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K-pop group BTS' microphones sold for over $80,000 in a charity auction, which concluded on Friday.
The auction donated all proceeds to the MusiCares Foundation, a non-profit that helps musicians in times of financial, personal and medical crisis, according to a press release.
Presented by Julien's Auctions, the event featured a number of pieces of rock and pop memorabilia from veteran artists to current pop stars. Bidding began online December 27, 2019, and the gala celebrating the 30th anniversary of MusiCares occurred on Friday.
BTS' custom-made microphones were a big hit at the auction, selling for $83,200, eight times higher than the estimated $10,000 value. The seven microphones were used by the boy band from 2017 to 2019, and the occasion marked the first time that the South Korean group have auctioned off their items.
Classic rockers Aerosmith were honored during the gala, and many pieces of their history were also sold at the auction. The two highest-selling items from the legendary band were singer Steven Tyler's autographed microphone with stand and his iconic personal scarves, and an autographed Joe Perry Gibson Les Paul signature guitar; each of them went for over $7,000. A VIP meet-and-greet with Tyler and Perry in Las Vegas also sold for $3,840. Meanwhile, Tom Hamilton's autographed bass and personal drawings, a Brad Whitford-signed Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster, and a Joey Kramer-autographed Remo Emperor drumhead with two pairs of Kramer's Zildjian Artist series drum sticks all sold for over $1,000 each.
Fleetwood Mac also boasted a number of high-selling items. A signed photo of the band, when they were awarded MusiCares person of the year in 2019, went for $5,760, much more than its original $200 estimate. Singer Stevie Nicks' signed microphone and tambourine sold for $10,240 and $11,520 respectively.
A pair of platinum tickets to the Grammys telecast on Sunday generated over $12,000, while Paul Reed Smith SE Santana guitar signed by rocker Carlos Santana netted more than $10,000. Tom Petty's custom watch with a strap made with leather from the singer's guitar strap sold for over $20,000.
Other notable items from the auction included autographed guitars by Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters and Pete Townshend of the Who that sold for thousands; an Eddie Vedder-signed ukulele with drawings ($8,960); and a multimedia painting on a linen sheet by pop singer Halsey from her Saturday Night Live performance ($7,680).
