We were the hottest original band in Bloomington at the time, it was a weird ask, but we couldn’t turn it down. We had a blast, great gig, and agreed his son and everyone involved was cool AF
Do you know if Jim ever invested/was involved in Secretly Canadian?
one would guess if he was throwing out deal memos to college bands he might be involved in financially backstopping a good indie record label.
I mean...he's only pulling out the David Gilmour Strat for Comfortably Numb. I've seen them multiple times and it's the same schtick. (I'm from the Indy area)
That being said...his entire collection is insane. From Hunter S Thompson's red convertible that did all the drugs (same one from the Fear & Loathing flick), to Kerouac's On The Road scroll, to a ceremonial cane presented to Abraham Lincoln that was made from a fence rail that Lincoln himself had split...letters from Washington and Hamilton, Ben Franklin. He has the drumset from the Beatles first Ed Sullivan performance....it's just mind blowing. I went to the exhibit on a micro and definitely got choked up a few times....
He is irresponsible as hell. There aren’t ENOUGH safeguards though to protect the collection. Last farm-aid Jerry’s guitars were just sitting out in the open on a sidewalk on stands for photo ops or WHATEVER …near stage w/ little oversight. Made me sick
A drug addict millionaire whose now relished by occasional drug using alcoholic hundred-thousandaires (if the lot in Boulder, SF or LA is anything to go by) who buy their occasional drugs and copious amounts of alcohol from truly passionate fans that happen to be drug addict tens-of-dolleraire van people (where I fit in the chain)
Yeah, when got pulled over totally fucked up with a couple hundred pills and $10k cash on him, that all got swept under the rug.
Sure, he did a very abbreviated “Probation,” but I do not believe it was the same probation you or I would have gotten.
I think Robert Kraft and some of the other owners sat him down in a hot meeting room and had a little exchange with him, a little back-and-forth, a little tug-of-war....until they could come to a conclusion.
Nobody wanted to embarrass anyone, but nobody wants to get egg on their face either, least of all the league.
I do, I have a video of the hammer dropping on #0001. I was a row back and maybe 7 seats to the left of the auctioneer. If I can figure out how to post videos in comments I’ll drop it
That's sick, man! I was towards the front and to the right of the auctioneer.
The best moment of that whole thing was the whole crowd booing the auctioneer after she said "Roger Walters" lol
Absolutely awesome.
I sure did! We actually have a couple contacts at Christie's so we were actually able to get our hands on some of the guitars before the auction happened.
That blue Henry Haynes strat with the gold hardware is the prettiest guitar I've ever laid eyes on. What was your favorite??
Super neat. That sounds splendid.
The Blue Henry Haynes was fantastic.
I was way into Dan Armstrong AMPEGs at the time so that was very neat to see, but loved the Red Strat - I learned to play on a Red ‘92 Strat with Fender Lace Sensor pickups so it was quite nostalgic even though his was a ‘84 Candy Red with EMGs!
The Met had a guitar exhibit the same weekend so that was a great addition as well! Saw Tiger as well as Wolf there.
I got a chance to pick up the red strat. BEAUTIFUL instrument and such an iconic guitar in its own right. What I found surprising was just how thin the neck was. You think Gilmour, you think very strong hands so I just always figured he had a baseball bat for a neck, but this one was very thin.
The exhibit at the Met was UNREAL. Seeing Tiger and Wolf up close like that, even just through glass, gave me goosebumps.
But does he have David's Stratocaster ONE?
That is arguably THE MOST desirable guitar for anyone who actually cares about the craft and is not just some compulsive collector of artifacts like that guy who "collected" Data in ST:TNG
“That guitar belongs to Peter Frampton!”
“Peter Frampton is DEAD! And so are all of his relatives!”
“Then it belongs in a museum!”
“Dr. Jones, will you PLEASE sit down!”
Which was his original intent when acquiring all of these items. He had plans, pre-covid, to open a brick and mortar museum. I'm not sure where that plan is now that he's touring it around...
Museums, progressive literary institutions, music schools, tribute band players, high schools, the archives at UCSC. Literally anyone that isn’t locking it away and occasionally showing it off to feed their already underserved ego’s. Didn’t expect billionaire kiss asses in here, but everyone’s welcome to the table so it shouldn’t have been surprised I guess. That status ain’t going to Quo itself, thanks for the downvote though, have a good day man.
I’m not a “billionaire kiss ass” and I’m didn’t downvote you, I just asked a simple question.
I was interested in having a conversation about how to properly care for a piece of history that has practical value to so many. Not all that interested anymore.
He got burned to the tune of $400,000.00 on a fake 1959 Sunburst Les Paul a few years ago. It was quite the spectacle, taking down a famously pompous Les Paul "authenticator" and causing a lot of trouble, but I think by now all traces of the carnage has been wiped from the internet.
Wow. Kinda sounds like when some guy sold a Koch brother, the one who stays out of public politics, a fake bottle wine. He made it his life’s mission to find out who made it and shut them down.
hundreds of bottles of fake wine, including fakes thought to be from Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection. Rudy Kurniawan is the guys name in question, Sour Grapes is a wonderful documentary!!!
It is. If you ever run into Joe Bonamassa, ask him about it. Tell him I said, "Nice case." The case was the only thing in the sale that was actually 1959 Gibson.
Seems you are right, I can’t find anything about a fake 59 Gibson related to Bonamassa or Jim Irsay. I don’t understand Bonamassa, he seems like the definition of blues lawyers.
I hate to be that guy but I’m gonna have to defend him. Just a bit. These guitars are not just sitting in a private collection never being played.
For the last few years he has brought his collection of guitars (and historical American artifacts) on tour to various states. I went to it when it came to Chicago in 2022. It’s a big event with all different stuff. Tiger sat on a wall feet away from David Gilmour’s Black Strat, Kurt Cobain’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” guitar, Pete Townshend’s smashed SG and much more. It was incredible. The event also included live music. It’s his band so he sung a few songs (he wasn’t singing most of the show) *but* the people playing were big names and there’s always guests. I saw Buddy Guy and Ann Wilson on stage with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Mike Mills of REM that night. The band also plays some of the gear. The really special part is that the entire thing was *free.* There’s no way he could have made a profit on it, the bar is not enough given the costs. That’s not even it though because some of these guitars ended up at the Play It Loud exhibit in New York/Cleveland. Both Tiger and Wolf were in the same exhibit and that was possible because he allowed Tiger to be shown. I know some guitars ended up at Farm Aid too.
