David Gilmour's Legendary Black Stratocaster Sells for £10.9M—New World Record

A Black Stratocaster once owned by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour has shattered records, selling for £10.9 million ($14.5 million) at a Christie's New York auction—making it the most expensive guitar ever sold. The instrument, which played a central role in shaping some of rock history's defining albums, far exceeded pre-sale estimates and ignited an international bidding war that pushed its final price to nearly four times what experts had predicted.

The Black Stratocaster was used by Gilmour on Pink Floyd's legendary records *The Dark Side of the Moon* (1973), *Wish You Were Here* (1975), *Animals* (1977), and *The Wall* (1979). It remained his primary instrument from 1970 to 1983, appearing on every Pink Floyd album during that period as well as all four of Gilmour's solo albums. Its iconic tone became synonymous with the band's sound, resonating across generations and contributing to its status as one of rock music's most influential instruments.

The guitar was initially expected to fetch £2.9 million but instead drew fierce competition from collectors worldwide. This outperformance marked a stark contrast to other high-profile lots in the same auction. Among them were Kurt Cobain's 1966 Fender Mustang, used during *Nevermind* and the *Smells Like Teen Spirit* music video, which sold for £5.2 million; Ringo Starr's Ludwig drum kit from Beatlemania's early years, fetching £1.8 million; and John Lennon's Broadwood piano, valued at £2.4 million.

The collection of memorabilia was amassed over decades by Jim Irsay, the late American billionaire who owned the Indianapolis Colts football team. His estate has now begun releasing a vast trove of cultural artifacts—over 400 items in total—with the first tranche generating more than £60 million ($80 million) at auction. The Black Stratocaster's sale was described by Christie's as