Expensive demolition: Jimi Hendrix stage worn guitar strap makes $45,000

The strap Hendrix used at his guitar-wrecking Monterey performance sold at a Gotta Have It! sale

A stage used Jimi Hendrix guitar strap was among the highlights of the online Gotta Have It! Rock & Roll Auction, which ended on Friday July 22.

The strap Hendrix used in his fiery performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, his first major gig in the US, sold for $45,000, meeting its minimum bid on the nose.

The consignor was at the concert when Jimi lit his guitar on fire and then smashed it during his performance of Wild Thing. He then threw the pieces of the guitar into the audience, with the strap and a part of the guitar ending up into the hands of the consignor.

Hendrix is hugely popular with collectors - other items for sale elsewhere on the markets include his Woodstock worn guitar strap. We expect his memorabilia to rise in value over the coming years as we move towards the 50^th anniversary of his death, in 2020.

Jimi introduces himself to the US public. The guitar strap from this performance sold for $45,000

Continuing with the theme of destruction, a Fender Stratocaster smashed by Nirvana lead singer Cobain on stage at the LA Forum in 1993 sold for $55,000.

The guitar is said be unplayable following its demolition.

Elvis Presley garments also performed well at the auction.

A Lanksy Bros. suit, owned and worn in the 1950's by Elvis, easily surpassed its $12,000 minimum bid with a $25,725 showing, while a stage worn mohair suit and boots from his 1969 Las Vegas concert series made $36,772, more than quadrupling its $8,000 minimum bid.

A guest book of the Modern Musical Services company, signed by the Grateful Dead on October 17, 1967, made $2,125.

Other signatures of note in the book include John Densmore and Robby Kreiger of the Doors and several members of English band the Animals.