Elvis Presley, widely recognized as the King of Rock and Roll, is once again in the spotlight as one of his most famous guitars is set to be auctioned. The cherry-red Hagstrom Viking II electric guitar, which Presley played during his legendary 1968 Comeback Special, is expected to fetch between $1 million and $2 million at Sotheby’s upcoming Rock & Pop sale. This guitar holds a unique place in music history, symbolizing Elvis’s triumphant return to the stage after a seven-year break focused on his film career.
The 1968 Comeback Special aired on NBC and marked a pivotal moment in Elvis’s career, re-establishing him as a dominant force in rock music. Dressed in his iconic black leather outfit, Presley performed electrifying renditions of classics such as “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Trouble,” and “Guitar Man” while holding this very guitar. The instrument also appears on the cover of his 1969 album “From Elvis in Memphis,” further cementing its cultural significance.
Interestingly, Elvis had originally planned to use a different guitar for the televised event. However, due to a color clash with the red and black set design, director Steve Binder and producer Bones Howe requested session guitarist Al Casey’s cherry-red Hagstrom instead. Presley played this electric guitar only once publicly during the special, making it an exceptionally rare piece for collectors.
Over the years, the guitar has passed through several private collections and was exhibited at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame between 1998 and 2000. Its distinctive semi-hollow-body design and electric sound contrast with most of Elvis’s other acoustic guitars, adding to its rarity and allure. The auction will run online from April 9 to April 23, with the guitar displayed at Sotheby’s New York Breuer Building from April 13 to April 20.
This auction coincides with renewed interest in Elvis Presley’s legacy following the success of Baz Luhrmann’s documentary “EPIC: Elvis Presley In Concert,” which highlights previously unseen footage from Elvis’s Vegas residency and tours. The film has received critical acclaim for its intimate portrayal of Presley’s life and artistry.
Alongside Elvis’s Hagstrom guitar, Sotheby’s sale will feature other notable rock memorabilia including Noel Gallagher’s signed acoustic guitar from Oasis’s iconic album sessions. These items collectively celebrate the enduring impact of rock music legends across generations.
Elvis Presley remains an enduring symbol of rock music worldwide. His influence continues through his timeless recordings, electrifying performances, and now through historic artifacts like this Hagstrom Viking II guitar that embody his status as the King of Rock. For fans and collectors alike, this auction offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of music history that captured a defining moment in rock ’n’ roll culture.
