Overview
- Julien's Auctions, which unveiled the sale Tuesday in London, opened a highlight display at Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus through April 13.
- The star lot is Ace Frehley's most-used Gibson Les Paul, estimated at $400,000 to $600,000, with Julien's Martin Nolan calling it part of the late guitarist’s history.
- Online bidding opens April 27, with a live sale set for May 29–30 at Hard Rock Cafe Times Square in New York after tour stops in Tokyo on April 27 and at the New York venue from May 13.
- The catalog spans hundreds of pieces, with reports ranging from more than 700 to over 800 items, including guitars tied to Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Guns N’ Roses’ Izzy Stradlin, and a Zildjian gong used by Black Sabbath’s Bill Ward.
- Coverage differs on specifics, with Reuters citing a 1974 Ace #1 Les Paul and “more than 700” items, while Julien’s materials and other outlets reference a 1975 guitar and “over 800,” but all agree on the estimate, tour schedule, and New York sale dates.