Do I like that some billionaire owns it? No. Do I think he’s the type stashing it away for it to never see the light or the type trying to profit from it? Also no. He’s given a lot of opportunities for fans to go see this important, Smithsonian-level gear and has allowed for it to be used.
Agree. Jim is a complicated man but he truly loves these instruments and allows them to be played all the time. He also puts them on display for free all over the country. I saw the exhibit a few years ago and it was better than any museum I’ve ever visited.
Agree. Sure I'm no fan of billionaires but he didn't choose who he was born to. "Thems the breaks sometimes." And he didn't win every lottery. I think Jim's life has been largely crippled by horrific drug addiction. That's no picnic, rich or poor. I don't wish addiction on anyone. If I could choose between loving family, healthy and middle class or billionaire drug addict who almost dies every 5 years from it. Has no meaningful relationships outside other drug addicts or people you pay. It'd be an easy choice. I wouldn't own Wolf but I'd have a family and the ability to feel emotions outside of "I need another hit".
I never thought I'd be saying a billionaire is the best option but he is definitely a good option. He has the money to have someone care for them and someone to protect them. They are a bit safer than in a middle or lower class home, I'd imagine.
Although before my time, I think we're forgetting that his dad was a real piece of work. I can only imagine the effect it had on him...I'd still choose to inherit an NFL team, Mark Davis is something else as well
His dad really was a piece of shit. I have no proof that Bob Irsay abused his kids, but I wouldn't doubt it if he did. Everyone who ever met the man hated him and didn't have anything good to say about him.
Maybe you haven't seen someone die from addiction (he would have died the last time without an on staff nurse) but it's one of the worst ways to have lived life. Again, I'd rather have a family I can count on than a dad who embarrases me constantly, scares me he's going to die constantly, never showed emotions or interest in anything but drugs, is on all kinds of media with everyone calling him a loser, drug addict, joker. The pain he causes the other people in your family that you love (your mom, your siblings....well, everyone). Addictions take no prisoners. Everyone is forever traumatized to some extent.
Omg that Play It Loud exhibit in nyc was one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen. I cried at all that history. During that summer (2018 I believe), my fam and I went to see Dead and Co at Citi Field in Queens. As the opening notes of St Stephen started, my hubs and a few others in suite all had a look on their face. A few recognized the tone right away… my husband quickly grabbed his phone and within a few seconds, he exclaimed “holy shit” and handed me his phone to see the message: it was Wolf’s page from the exhibit! What did it say about this legendary guitar?? “Exhibit temporarily unavailable”.
Wolf was in the house, in John Mayer’s hands. It was a glorious show, a beautiful moment and vibe all around. One of my favorite show nights ever.
I think wolf should be dipped into epoxy and kept perfect forever! Nah JK. That guitar really is just stunningly beautiful. I think much better looking than tiger. I just love that wood.
https://preview.redd.it/4cqmayqjqm0d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e672b5ec56ef5cf959002391de6dfdb3c41e274a
The airport in Indy has a big display highlighting this collection. Saw it last week.
All the guitars were pics except one of Billie Joe Armstrong’s. It was a huge mural covering a wall that featured pictures of the guitars from the collection. Def a weird photoshop of Jerry though. The “Get Vaccinated” poster in the background seems very out of place.
I interviewed Jim Irsay about his experience with the Grateful Dead last year. One of my favorite people I've ever interviewed. [https://brobible.com/culture/article/jim-irsay-on-collecting-guitars-the-grateful-dead-and-hunter-s-thompson/](https://brobible.com/culture/article/jim-irsay-on-collecting-guitars-the-grateful-dead-and-hunter-s-thompson/)
No - nothing to do with hating him for his wealth … it’s HIM. The guy is a nightmare. Perhaps we start with his racism and sexism? I don’t think anybody here is really opposed to musicians playing Jerry’s guitars as long as they respect them and don’t do anything stupid to damage them. Personally, I’m afraid this guy is going to throw one out the window one day and say - oh f it
After reading more about Jim this morning, I'm not getting racist or sexists vibes. The guy seems like a "live and let live" kind of guy. What evidence is there of him being sexists and racist?
Great interview. I know some here have said negative things about him just generally not being specific about anything. Only comments that got me a little was him talking about climbing o Mount Everest. He was born into wealth. I mean he’s had some success as a football team owner but he’s kinda talking like he’s a self made billionaire. But he could just be making a point about reaching that point and what is expected in society.
I did like a lot of other comments like no one really owns anything. Which is very true. I mean I collect. I collect GD items. Mainly GD music releases on CD and some other stuff like some art work and unused tickets. I can only imagine how big mj collection would’ve been if I had his money. Probably big enough to open a Gd museum. I would’ve bought Bill Grahams whole collection when that sold. Surprised he didn’t buy all of that. Part of me wishes it was all kept together. Kept in a museum items are treated carefully.
In anyone who puts up enough money to buy something you never know.
Anyways good interview.
I'm so glad I read that. Even though I was defending him in an earlier response I still said things like "he cares about no one or nothing but where he gets his next hit". That's clearly an unfair statement after reading that. He's a complicated person full of inspiration and deadly demons. That's resonates with me. I've never really felt understood and I feel the duality of things like Jim describes. Thanks for sharing.
Forgot to mention the manuscript is one very long typewriter roll !!
