In the world of music memorabilia, collectors and enthusiasts often seek out items that hold a special connection to their favorite artists or moments in music history. While guitars, costumes, and handwritten lyrics are common, some items that have been auctioned off are truly unique and even bizarre. From strands of hair to a pizza plate, here are some of the oddest music memorabilia items ever sold at auction:
- Elvis Presley’s Hair
In 2002, a lock of Elvis Presley’s hair fetched a surprising $115,000 at auction. The hair was reportedly obtained by Elvis's personal barber and came with a certificate of authenticity. This sale highlighted the intense devotion of Elvis fans and collectors who value even the smallest remnants of the King of Rock and Roll, and it wasn’t the first or last time either—this is one of the most common oddities sought by collectors and Elvis’s locks pop up relatively often—maybe too often to be genuine one might say...
- John Lennon’s Tooth
One of John Lennon’s molars was sold at auction in 2011 for approximately $31,000. This tooth, extracted by Lennon's former housekeeper Dot Jarlett, was purchased by a Canadian dentist who expressed a desire to use it to clone the iconic Beatle. While cloning Lennon remains a fantasy, the sale of his tooth stands as a testament to the lengths some collectors will go.
- David Bowie’s Hair
Known for his ever-changing hairstyles, David Bowie left a legacy not only in music but also in fashion. In 2016, a lock of Bowie's hair from the 1983 Madame Tussauds Wax Museum creation process was sold for $18,750. This unexpected auction item captivated Bowie fans and collectors alike, offering a tangible connection to the iconic artist.
- Lady Gaga’s Fake Nails
Lady Gaga is renowned for her extravagant fashion choices, often including elaborate nail designs. In 2013, a set of her acrylic fingernails, worn during a photo shoot, was sold at auction for $12,000. Each nail was meticulously crafted and adorned, making them a unique and sought-after piece of pop culture memorabilia, we suppose...
- Kurt Cobain’s Pizza Plate
Grunge legend Kurt Cobain left behind a legacy that continues to captivate music fans worldwide. In 2015, a pizza plate used by Cobain was sold for $22,400. This item offered an intimate glimpse into the life of the enigmatic Nirvana frontman, showcasing his everyday habits alongside his musical genius. Okay, it's true that after he ate the pizza he wrote the set list from their April 23, 1990 Washington, D.C. show on the plate. That made it worth it, we think...
- Michael Jackson’s Underwear
Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop, had a global fan base that revered him for his music and unparalleled performances. In 2008, a pair of Jackson's briefs, reportedly worn by him, sold for $1 million. This sale highlighted the extraordinary lengths collectors are willing to go to own a piece of their idol’s personal history.
- Elton John’s Toilet Seat
Elton John’s flamboyant style extends beyond his music into his personal life. In 2002, one of his used toilet seats was auctioned off for $1,000. This quirky item attracted attention for its unique connection to the music icon's everyday life, showing that even mundane objects can become highly prized by fans. Given Sir Elton's quick wit and great sense of humor, we're sure he found the whole thing quite amusing.
- Bob Dylan’s High School Yearbook
Before Bob Dylan became a cultural icon, he was known as Robert Zimmerman in high school. In 2014, Dylan’s high school yearbook, featuring his senior portrait and signatures from classmates, was sold for $50,000. This item provided a fascinating glimpse into the early life of a musician who would later change the course of music history. While not hugely unusual, yearbooks featuring the high school awkwardness our favorite artists (and we) all lived through have become quite popular collectibles.
- Johnny Cash’s Kitchen Sink
Johnny Cash, the legendary country music artist, left behind a legacy that included not only his music but also personal artifacts. In 2010, Cash's home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, was sold, including items like his kitchen sink. The sink, which held sentimental value to Cash and his family, fetched an unexpected amount due to its connection to the iconic musician's daily life.
- The Beatles’ Chewing Gum
During their rise to fame, The Beatles were adored by fans worldwide. In 2013, a piece of chewing gum supposedly chewed by one of the band members—it’s not clear who-- was sold at auction for £293 (approximately $380). This seemingly insignificant item nevertheless attracted Beatles enthusiasts eager to own a piece of the band's history.
The world of music memorabilia is filled with surprises, ranging from the poignant to the outright bizarre. These auctions not only showcase the enduring influence of musicians on popular culture but also highlight the passion and dedication of collectors who cherish these unique pieces of history. Whether it's a lock of hair or a used tooth, each item tells a story about the artists who shaped the music industry and continues to captivate generations of fans.
As these auctions demonstrate, the allure of music memorabilia lies in its ability to connect fans with their idols in unexpected ways, bridging the gap between the public personas and private lives of these iconic figures. Whether collectors seek a piece of nostalgia or a tangible link to their favorite artists, these odd and remarkable items continue to fascinate and intrigue, preserving the legacies of music legends for years to come.
Interested in collecting music memorabilia? Check out our selection here.
How about genuine RIAA Gold and Platinum and other record awards? Check out our selection here. We typically have several hundred in stock.
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