Julien’s Auctions is well-known for its music instruments and memorabilia events, and another in the series, titled “Music Icons” will be held in New York City on May 29-30, 2026. It will host over 800 items. Since it will coincide with KISS’s 50th anniversary celebrations in London, its centerpiece will be Ace Frehley’s 1975 Gibson Les Paul, his longtime stage guitar from the classic KISS era. It is expected to fetch between $400,000 and $600,000.
Julien’s said the sale was unveiled at Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus, with a touring exhibition of highlights scheduled to remain in London through April 13 before travelling to Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo on April 27, the date bidding opens online. Mr Martin Nolan, Julien’s co-founder and executive director, said interest in music memorabilia has hit “unprecedented levels,” pointing to collector demand for instruments tied to major legacy artists.
The sale’s broader guitar lineup also includes instruments associated with artists such as Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars, The Cult’s Billy Duffy and Guns N’ Roses’ Izzy Stradlin.
Julien’s noted that registration is required to bid, with options to register online in advance or in person on the auction dates. For collectors, the estimate underscores how top-tier rock instruments—especially ones tied closely to a signature player and era—have become blue-chip pieces in the memorabilia market.