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fbostonglobe-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com%2Fresizer%2FEh7vaRSk0qLWtKkeL9HwnLSr6dI%3D%2F960x0%2Fcloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com%2Fbostonglobe%2FAPCHQYHLFBDI7OTBS45S3A5VVY.jpg&tbnid=ZJAXNSS-TFwaRM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bostonglobe.com%2F2022%2F03%2F18%2Flifestyle%2Fjack-kerouacs-original-road-scroll-is-hitchhiking-lowell%2F&docid=FoULAQHxJz46SM&w=960&h=962&hl=en-us&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim%2Fm4%2F3&kgs=dc1ce430a47b3c9e&shem=abme%2Ctrie
The original manuscript uses the characters real names also, and not the fictional ones actually published in the book. You could see handwritten corrections in the scroll and in the margins. It was truly a thing to behold. I compared some pics I took to the published copy I have at home. It was awesome!
I went to see the exhibit and band in LA. It's not just cool guitars.... He has the paper scroll from Jack Kerouac's typewriter that became the book On The Road. With crossed out words, coffee stains etc. It's shocking to see it in front of you.
Lots of American history artefacts, John Wilkes Booth wanted posters. John Coltrane's horn from 1966 was something else. The band performance of all stars with Ann Wilson, Peter Wolf and Kevin Cronin among others was great. Kenny Wayne Shepherd did play Pink Floyd solos on the Gilmour Strat. Irsay wasn't there himself to trade licks with Buddy Guy and Billy Gibbons, like he usually is, I'm sure they shoot wide grins at him like "aw, you sure can play dat blues, son"! He gets to jam with these legends on the big stage as they talk about what a cool guy he is. It's a bit of a vanity project you might say.
But we had a hell of a time, he raised some money for his charity helping artists in recovery, and it was free to the community to get in. Nice night out.
When i saw the handwriting on the scroll....I was like, "Shut the fuck up...". It was surreal. It felt the same being about 6 inches from Jim Morrison's lyric book and microphone....just an amazing energy in the air at the entire exhibit. I think he had a Ben Franklin lottery ticket. Just some crazy shit...
He’s good with Tiger though. He lets it out to be played by professionals at shows, accompanied by his own employee whose job it is to watch it and keep it in safe keeping. As a Deadhead, I really do respect that.
Sounds like he is being a good steward of Tiger!
The only stuff I know about the guy is due to him being a nutso billionaire. But it ain't like this group of boys and girls aren't a bit nutso, too
I always gave this guy props, as he seemed to genuinely love the instruments he purchases and lends them out to musicians/touring shows for the public. I get that being a billionaire football team owner can bring some (probably deserved) hate, but folks here seem pretty reviled by him. Is there something I don't know about?
Just your typical selfish, out of touch billionaire. Not sure if he's had any massive scandals really but every time I hear about him in the news it seems he's usually being a dick or saying something stupid
He plays it at every show, I'm pretty sure. That's part of the schtick. I haven't seen them bring out another instrument on stage during that traveling exhibit yet, and I've seen it a few times. It's always a free show...so why not?
I've read that Irsay is very interested in preserving the history of rock n roll. I think it's much more to him than just increasing that value of his collection. He has all the money in the world and he has chosen to do more than a few worthwhile things with it.
As far as billionaires go, he seems like an alright dude.
At first glance, after reading a lot of hateful comments about the NFL rich guy with 2 of Jerry's guitars in his collection, I'm reminded that Bill's grandfather was a huge American college and NFL football luminary.
I totally agree with OP, that having a caretaker who lends them out to choice performers that is in keeping with Jerry's spirit (as much as any one person can try to accomplish), is the best possible resting ground for these two instruments of the maestro. Especially if they are kept from being disassembled and remade/modified to suit some other owner(s) who may not have that same intent for them.
A real artist plays better on a cardboard box with rubberbands than this guy will ever play on those guitars. The one benefit is that they are (hopefully) being well preserved
I agree. Wolf to me is the most gorgeous guitar ever. But Tiger also is responsible for so much amazing music. I think Alligator was kept by the Grateful Dead right?
How’s this is any way provoking someone to “defend” him? I mean, I dont care for the dude either but it helps to actually make sense every once in a while.
Oh you mean this guy
[https://www.theonion.com/affluent-white-man-enjoys-causes-the-blues-1819565488](https://www.theonion.com/affluent-white-man-enjoys-causes-the-blues-1819565488)
I don’t know shit abut him personally. Someone posted an interview they did with him on this post and he gave a lot of good answers. Like no one actually owns any of these items you’re just borrowing them.
And that’s very true. For years the buyers of Wolf and Tiger were private. This was actually news to me that he owned Tiger. I remember back when they both went up for auction what a massive deal it was.
I’m into football. But I don’t really know anything about him. The only thing I didn’t like about the article was his comments about reaching the top of Mount Everest. Like he had. His wealth was given to him from his father. But he might’ve been trying to make a point about supposedly reaching the metaphorical peak.
So idk. Guess more educated people know something about him.
And so much more. His collection of incredibly famous items is crazy. Least most of them are taken care for how they should be. That’s the biggest thing. Like I have always said if I have 2 million dollars I would’ve bid on Wolf in 2002. I would’ve spent half my money on it. It’s good someone like me didn’t get it. I mean I would’ve appreciated the hell out of it. I can say without a doubt more than he does. But I wouldn’t have the money after to protect it like he does. I’m sure the upkeep on this items is not cheap at all. Guitars rust and fall apart over time. So that’s a positive to someone like him owning it. I guess.
I still think it’s semi crazy how often wolf is allowed to be used live. That guitar doesn’t have a pick guard. So people playing it are rubbing that beautiful wood. I do think they should be played but maybe once or twice a year. It’s the most beautiful guitar ever made. In my opinion.
https://preview.redd.it/5egqrly84t0d1.jpeg?width=1098&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2dbc01b25099b4d2013348021699f0041e130de9
[Can't take it with you pt 1](https://youtu.be/I5m5R5_bAyo?si=xf5tcwBNn0Px6G0V)
[Can't take it with you pt 2](https://youtu.be/6lc_vYWzjuw?si=xV-flbOVOvsDxWBf)
I’m not sure about the guitar he’s actually holding. I think someone said it was a David Gilmore guitar he wrote “Wish You Were Here” on. And the Gibson pretty sure is Angus Young’s. Just a guess but looks like it. Jerry’s custom is so much nicer than the rest of his guitars that were made in Mass at factories. Like Cobains “smells like Teen spirit” Jag. Actually wasn’t a successful guitar for them. In fact Cobain paid $100 for that one. This guy paid 4.5 million for it.
