John Lennon is one of the most iconic figures in the history of rock and roll. With his unique style and incredible talent, he influenced generations of music lovers all over the world. As a result, John Lennon memorabilia has become highly prized by collectors and fans alike. In this blog, we will explore some of the most valuable John Lennon pieces of memorabilia.
1. “Hey Jude” Demo Record
One of the most valuable John Lennon items is the “Hey Jude” demo record. This record features a hand-written label with John Lennon’s signature and is a one-of-a-kind piece. It was recorded at Lennon’s home while he was still with the Beatles and features an acoustic version of the classic song “Hey Jude”. The demo was given to a friend of Lennon’s and was sold at auction for $230,000 in 2012.
2. “The Last Lennon Autograph” Piece of Paper
Another valuable John Lennon piece of memorabilia is “The Last Lennon Autograph” piece of paper. This item was signed by John Lennon just hours before his untimely death on December 8, 1980, and is therefore one of the last items he ever signed. It sold for $525,000 at a Julien’s Auctions sale in 2016.
3. John Lennon’s Suit from Abbey Road Cover
John Lennon’s suit worn on the iconic cover of the Beatles’ Abbey Road album is also a highly sought-after piece of memorabilia. The suit was sold at an auction in London in 2008 for £67,000 (approximately $88,000).
4. Handwritten Lyrics
Handwritten lyrics by John Lennon are also very valuable. One example is the lyrics to “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!” from the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album. The lyrics were sold at auction for $1.2 million in 2020.
5. John Lennon’s Gibson J-160E Guitar
John Lennon’s Gibson J-160E acoustic-electric guitar is another valuable piece of memorabilia. It was used on several Beatles songs, including “She Loves You,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” and “This Boy.” In 2015, the guitar was auctioned off for $2.4 million, making it one of the most expensive guitars ever sold.
6. John Lennon’s Toenail Clippings
While not as valuable as some of the other items on this list, John Lennon’s toenail clippings are certainly one of the most unusual. These clippings were purchased at auction for $2,300 in 2019.
7. John Lennon’s “Imagine” Steinway Piano
Perhaps the most iconic piece of John Lennon memorabilia is the Steinway piano on which he composed the timeless song “Imagine”. The piano was sold at auction in 2000 for $2.1 million.
8. John Lennon’s Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Jacket
Another highly valued piece of John Lennon memorabilia is the jacket he wore on the cover of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album. The jacket sold for $110,000 at a Julien’s Auctions sale in 2018.
In conclusion, John Lennon’s impact on music and culture is immeasurable, and his influence is still felt today. His fans and collectors alike continue to seek out and treasure John Lennon memorabilia, from his handwritten lyrics to his iconic instruments and everything in between. These items may be expensive, but to those who value them, they are priceless reminders of the incredible legacy left behind by one of the greatest musicians of all time.
