Kurt Cobain’s MTV Unplugged guitar to feature at upcoming London exhibition

The guitar Kurt Cobain used in Nirvana‘s iconic ‘MTV Unplugged’ performance is set to feature in an upcoming London exhibition. Check out all the details below.

• READ MORE: MTV Unplugged – the 20 best performances

Deemed one of Nirvana’s most famous performances, the acoustic set was recorded in November 1993, five months before Cobain’s death.

It was released as an album in late 1994, winning Nirvana their only Grammy, and is considered one of the greatest live albums of all time.

Now, the Martin D-18E that the late musician played in the legendary performance will be available to view as part of a landmark exhibition titled ‘Kurt Cobain Unplugged’ that delves into the legacy of the gig.

The exhibition, curated by rock journalist Alan di Perna and curator Gabriele Rossi Rognoni, will run at the Royal College of Music Museum in London between June 3 to November 18 2025, and marks the first time the iconic instrument has been displayed in the UK.

Cobain’s guitar became the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction in 2020 when it was purchased for over $6million by Australian entrepreneur Peter Freedman AM, founder of RØDE Microphones.

At the time of purchasing the guitar, Freedman said he planned to use it to support artists, and didn’t intend to hold onto it forever. “I paid for it but I’m going to use it to highlight the plight of artists worldwide by touring it around and then I’m going to sell it and use the dough for that as well, later,” he said.

Upon loaning it to the exhibition, he shared that he’s fulfilling those ambitions, saying: “I am delighted that this exhibition will premiere at the Royal College of Music, bringing Cobain’s guitar to the UK for the first time and inspiring a new generation of musicians.”

Elsewhere on display will be the iconic olive-green mohair cardigan Cobain wore on stage, as well as a curated collection of Nirvana memorabilia, including original gig posters, collectible vinyl records, and pieces from Cobain’s own musical equipment collection.

There will also be a series of events, performances and workshops inspired by the iconic grunge band. Tickets go on sale on April 30 for £5, and will be available here.

In other news, it was recently announced that the MTV Unplugged series – which includes Nirvana’s iconic 1993 acoustic concert – is set to make its streaming debut on Paramount+.

As for Nirvana, the band’s surviving members reunited for Saturday Night Live‘s 50th anniversary television special, with Post Malone handling vocals.

The post Kurt Cobain’s MTV Unplugged guitar to feature at upcoming London exhibition appeared first on NME.