Legendary musician Eddie Van Halen’s guitar expected to fetch £2.2M at auction

Last updated: 2025/08/21 at 9:29 PM

Sam Coffey

2 Min Read

A guitar belonging to the late Eddie Van Halen is expected to make a whopping £2.2m at auction.

The iconic rock star used the instrument while touring between 1982-1983.

It was later gifted to a friend and music engineer, Robin ‘Rudy’ Leiren, who sold it on to Mick Mars; former lead guitarist and co-founder of the heavy metal band Mötley Crue in 1985, reports What’s The Jam.

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The group used the much-beloved set of strings during their recording of the Dr Feelgood album.

Now, it’s going to auction with Sotheby’s between 21 – 28 October – and it’s expected to fetch an eye-watering £2.2m.

Eddie Van Halen’s iconic tour guitar from 1982-83, later owned by Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars, is set to fetch £2.2m at Sotheby’s in its first public appearance in 40 years. — Eddie Van Halen’s autographed guitar, last played in concert over 40 years ago, which is expected to fetch £2.2m at auction. (Jam Press/Sotheby’s)

It’s autographed and has a personalised inscription to Rudy, saying: Thanks Rude, it’s been a great ten years, let’s go another ten. Eddie Van Halen.”

This is the first time the guitar has appeared in the public view in over 40 years since Van Halen last played it in concert.