“It truly is part of rock ’n’ roll history”: Jim Irsay, new owner of David Gilmour’s Black Strat

A week ago, David Gilmour’s famed Black Strat was auctioned off at a record-breaking $3,975,000 (including buyer’s premium). The man who forked out the dough, Jim Irsay, has now opened up to Rolling Stone on his staggering purchase from the Christie’s show floor.

Irsay, who’s the owner and CEO of NFL team Indianapolis Colts, revealed to RS that he’s a massive Pink Floyd fan. “I just fucking love Pink Floyd, man, I cannot deny it,” he told the magazine. And he took his love for the band to another level by acquiring the Black Strat used most famously on Comfortably Numb, Money and Shine On You Crazy Diamond. “It truly is part of rock ‘n’ roll history, the likes of which will never be seen again,” said Irsay.

The NFL team owner didn’t stop there – he engaged a proxy throughout to put up $175,000 for the Strat’s Pink Floyd-branded flight case and $1,095,000 for Gilmour’s 1969 Martin D-35. The latter was used for the six-string acoustic parts on 1975’s Wish You Were Here and was reportedly Gilmour’s favourite acoustic guitar.

The two instruments should be welcome additions to Irsay’s special collection, which already boasts guitars previously owned by Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Prince. All proceeds from the auction will go to climate change charity ClientEarth.

Recap the highlights from Gilmour’s Christie’s auction here.