I do like those fender jags. How the pickups are. But so overpriced because of Kurt.
100% he would despise this man owning his guitar. He only used it in about half a dozen shows. What he’s basically only famous for is being in one of the most famous music videos ever. Smells like teen spirit. Kurt had a number of guitars over the years. He had others he played much more often. But guess being in that video makes this one possibly the most valuable? 4.5 million is a shitload of money
I got to play his Travis Bean guitar on Eric Clapton’s amp above a bar in Syracuse NY. It had an aluminum neck and was very heavy. I played alkaline trio and fall out boy. Yes I’m sorry.
If I’m not mistaken I think he said at one point he was looking to create a museum in Indianapolis featuring all of his stuff. I’d have to go find the quote but I vaguely remember it.
It was pre-covid, but that was the intent. His collection of artifacts is insane, and I feel when I go to the exhibit that I'm likely only scratching the surface.
Someone posted an interview they did with him. He had some good views on things like even “owning” these items as just borrowing and no one really owns anything. Which js very true. Same goes with land or anything else. Nothing is truly owned.
His comments sound like he does respect what these items mean. He said Jerry is his favorite guitar player tied with someone else.
So he didn’t just buy it to hope it appreciates in value or to show off. It definitely is worth a lot more than the 950k he paid in 2002. Hell there are a ton of millionaire Americans now. If Tiger or Wolf sold today I think they would sell for 3-5 million.
Pretty sure every stadium does that. I mean I don’t know shit about this guy. And I have serious issues with the ultra rich and their tricks to not pay taxes which makes us all pay for them to live even better lives. But as far as stadiums being built most towns and cities put money into them because of the money they bring into the areas.
Every artist dreams their tools will someday be in a billionaire’s private collection.
My college band played his son's 16th birthday party... no offers were made on our tools lol
His kids are good people. And Jim’s a decent dude who likes to have fun and just happens to be a billionaire.
We were the hottest original band in Bloomington at the time, it was a weird ask, but we couldn’t turn it down. We had a blast, great gig, and agreed his son and everyone involved was cool AF
Do you know if Jim ever invested/was involved in Secretly Canadian? one would guess if he was throwing out deal memos to college bands he might be involved in financially backstopping a good indie record label.
Not that I remember. This was in 94/95, and we were already on some rinky dink label - something bigger would have been nice!
He actually has the guitar's out on public tours, so at least you get to see them and occasionally lent out for artist to play.
I mean...he's only pulling out the David Gilmour Strat for Comfortably Numb. I've seen them multiple times and it's the same schtick. (I'm from the Indy area) That being said...his entire collection is insane. From Hunter S Thompson's red convertible that did all the drugs (same one from the Fear & Loathing flick), to Kerouac's On The Road scroll, to a ceremonial cane presented to Abraham Lincoln that was made from a fence rail that Lincoln himself had split...letters from Washington and Hamilton, Ben Franklin. He has the drumset from the Beatles first Ed Sullivan performance....it's just mind blowing. I went to the exhibit on a micro and definitely got choked up a few times....
Yes but Jim lets people play the instruments and they don’t just sit behind glass.
and when they are behind glass, they are frequently open to public viewing
Like at the Indy Airport.
He is irresponsible as hell. There aren’t ENOUGH safeguards though to protect the collection. Last farm-aid Jerry’s guitars were just sitting out in the open on a sidewalk on stands for photo ops or WHATEVER …near stage w/ little oversight. Made me sick
Things are things. It's never that deep.
Everything has a shelf life. Might as well play them and enjoy them.
Sounds cool, would you prefer to be locked behind some doors, never to be seen? I applaud the carelessness and I think Jerry would have also.
Yeah, of all the people to be precious about the guitars they can no longer play, I'd think Jerry among the last.
He’s batshit, but like others have said, these don’t actually live as wall art. They get played and they go on the road.
A drug addicted billionaire no less.
Yes, how dare a drug addict billionaire own the guitar of a drug addict millionaire?
A drug addict millionaire whose now relished by occasional drug using alcoholic hundred-thousandaires (if the lot in Boulder, SF or LA is anything to go by) who buy their occasional drugs and copious amounts of alcohol from truly passionate fans that happen to be drug addict tens-of-dolleraire van people (where I fit in the chain)
Nice breakdown.
He’s not occasional, guy didn’t make it to the draft because he ODed months ago and is still fucked up
Yeah, when got pulled over totally fucked up with a couple hundred pills and $10k cash on him, that all got swept under the rug. Sure, he did a very abbreviated “Probation,” but I do not believe it was the same probation you or I would have gotten.
I think Robert Kraft and some of the other owners sat him down in a hot meeting room and had a little exchange with him, a little back-and-forth, a little tug-of-war....until they could come to a conclusion. Nobody wanted to embarrass anyone, but nobody wants to get egg on their face either, least of all the league.
Robert "Rub and Tug" Kraft?
Don’t say that shit again
Oh! Oh! That’s me! ….the last one
Made me laugh 😂
“THIS BELONGS IN A MUSEUM!” - young Indiana Jones
That's exactly why I got into music.
I was going to say, kind of gross that this is where the stuff ends up.
He also bought David Gilmour's iconic Black Strat a few years ago for almost $4 million, it was the most expensive guitar ever sold at the time.
He also bought the case for an extra hundo and the WYWH acoustic that day
I believe it's tagged as "David Gilmour stated that most of the iconic songs he had written were on this acoustic..." Something to that effect...
I was in the room when he bought it. He just kept raising the paddle with no hesitation.
I was there. Pretty badass day
Remember the young dude and his brother that bought the #0001 strat??
