The 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic guitar played by Kurt Cobain during Nirvana’s “MTV Unplugged” performance has found a permanent home at the Royal College of Music.
Peter Freedman, who bought the guitar for a record-breaking six million dollars, donated it to the college, stating, “I am delighted to gift this iconic guitar to the Royal College of Music.”
The college plans to send the guitar on an international touring exhibition in 2026, allowing fans worldwide to experience the iconic instrument up close.
The guitar, a modified Martin D-18E, holds significant historical and emotional value, with visible signs of wear and love that tell a story of its connection to Cobain.
Placing Cobain’s guitar in an institution like the Royal College of Music bridges classical and rock music history, offering inspiration and a unique perspective on music’s evolution.
