RØDE Le fondateur partage la guitare emblématique de Kurt Cobain avec le monde

Le fondateur et président de RØDE, Peter Freedman AM, propriétaire de la guitare acoustique emblématique jouée par Kurt Cobain lors de la légendaire performance MTV Unplugged de Nirvana en 1993, a généreusement prêté cet instrument qui a marqué une époque au Musée du Royal College of Music à Londres.

La Martin D-18E de 1959 est actuellement exposée jusqu'en novembre dans le cadre de l'exposition Kurt Cobain Unplugged, marquant la première fois que la guitare est rendue accessible au public en Europe, offrant aux fans, musiciens et historiens une occasion rare de découvrir de près l'un des artefacts les plus célébrés de l'histoire de la musique moderne.

The guitar was purchased at auction in 2020 for a record-breaking $6.01 million (USD), making it the most expensive guitar ever sold. At the time, Mr Freedman made it clear that this was not an act of private collecting, but a public pledge – to use the guitar as a symbol of support and solidarity for those working in creative industries.

“This guitar represents more than just a moment in time, it’s a reminder of the powerful connection between artists and their audiences,” says Mr Freedman. “When I bought it, I promised it wouldn’t just hang on a wall. I wanted it to be seen, to inspire, and to give back to the creative community that helped shape my life. Its inclusion in this exhibition honours that promise.”

Since its purchase, the guitar has been displayed at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, raising awareness of the challenges faced by creative professionals, particularly in the wake of global disruptions to the arts sector. Its presence at the Royal College of Music Museum, a globally respected institution for musical education and preservation, marks a fitting chapter in its journey.

Also on display is one of Kurt Cobain’s original Dunlop 60mm guitar picks, used during the MTV Unplugged performance and found inside the case of the Martin D-18E guitar when it was sold at auction. In a world first, fans have the chance to win this rare piece of rock history by entering the prize draw online, with all proceeds going directly to supporting students and the Future Music Fund at the Royal College of Music.

Kurt Cobain Unplugged will feature the guitar as its centrepiece, alongside the prized plectrum and Cobain’s famous olive-green mohair cardigan worn during the MTV Unplugged performance, marking the first time these three legendary items have been displayed together. Accompanied by archival footage, contextual materials, and a rare look into the legacy of Cobain’s artistry, visitors can expect a visceral, nostalgia-drenched experience surrounded by cultural artefacts that not only defined a musical genre, but a generation.

At RØDE, we’re proud to support this milestone in music history, as a celebration of a defining era, and as a tribute to the creative voices that continue to shape our world.

Learn more about the Exhibition here.