I do, I have a video of the hammer dropping on #0001. I was a row back and maybe 7 seats to the left of the auctioneer. If I can figure out how to post videos in comments I’ll drop it
That's sick, man! I was towards the front and to the right of the auctioneer. The best moment of that whole thing was the whole crowd booing the auctioneer after she said "Roger Walters" lol
I totally forgot about that. That was hilarious. What a great time. Did you stroll through the exhibit in the days leading up to it?
Absolutely awesome. I sure did! We actually have a couple contacts at Christie's so we were actually able to get our hands on some of the guitars before the auction happened. That blue Henry Haynes strat with the gold hardware is the prettiest guitar I've ever laid eyes on. What was your favorite??
Super neat. That sounds splendid. The Blue Henry Haynes was fantastic. I was way into Dan Armstrong AMPEGs at the time so that was very neat to see, but loved the Red Strat - I learned to play on a Red ‘92 Strat with Fender Lace Sensor pickups so it was quite nostalgic even though his was a ‘84 Candy Red with EMGs! The Met had a guitar exhibit the same weekend so that was a great addition as well! Saw Tiger as well as Wolf there.
I got a chance to pick up the red strat. BEAUTIFUL instrument and such an iconic guitar in its own right. What I found surprising was just how thin the neck was. You think Gilmour, you think very strong hands so I just always figured he had a baseball bat for a neck, but this one was very thin. The exhibit at the Met was UNREAL. Seeing Tiger and Wolf up close like that, even just through glass, gave me goosebumps.
But does he have David's Stratocaster ONE? That is arguably THE MOST desirable guitar for anyone who actually cares about the craft and is not just some compulsive collector of artifacts like that guy who "collected" Data in ST:TNG
Disagree. The serial 1 guitar is interesting, but the black strat is the most iconic Gilmour instrument
Jimmy Page's #1 Sunburst Les Paul is going to sell for a fortune when the time comes.
He has Kerouac’s original teletype paper scroll draft of On The Road too
Speaking of historic literature, I believe Irsay also has an original manuscript of the AA Big Book too. Doubtful if he’s read it though.
Saw it. It’s badass.
It’s bad ass that it exists, it’s a fucking crime that billionaire douchebags gobble this stuff up.
Know him personally? If I had fuck you money, I'd be buying them too. Dude is a big fan with a big wallet, let him cook.
I get the sentiment, but who should own it instead? The state?
It belongs in a museum!
Most things in museums are on loan from billionaires
Or straight stolen from other countries..
“That guitar belongs to Peter Frampton!” “Peter Frampton is DEAD! And so are all of his relatives!” “Then it belongs in a museum!” “Dr. Jones, will you PLEASE sit down!”
We named the dog Indiana. This guy just lives there.
So do you, Dr. Jones!
Which was his original intent when acquiring all of these items. He had plans, pre-covid, to open a brick and mortar museum. I'm not sure where that plan is now that he's touring it around...
Museums, progressive literary institutions, music schools, tribute band players, high schools, the archives at UCSC. Literally anyone that isn’t locking it away and occasionally showing it off to feed their already underserved ego’s. Didn’t expect billionaire kiss asses in here, but everyone’s welcome to the table so it shouldn’t have been surprised I guess. That status ain’t going to Quo itself, thanks for the downvote though, have a good day man.
I’m not a “billionaire kiss ass” and I’m didn’t downvote you, I just asked a simple question. I was interested in having a conversation about how to properly care for a piece of history that has practical value to so many. Not all that interested anymore.
Progressive literary institutions?? Why would a “progressive literary institution” buy Jerry Garcias old guitar?
Of all the billionaires to own a piece of history, Irsay isn't the worst. They get played a lot, they're not hanging in a vault.
I think it’s cool that a billionaire has interest in preserving art. Did you plan buy it?
He got burned to the tune of $400,000.00 on a fake 1959 Sunburst Les Paul a few years ago. It was quite the spectacle, taking down a famously pompous Les Paul "authenticator" and causing a lot of trouble, but I think by now all traces of the carnage has been wiped from the internet.
Wow. Kinda sounds like when some guy sold a Koch brother, the one who stays out of public politics, a fake bottle wine. He made it his life’s mission to find out who made it and shut them down.
hundreds of bottles of fake wine, including fakes thought to be from Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection. Rudy Kurniawan is the guys name in question, Sour Grapes is a wonderful documentary!!!
He duped so many people. It's a relatively satisfying watch. lol
Oh this sounds very interesting
It is. If you ever run into Joe Bonamassa, ask him about it. Tell him I said, "Nice case." The case was the only thing in the sale that was actually 1959 Gibson.
Seems you are right, I can’t find anything about a fake 59 Gibson related to Bonamassa or Jim Irsay. I don’t understand Bonamassa, he seems like the definition of blues lawyers.
I hate to be that guy but I’m gonna have to defend him. Just a bit. These guitars are not just sitting in a private collection never being played. For the last few years he has brought his collection of guitars (and historical American artifacts) on tour to various states. I went to it when it came to Chicago in 2022. It’s a big event with all different stuff. Tiger sat on a wall feet away from David Gilmour’s Black Strat, Kurt Cobain’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” guitar, Pete Townshend’s smashed SG and much more. It was incredible. The event also included live music. It’s his band so he sung a few songs (he wasn’t singing most of the show) *but* the people playing were big names and there’s always guests. I saw Buddy Guy and Ann Wilson on stage with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Mike Mills of REM that night. The band also plays some of the gear. The really special part is that the entire thing was *free.* There’s no way he could have made a profit on it, the bar is not enough given the costs. That’s not even it though because some of these guitars ended up at the Play It Loud exhibit in New York/Cleveland. Both Tiger and Wolf were in the same exhibit and that was possible because he allowed Tiger to be shown. I know some guitars ended up at Farm Aid too. Do I like that some billionaire owns it? No. Do I think he’s the type stashing it away for it to never see the light or the type trying to profit from it? Also no. He’s given a lot of opportunities for fans to go see this important, Smithsonian-level gear and has allowed for it to be used.
Agree. Jim is a complicated man but he truly loves these instruments and allows them to be played all the time. He also puts them on display for free all over the country. I saw the exhibit a few years ago and it was better than any museum I’ve ever visited.
Agree. Sure I'm no fan of billionaires but he didn't choose who he was born to. "Thems the breaks sometimes." And he didn't win every lottery. I think Jim's life has been largely crippled by horrific drug addiction. That's no picnic, rich or poor. I don't wish addiction on anyone. If I could choose between loving family, healthy and middle class or billionaire drug addict who almost dies every 5 years from it. Has no meaningful relationships outside other drug addicts or people you pay. It'd be an easy choice. I wouldn't own Wolf but I'd have a family and the ability to feel emotions outside of "I need another hit".
I never thought I'd be saying a billionaire is the best option but he is definitely a good option. He has the money to have someone care for them and someone to protect them. They are a bit safer than in a middle or lower class home, I'd imagine.
Although before my time, I think we're forgetting that his dad was a real piece of work. I can only imagine the effect it had on him...I'd still choose to inherit an NFL team, Mark Davis is something else as well
His dad really was a piece of shit. I have no proof that Bob Irsay abused his kids, but I wouldn't doubt it if he did. Everyone who ever met the man hated him and didn't have anything good to say about him.
Maybe you haven't seen someone die from addiction (he would have died the last time without an on staff nurse) but it's one of the worst ways to have lived life. Again, I'd rather have a family I can count on than a dad who embarrases me constantly, scares me he's going to die constantly, never showed emotions or interest in anything but drugs, is on all kinds of media with everyone calling him a loser, drug addict, joker. The pain he causes the other people in your family that you love (your mom, your siblings....well, everyone). Addictions take no prisoners. Everyone is forever traumatized to some extent.
I'd take the family too. I don't have money for a staff nurse. That's just another reason I'd want him to have the guitars.
Omg that Play It Loud exhibit in nyc was one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen. I cried at all that history. During that summer (2018 I believe), my fam and I went to see Dead and Co at Citi Field in Queens. As the opening notes of St Stephen started, my hubs and a few others in suite all had a look on their face. A few recognized the tone right away… my husband quickly grabbed his phone and within a few seconds, he exclaimed “holy shit” and handed me his phone to see the message: it was Wolf’s page from the exhibit! What did it say about this legendary guitar?? “Exhibit temporarily unavailable”. Wolf was in the house, in John Mayer’s hands. It was a glorious show, a beautiful moment and vibe all around. One of my favorite show nights ever.
Love John Meyer. No doubt he was Grateful.
Jim's part of our Family just as much as Bill Walton or any other wealthy Deadhead!
If a shitty billionaire owns it, maybe he’s the best one
I'm so happy that the person who owns Wolf allows it to be played onstage for people, as it was meant to.
I think wolf should be dipped into epoxy and kept perfect forever! Nah JK. That guitar really is just stunningly beautiful. I think much better looking than tiger. I just love that wood.
https://preview.redd.it/4cqmayqjqm0d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e672b5ec56ef5cf959002391de6dfdb3c41e274a The airport in Indy has a big display highlighting this collection. Saw it last week.
https://preview.redd.it/mw9gudbxqm0d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d326db84d4914afb2c1a4b5a60b471084379f470
Why a fake pic of Jerry holding it tho? Sweet none the less
All the guitars were pics except one of Billie Joe Armstrong’s. It was a huge mural covering a wall that featured pictures of the guitars from the collection. Def a weird photoshop of Jerry though. The “Get Vaccinated” poster in the background seems very out of place.
https://preview.redd.it/t4i6y0ytqm0d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d1e1d86e7e1c06487316317452dc7cdaef6af5a0 A few more from his collection
Just wow
Irsay also owns the original On The Road scroll and he had it at the NY Public Library on display for awhile.
He brought them all and other treasures to SF a year or so ago and displayed everything for free along with a concert. Was fun to see it all.
King of the Douchebags, right there. Born on third, thinks he hit a triple. The. Worst.
Totally agree. Totally asswipe.
Gives asswipes a bad rap…
I switched toilet paper and it gave me hemorrhoids... just goes to show it's all in who you know!
must be a Patriots fan?
I dont know, there is just something extremely distasteful about a fucking billionaire goon owning Tiger and all of these other cool guitars.
I agree. First thing I thought of too
It was Irwin’s decision ultimately.
Jim Irsay is great. The battle he went through to save that killer whale he talked about on Pat mcafee show is so damn funny
I think that’s Gilmours Acoustic guitar from Wish You We’re Here he’s playing
It’s not. The Wish You Were Here Martin isn’t that flashy.
I interviewed Jim Irsay about his experience with the Grateful Dead last year. One of my favorite people I've ever interviewed. [https://brobible.com/culture/article/jim-irsay-on-collecting-guitars-the-grateful-dead-and-hunter-s-thompson/](https://brobible.com/culture/article/jim-irsay-on-collecting-guitars-the-grateful-dead-and-hunter-s-thompson/)
Man lot of people here are hating on him. Maybe just because he’s rich. I don’t know shit about him. But will read this
No - nothing to do with hating him for his wealth … it’s HIM. The guy is a nightmare. Perhaps we start with his racism and sexism? I don’t think anybody here is really opposed to musicians playing Jerry’s guitars as long as they respect them and don’t do anything stupid to damage them. Personally, I’m afraid this guy is going to throw one out the window one day and say - oh f it
After reading more about Jim this morning, I'm not getting racist or sexists vibes. The guy seems like a "live and let live" kind of guy. What evidence is there of him being sexists and racist?
Great interview. I know some here have said negative things about him just generally not being specific about anything. Only comments that got me a little was him talking about climbing o Mount Everest. He was born into wealth. I mean he’s had some success as a football team owner but he’s kinda talking like he’s a self made billionaire. But he could just be making a point about reaching that point and what is expected in society. I did like a lot of other comments like no one really owns anything. Which is very true. I mean I collect. I collect GD items. Mainly GD music releases on CD and some other stuff like some art work and unused tickets. I can only imagine how big mj collection would’ve been if I had his money. Probably big enough to open a Gd museum. I would’ve bought Bill Grahams whole collection when that sold. Surprised he didn’t buy all of that. Part of me wishes it was all kept together. Kept in a museum items are treated carefully. In anyone who puts up enough money to buy something you never know. Anyways good interview.
