Okay, it’s not payday yet, but the guitar Phoebe Bridgers lovingly smashed up on stage while performing on SNL earlier this year is up for auction, so naturally we’re ready to dig into our overdrafts to own it. And here’s some more justification, if you need it: the musician’s black Danelectro is going under the hammer for a great cause.
Phoebe’s guitar is being auctioned off by GLAAD (The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) as part of the organisation’s annual Media Awards. The eventual sale of the guitar is part of GLAAD’s larger GLAAD Media Awards auction, which helps to fund the group’s work to accelerate LGBTQ+ acceptance.
Taking place online this year (for obvious airborne virus related reasons), the 32nd annual edition of the awards will also feature performances from Chika, Rebecca Black, Sabrina Carpenter and Jessica Betts, and special guest appearances from a host of stars including Laverne Cox, JoJo Siwa and RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Gottmik and Bob The Drag Queen.
The Punisher singer caused a mild internet furore when she smashed the guitar at the end of her performance of “I Know The End” on Saturday Night Live back in February, with some commentators criticising her for being ‘extra’. While others (correctly) pointed out that it looked cool and male rock stars have been smashing guitars for several decades without critique. Anyway!
“Phoebe Bridgers made music history when she smashed her guitar on the Saturday Night Live stage during her performance of ‘I Know The End’,” the auction notes explain. “Take home the ultimate concert keepsake and turn your home into a personal Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!”
The auction is open now until 11 April, so there’s still time to get bidding. And while Phoebe gave destroying the guitar a good go, the actual instrument — according to the photos provided by GLAAD — look almost intact apart from a huge chunk missing from the side. But look, even if you can’t play the thing, you can still own a piece of music history, right? Right!
You’ll have to be fast (and rich) though. With two days left to go, the figure is already up to $5,500. Although, it has to be noted, the valuation lists it as “priceless”. Happy bidding!