Latest news with #TheJimIrsayCollection
Indianapolis Star
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Jim Irsay left behind 'greatest guitar collection on Earth.' What happens to it now?
INDIANAPOLIS -- As Jim Irsay immersed himself in professional football for the past four decades, first as general manager of the Indianapolis Colts and then as owner, he always had a side gig -- rock 'n' roll relic collector extraordinaire. Especially guitars. Irsay amassed a colossal collection of guitars (199 to be exact) and other musical instruments, spending tens of millions of dollars on what Guitar Magazine once called "the greatest guitar collection on Earth." When Irsay died last week, many of the instruments in the collection were on loan throughout the country, including at the "Amped at IU" exhibit at Indiana University and at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle for "Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music." The items in those exhibits will remain at those locations until the displays are scheduled to end. The long-term plan for The Jim Irsay Collection, which also includes artifacts of American history and pop culture, has not been determined. The team told IndyStar on Wednesday it would be "getting more info on the collection in the coming weeks." Irsay had a penchant for obtaining rare musical instruments and items that were used by some of the greatest artists in history. Among them: Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Prince, Eric Clapton, Sir Elton John, Jerry Garcia, Les Paul, David Gilmour, Jim Morrison, Pete Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, The Edge, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain. But Irsay's collection goes beyond music and includes eclectic items like an Apple II manual signed by Steve Jobs, Hunter S. Thompson's Red Shark convertible and Jack Kerouac's original typewritten manuscript of "On The Road." Experts have valued the collection at close to $1 billion, should it ever be sold in its entirety. 'My purpose in building this collection," Irsay wrote on his collection's website, "is to preserve, protect and share items that tell inspiring stories about dreaming big, overcoming obstacles and accomplishing great things in life." The "Amped at IU" exhibit includes pieces from Irsay's collection that help illustrate the instrument's history, including an 1850s CF Martin, a 1910 Gibson U Harp, 1939 Rickenbacker Silver Hawaiian Lap Steel and more. The display also feature artifacts from The Beatles, their manager Brian Epstein, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash and others. Details: "Amped at IU" runs through September at University Collections at McCalla, 525 E. 9th St. in Bloomington. McCalla's galleries are open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The "Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music" includes three items Irsay loaned to the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle -- James Brown's stage-worn, red sequined cape from the 1960s and 1970s, John Coltrane's 1966 Yamaha alto saxophone and Miles Davis' 1980 Martin Committee trumpet. The exhibit explores "the rich legacy of African American music, tracing the deep cultural roots of gospel, blues, jazz and soul. Through evocative photography, rare concert flyers, instruments and costumes, the exhibit showcases the profound influence of Black communities on the evolution of these genres." Details: Runs through early 2027 at the Museum of Pop Culture, 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA. Info and tickets
Indianapolis Star
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
The Jim Irsay Collection in all its glory
Jim Irsay holds the Fender Stratocaster guitar that Bob Dylan played at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. Photo taken on June 10, 2014. Michelle Pemberton, IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK Ringo Star's 1963 Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl Downbeat Drum Kit is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Colts owner Jim Irsay displayed four of his historic guitars at Fountain Square Theatre. Seen in the case are instruments once owned by Bob Dylan, George Harrison, John Lennon and Elvis Presley. Melodie Yvonne Ramey/For IndyStar Guitars from the who's who of music are on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Here, a guest photographs Bob Dylan's 1964 Fender Stratocaster known as the "Dylan Goes Electric" guitar, from the 1965 Newport Folk Festival where he controversially "went electric" for the first time Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Jerry Garcia's 1979 Doug Irwin "Tiger" commissioned in 1963 and used on their hit "Touch of Gray" is on display during The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The guitar took 6yrs to build. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Guitars from the who's who of music are on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Jim Irsay plays the Jerry Garcia "Tiger" guitar at the Indiana State Museum in December 2011. The Colts CEO owns 175 historic guitars. Frank Espich /The Star Christopher McKinney, caretaker of Jim Irsay's guitars, plays a 1939 Martin D-45 guitar at Colts headquarters in November 2013. Frank Espich/The Star The Vox "Kensington" prototype boasts buttons labeled "treble," "bass," "top boost," 'mid boost," "fuzz" and "repeat." Jim Irsay owns the guitar built for the Beatles in 1966. Frank Espich / The Star John Lennon gave the Vox "Kensington" guitar to electronics engineer Alex Mardas in 1967. An engraved plate on the back of the guitar reads "To Magic Alex. Alexi thank you for been a friend." Jim Irsay owns the guitar built for the Beatles in 1966. Frank Espich / The Star A "J. Garcia" nameplate is seen on the "Tiger" guitar owned by Jim Irsay. Frank Espich / The Star Jim Irsay owns this elaborately decorated Martin D-100 guitar, displayed during