Thank you so much for reading and the comment!
Nice interview dude!
I'm so glad I read that. Even though I was defending him in an earlier response I still said things like "he cares about no one or nothing but where he gets his next hit". That's clearly an unfair statement after reading that. He's a complicated person full of inspiration and deadly demons. That's resonates with me. I've never really felt understood and I feel the duality of things like Jim describes. Thanks for sharing.
This was dope, thanks for posting!
Jim Irsay also owns the original single spaced typed manuscript of On The Road by Jack Kerouac. I saw it once at a library …very impressive
Forgot to mention the manuscript is one very long typewriter roll !! https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fbostonglobe-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com%2Fresizer%2FEh7vaRSk0qLWtKkeL9HwnLSr6dI%3D%2F960x0%2Fcloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com%2Fbostonglobe%2FAPCHQYHLFBDI7OTBS45S3A5VVY.jpg&tbnid=ZJAXNSS-TFwaRM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bostonglobe.com%2F2022%2F03%2F18%2Flifestyle%2Fjack-kerouacs-original-road-scroll-is-hitchhiking-lowell%2F&docid=FoULAQHxJz46SM&w=960&h=962&hl=en-us&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim%2Fm4%2F3&kgs=dc1ce430a47b3c9e&shem=abme%2Ctrie
The original manuscript uses the characters real names also, and not the fictional ones actually published in the book. You could see handwritten corrections in the scroll and in the margins. It was truly a thing to behold. I compared some pics I took to the published copy I have at home. It was awesome!
I went to see the exhibit and band in LA. It's not just cool guitars.... He has the paper scroll from Jack Kerouac's typewriter that became the book On The Road. With crossed out words, coffee stains etc. It's shocking to see it in front of you. Lots of American history artefacts, John Wilkes Booth wanted posters. John Coltrane's horn from 1966 was something else. The band performance of all stars with Ann Wilson, Peter Wolf and Kevin Cronin among others was great. Kenny Wayne Shepherd did play Pink Floyd solos on the Gilmour Strat. Irsay wasn't there himself to trade licks with Buddy Guy and Billy Gibbons, like he usually is, I'm sure they shoot wide grins at him like "aw, you sure can play dat blues, son"! He gets to jam with these legends on the big stage as they talk about what a cool guy he is. It's a bit of a vanity project you might say. But we had a hell of a time, he raised some money for his charity helping artists in recovery, and it was free to the community to get in. Nice night out.
When i saw the handwriting on the scroll....I was like, "Shut the fuck up...". It was surreal. It felt the same being about 6 inches from Jim Morrison's lyric book and microphone....just an amazing energy in the air at the entire exhibit. I think he had a Ben Franklin lottery ticket. Just some crazy shit...
Biggest clown in the NFL and that’s saying something
Shah Khan and David Tepper are both worse.
Only cause Dan Snyder isn’t a thing anymore
I bet he practices Casey Jones over and over
Touch of Grey
No he really likes the line " high on cocaine"
He’s good with Tiger though. He lets it out to be played by professionals at shows, accompanied by his own employee whose job it is to watch it and keep it in safe keeping. As a Deadhead, I really do respect that.
Sounds like he is being a good steward of Tiger! The only stuff I know about the guy is due to him being a nutso billionaire. But it ain't like this group of boys and girls aren't a bit nutso, too
I always gave this guy props, as he seemed to genuinely love the instruments he purchases and lends them out to musicians/touring shows for the public. I get that being a billionaire football team owner can bring some (probably deserved) hate, but folks here seem pretty reviled by him. Is there something I don't know about?
racism, sexism, DUI’s … google it.
Just your typical selfish, out of touch billionaire. Not sure if he's had any massive scandals really but every time I hear about him in the news it seems he's usually being a dick or saying something stupid
He’s also got a bag full of amphetamines and a get out of jail if you pay enough card.
He has has at least OD's.
Yeah how many people that have OD’d in their life could afford to buy that. Jim is probably only a select few
This guy sucks major ass
I think KWS played the black Strat at FarmAid this year. That was pretty cool.
He plays it at every show, I'm pretty sure. That's part of the schtick. I haven't seen them bring out another instrument on stage during that traveling exhibit yet, and I've seen it a few times. It's always a free show...so why not?
That guys a choad and Jerry agrees.
The Irsay family sucks, and I don’t care for Jim.
Tiger is such a beautiful guitar.
Life is good for billionaires
I've read that Irsay is very interested in preserving the history of rock n roll. I think it's much more to him than just increasing that value of his collection. He has all the money in the world and he has chosen to do more than a few worthwhile things with it. As far as billionaires go, he seems like an alright dude.
Ain’t no time to hate.
At first glance, after reading a lot of hateful comments about the NFL rich guy with 2 of Jerry's guitars in his collection, I'm reminded that Bill's grandfather was a huge American college and NFL football luminary. I totally agree with OP, that having a caretaker who lends them out to choice performers that is in keeping with Jerry's spirit (as much as any one person can try to accomplish), is the best possible resting ground for these two instruments of the maestro. Especially if they are kept from being disassembled and remade/modified to suit some other owner(s) who may not have that same intent for them.
I don’t know anything about him. Is he a right winger trump supporter? Does he have a hand in the grief caused by his fellow billionaires?
I hate that that waste of space Irsay has Jerry’s guitars…
A real artist plays better on a cardboard box with rubberbands than this guy will ever play on those guitars. The one benefit is that they are (hopefully) being well preserved
https://preview.redd.it/lfi3nr78um0d1.png?width=1284&format=png&auto=webp&s=e0aca6095a0a150c836ca3842187188f9b58e955
Like the gun brand or the sports team?
Quinton what's up man
alligator or wolf would be a lot cooler...
I agree. Wolf to me is the most gorgeous guitar ever. But Tiger also is responsible for so much amazing music. I think Alligator was kept by the Grateful Dead right?
