Metallica Guitar Surpasses $25,000 Estimate at MusiCares Auction

A signed guitar donated by Metallica singer-guitarist James Hetfield landed a winning bid of $32,000 on Sunday (January 30) at the 2022 MusiCares Charity Auction via Julien’s Auctions. The final price was more than $25,000 above its estimate of $4,000 to $6,000.

He joined many other rock star memorabilia that made big money for MusiCares. Items by Keith Richards, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Slash and others also sold for thousands each.

See photos of James Hetfield signing the Metallica guitar offered at the bottom of this article.

Hetfield’s signature black ESP Vulture didn’t come on its own either. The winner of the Metallica instrument also received an ESP hard case for the guitar, along with two custom Metallica guitar picks and proof of the instrument’s authenticity.

Among other guitars sold at auction, Richards’ signed Gibson ES-335 sold for $57,600 (estimated $6,000-$8,000), McCartney’s signed Hofner bass sold for $38,400 (estimated between $3,000 and $6,000), Petty’s Gibson ES-355 sold for $35,200 (estimated $6,000 to $8,000) and Slash’s Gibson Les Paul sold for $22,400 (estimated between $4,000 and $6,000).

In non-instrumental items, two examples of handwritten lyrics by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder sold for $6,400 and $5,120. Ozzy Osbourne’s signature leather coat sold for $6,400. A jacket worn by Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland sold for $4,480.

The MusiCares Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides financial, personal, and medical assistance to musicians in need. Visit his website at musicares.org.

A black electric guitar from ESP James Hetfield collaboration Vulture signed by Hetfield in silver marker. With an official Metallica t-shirt (size: XL) that reads “got riff?” also signed by Hetfield in silver marker. Accompanied by a hard case, two picks, photographs of Hetfield signing the guitar and a certificate of authenticity from guitar company ESP.

Metallica’s James Hetfield signs guitar for MusiCares auction

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