Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Kurt Cobain's cardigan worn on MTV Unplugged goes up for auction for $50,000

Garment has reportedly never been washed

Clémence Michallon
New York
Thursday 10 October 2019 16:02 BST
Comments
Kurt Cobain at Nirvana's 'MTV Unplugged' taping on 18 November, 1993 in New York City.
Kurt Cobain at Nirvana's 'MTV Unplugged' taping on 18 November, 1993 in New York City. (YouTube / Nirvana)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Kurt Cobain’s cardigan which he wore during Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance is going up for auction.

The garment, which has reportedly never been washed, will be available at a starting price of $50,000 (£41,000). It’s expected to fetch between $200,000 and $300,000 (£163,000 to £245,000).

Cobain was wearing the cardigan when Nirvana taped the appearance in November 1993 in New York City.

The segment aired in November 1994, seven months after Cobain’s death.

Cobain’s cardigan is described on Julien’s Auctions’ website as a Manhattan-brand ”blend of acrylic, mohair and Lycra with five-button closure (one button absent) with two exterior pockets, a burn hole and discoloration near left pocket and discoloration on right pocket”.

It’s a size medium and was obtained from Jackie Farry, a friend of the Cobain family who was once the nanny of Frances Bean Cobain, Cobain and Courtney Love’s daughter.

The sweater was obtained from Jackie Farry, a close friend of the Cobain family, and is accompanied by both a handwritten letter and a typed, signed letter from Farry.

“It’s very important that we don’t wash it,” Darren Julien of Julien’s Auctions told Rolling Stone. “The stains are still there. There’s even cigarettes burns that you can see on the sweater.”

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

The cardigan is currently owned by a businessman who has preferred not to reveal his identity.

The auction will go live on 25 October.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in