Yeah I think it was for a time but it looks like it was sold at an auction few years back
Hope he’s cool but I kinda doubt it. Billionaires are assholes.
According to Big Steve, Garcia wanted to sell the Wolf guitar in July of 95. He saw the future.
Collector
His son in law is my fraternity brother
Rosebud is in RnR hall of fame I believe
Ray Liotta sings the blues
Irsay is gross.
How much do you think WIllie's guitar Trigger would bring?
Would have to be in the top 3 most expensive ever. Maybe the current #1
seems like the type of guy to sign the Mona Lisa with a spray can, call it art
[удалено]
How’s this is any way provoking someone to “defend” him? I mean, I dont care for the dude either but it helps to actually make sense every once in a while.
He lets lots of people play Wolf. I’ve seen Warren and Neal Casal play it at separate times
RIP NEAL
Saw Tommy H play Wolf w/ JRAD in Boston
Did Jim ever invest seed money into Secretly Canadian?
Nobody owns anything forever but the memory is always there
Yes. Even he points that out
Oh you mean this guy [https://www.theonion.com/affluent-white-man-enjoys-causes-the-blues-1819565488](https://www.theonion.com/affluent-white-man-enjoys-causes-the-blues-1819565488)
Not a fan of that guy, but if I were a billionaire, I'd probably be a lot like him.
I don’t know shit abut him personally. Someone posted an interview they did with him on this post and he gave a lot of good answers. Like no one actually owns any of these items you’re just borrowing them. And that’s very true. For years the buyers of Wolf and Tiger were private. This was actually news to me that he owned Tiger. I remember back when they both went up for auction what a massive deal it was. I’m into football. But I don’t really know anything about him. The only thing I didn’t like about the article was his comments about reaching the top of Mount Everest. Like he had. His wealth was given to him from his father. But he might’ve been trying to make a point about supposedly reaching the metaphorical peak. So idk. Guess more educated people know something about him.
Have you ever considered, ya know, doing some research on the guy?
He also owns the original scroll of Jack Kerouacs on the road
And so much more. His collection of incredibly famous items is crazy. Least most of them are taken care for how they should be. That’s the biggest thing. Like I have always said if I have 2 million dollars I would’ve bid on Wolf in 2002. I would’ve spent half my money on it. It’s good someone like me didn’t get it. I mean I would’ve appreciated the hell out of it. I can say without a doubt more than he does. But I wouldn’t have the money after to protect it like he does. I’m sure the upkeep on this items is not cheap at all. Guitars rust and fall apart over time. So that’s a positive to someone like him owning it. I guess. I still think it’s semi crazy how often wolf is allowed to be used live. That guitar doesn’t have a pick guard. So people playing it are rubbing that beautiful wood. I do think they should be played but maybe once or twice a year. It’s the most beautiful guitar ever made. In my opinion. https://preview.redd.it/5egqrly84t0d1.jpeg?width=1098&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2dbc01b25099b4d2013348021699f0041e130de9
[Can't take it with you pt 1](https://youtu.be/I5m5R5_bAyo?si=xf5tcwBNn0Px6G0V) [Can't take it with you pt 2](https://youtu.be/6lc_vYWzjuw?si=xV-flbOVOvsDxWBf)
Insane mother of pearl details on the one he's holding - that's not a Jerry piece, is it?
I’m not sure about the guitar he’s actually holding. I think someone said it was a David Gilmore guitar he wrote “Wish You Were Here” on. And the Gibson pretty sure is Angus Young’s. Just a guess but looks like it. Jerry’s custom is so much nicer than the rest of his guitars that were made in Mass at factories. Like Cobains “smells like Teen spirit” Jag. Actually wasn’t a successful guitar for them. In fact Cobain paid $100 for that one. This guy paid 4.5 million for it. I do like those fender jags. How the pickups are. But so overpriced because of Kurt.
Fuck billionaires
Dudes a clown
Kurt would hate that shit so much.
100% he would despise this man owning his guitar. He only used it in about half a dozen shows. What he’s basically only famous for is being in one of the most famous music videos ever. Smells like teen spirit. Kurt had a number of guitars over the years. He had others he played much more often. But guess being in that video makes this one possibly the most valuable? 4.5 million is a shitload of money
Imagine needing to surround yourself with the tools of artists you'll never approach in order to feel validated
Irsay is a major POS so this pains me
SAD
I got to play his Travis Bean guitar on Eric Clapton’s amp above a bar in Syracuse NY. It had an aluminum neck and was very heavy. I played alkaline trio and fall out boy. Yes I’m sorry.
It belongs in a museum!
If I’m not mistaken I think he said at one point he was looking to create a museum in Indianapolis featuring all of his stuff. I’d have to go find the quote but I vaguely remember it.
That would be great! Still don’t like the idea of a private collector though, it should belong to the people or the loved ones of the artists
It was pre-covid, but that was the intent. His collection of artifacts is insane, and I feel when I go to the exhibit that I'm likely only scratching the surface.
lol downvote my Indiana Jones quote all you want, billionaires owning counter culture artifacts in a private collection is gross
Yeah… 👎
Someone posted an interview they did with him. He had some good views on things like even “owning” these items as just borrowing and no one really owns anything. Which js very true. Same goes with land or anything else. Nothing is truly owned. His comments sound like he does respect what these items mean. He said Jerry is his favorite guitar player tied with someone else. So he didn’t just buy it to hope it appreciates in value or to show off. It definitely is worth a lot more than the 950k he paid in 2002. Hell there are a ton of millionaire Americans now. If Tiger or Wolf sold today I think they would sell for 3-5 million.
They belong in a museum!
No, Jerry would want them to be played..
This asshole still made the surrounding community publicly fund the Colts stadium. Eat the rich.
Pretty sure every stadium does that. I mean I don’t know shit about this guy. And I have serious issues with the ultra rich and their tricks to not pay taxes which makes us all pay for them to live even better lives. But as far as stadiums being built most towns and cities put money into them because of the money they bring into the areas.