’s 1982 Kramer electric guitar will be auctioned by Sotheby’s New York during the auction house’s inaugural Grails Week in October 21-28.

Sotheby’s estimates that the iconic music instrument will fetch between $2 million and $3 million at the auction.

This guitar was played on tour by Eddie Van Halen in 1982 and 1983 at concerts in the United States and South America.

The guitar is featured in a famous Kramer advertisement. Rudy Leiren eventually sold the guitar to Motley Crue guitarist Mick Mars, who played it extensively while recording the band’s album Dr. Feelgood and other recordings.

Based on Van Halen’s original 1975 “Frankenstrat” design, this guitar represented his goal of combining some of the best elements of Fender and Gibson electric guitars into a single new musical instrument that was not commercially available at the time.

The lot also includes the factory Kramer case and a letter of authenticity from Mars where he states: “Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Also it’s a great piece of history.”

Source: RTT Music News

A new documentary on the late Ozzy Osbourne is set to air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on August 18 at 9 pm.

The Black Sabbath founder died at his home on July 22, just 17 days after performing his final show at the Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham, England.

“Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home is the moving and inspirational account of the last chapter of Ozzy’s life, told through unique and intimate access to the whole Osbourne family, including Sharon, Jack and Kelly,” reads a BBC synopsis of the documentary. “Filmed over three years, it captures the extraordinary roller-coaster of their lives as Sharon and Ozzy attempt to complete their long-held dream of moving back to the UK, Ozzy heroically battles to get fit enough to perform, and the family deal with the dramatic consequences of his ill-health”.

Clare Sillery, BBC Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, says, “We are honoured to have had the opportunity to film with Ozzy and his family. The film captures an intimate glimpse into their journey as they prepare to return to the UK. It features family moments, humour, reflection and shows the enduring spirit that made Ozzy a global icon. We hope it brings comfort and joy to Ozzy’s fans and viewers as they remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”

The one-hour docu-film is produced by Expectation in association with JOKS Productions Limited for BBC One and iPlayer.

The project was originally conceived as a series, “Home to Roost,” announced in 2022, according to the BBC.

Source: RTT Music News

Kelly Osbourne has opened up about her grief after the loss of her father and legend, Ozzy Osbourne.

Osbourne thanked her fans for their support and sympathy in the wake of the Black Sabbath icon’s death.

“The love, support, and beautiful messages I’ve received from so many of you have truly helped carry me through the hardest moment of my life,” she wrote in an Instagram story. “Every kind word, every shared memory, every bit of compassion has meant more than I can ever explain.”

Osbourne continued, “Grief is a strange thing — it sneaks up on you in waves — I will not be OK for a while — but knowing my family are not alone in our pain makes a difference. I’m holding on tight to the love, the light, and the legacy left behind.”

Ozzy Osbourne died at age 76 on July 22, just weeks after he performed for the last time with Black Sabbath in Birmingham, England.

Source: RTT Music News

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Don Felder is taking part in the Rock & Roll Retreat Sweepstakes, which includes a personal, one-on-one guitar lesson from the former Eagles guitarist.

The newly launched sweepstakes, which runs through September September 6th, will raise funds to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Enter the sweepstakes at DonFelder.com/contests.

The contest winner will receive round-trip domestic airfare to Nashville; a three-night stay in the luxurious “Broadway Suite” at The Westin Nashville Hotel, an Epiphone G-1275 Custom SG double neck solidbody electric guitar and a private one-on-one guitar lesson with Felder.

The winner will also get to a personal tour of the Gibson Garage with access to the exclusive Gibson Vault, a signed Don Felder bass drum head, tickets to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, and access to the Gibson showcase event with Felder.

“As a young child, I spent two and a half months in the polio ward where music on the radio was my lifeline,” says Felder. “Music gave me hope, freedom, and something to enjoy in such a scary place for someone just beginning their life. T hat’s where my love for music began—in a children’s hospital.”

“I was fortunate and only have minimal lasting effects,” he adds. “But so many children aren’t as lucky. That’s why giving back to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital means so much to me. Since the hospital first opened its doors, St. Jude has helped raise the childhood cancer survival rate from just 20% to over 80%.”\

Source: RTT Music News