summer 2013 at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Frank Espich / The Star Frank Espich / The Star Elton John's Steinway Model D Grand Piano is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar An autographed car which once belonged to Edgerrin James is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar The Jim Irsay Collection has one of the greatest guitar collections on the planet, according to Guitar Magazine. Courtesy Of The Jim Irsay Collection Kurt Cobain's 1969 Fender Mustang used on "Smells Like Teen Sprit" in 1991, is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar John Lennon's 1964 Rickenbacker, AKA "the Beatle Backer" after it appeared in a Rose Morris advertising campaign, is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar James Brown's 1970's custom made boots are on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Pictured here, Jim Irsay playing the Martin guitar that was a gift from freind, Singer songwrighter Stephen Stills. For a Cathy Kightlinger story on The Irsay Collection exhibit at the Indiana State Museum (Winter 2011-2012). Frank Espich/The Star Frank Espich Indianapolis Star David Gilmour's 1969 C.F. Martin & Co. D-35, best known from the opening of "Wish You Were Here" is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar The Super Bowl XLI Trophy is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Muhammad Ali's WBC Heavyweight Championship Belt from the 1970s on display with the Jim Irsay Collection. Courtesy Of The Jim Irsay Collection The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar George Harrison's 1963 Maton Mastersound MS-500 guitar guitar used during Aug. 3, 1963 Cavern Club appearance is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Jim Morrison's 1968 gold microphone on display during The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar The original first draft 1951 typescript scroll of "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac, on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Bob Dylan's 1964 Fender Stratocaster, known as the "Dylan Goes Electric" guitar from the 1965 Newport Folk Festival where he controversially "went electric" for the first time, on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Muhammad Ali's robe and 1975 boxing shoes are on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The robe was worn the for the fighters first appearance under the name Muhammad Ali'. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Guitars from the who's who of music are on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Jerry Garcia's 1979 Doug Irwin "Tiger" commissioned in 1963 and used on their hit "Touch of Gray" is on display during The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The guitar took 6yrs to build. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Gonzo Journalist Hunter S. Thompson's "Red Shark" 1973 Chevrolet Caprice Convertible is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar John Lennon's Sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith, 1966, are on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar When he's not busy with his 'day job' as the owner and CEO of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay is pursuing his passion for rock music history, American history, and pop culture by adding to the Jim Irsay Collection. Courtesy Of The Jim Irsay Collection
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
The Jim Irsay Collection: Inside late Colts owner's guitar, music memorabilia
The Jim Irsay Collection: Inside late Colts owner's guitar, music memorabilia Show Caption Hide Caption Legendary Colts owner Jim Irsay dies Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died at 65. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay died Wednesday at the age of 65, the team announced in a statement. Irsay began working for the team when his father acquired the Baltimore Colts in 1972, becoming the club's general manager in 1984. He oversaw the team's day-to-day operations beginning in 1995, after his father Robert Irsay suffered a stroke. Jim Irsay, though, had plenty of interests away from the gridiron. Notably, he was a fan of pop culture – specifically music – and invested some of his $4.8 billion fortune into creating one of the most impressive collections of music memorabilia in the world. Here's what to know about The Jim Irsay Collection and what comprises it. JIM IRSAY DIES AT 65: Peyton Manning, others pay tribute to longtime Colts owner What is the Jim Irsay Collection? The Jim Irsay Collection is "a robust collection of historic and culturally-significant artifacts" that Irsay amassed over his lifetime, according to its official website. It primarily consists of "musical instruments and items owned and used by the greatest artists in music history." The collection includes signed photos, handwritten lyrics, and other historic music memorabilia from the following artists: Bob Dylan The Beatles Prince Eric Clapton Elton John Jerry Garcia Les Paul David Gilmour Jim Morrison Pete Townshend Jimi Hendrix John Coltrane The Edge Janis Joplin Kurt Cobain Irsay frequently loaned his collection out to museums, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Since 2021, it has been touring the United States as part of a traveling showcase and concert series meant to share Irsay's love of music with others. Irsay's collection isn't just limited to music-related artifacts. He also has memorabilia from President Abraham Lincoln, Steve Jobs and Muhammad Ali, among others. That said, the biggest draw of The Jim Irsay Collection is his assembly of guitars, which Guitar Magazine in 2022 called "the greatest guitar collection on Earth." Jim Irsay guitar collection The Jim Irsay Collection contains 199 guitars, according to the collection's official website. The full list can be accessed by clicking here. Among the most notable guitars in Irsay's collection are the following:
