Jim Irsay IBS

[django49]

So, who is he? Owner of the Indianapolis Colts. Not such an old guy, either. And also  the owner of hundreds of guitars, many of them extremely pricey and iconic ones originally owned by famous players. Maybe a major auction on the horizon(?)

Very much doubt any will end up with riff raff like me......😉But will be interesting to follow if/when that happens.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45259729/indianapolis-colts-owner-ceo-jim-irsay-dies-65

[Steve Haynie]

His collection could be turned into a museum.

[Pieman]

Didn't he buy Ringo's kit for $500 000?

[RobB]

Irsay’s travelling RnR show came through SF a couple of years ago. A side hall of the SF Civic had the museum. There was a LOT of cool shit in there:

Harrison’s Les Paul/SG

Lennon’s Orange Gretsch

Dylan’s Newport ‘66 Sunburst Strat.

The above mentioned Ringo kit, and a host of other rockstar/ celebrity ephemera. 

The band had (IIRC): Kenny Wayne Shepard, Kenny Aranoff, amongst other luminaries. Guest spots featured Ann Wilson, John Fogerty, Buddy Guy, Steven Stills…It was like the best wedding band you’ve ever seen. Maybe more of a Ringo’s All-Starr Band thing?

Irsay sang a song at the beginning of each set. That guy was a wreck. He looked like he was melting! Come to think of it, he SOUNDED like he was melting. The way he eviscerated, “Comfortably Numb”, was strangely fitting.                                                  

But, hey, the whole evening was free of charge and I had a great time, so I really shouldn’t complain. 
 

Edited May 23, 2025 by RobB

[alantig]

https://www.jimirsaycollection.com

Huge collection, and wasn't overly precious about it - he was known to take the instruments out for people to use during his charity shows, and also to loan them to some artists coming through town.

And also...

RIP, sir.