NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 27, 2021) - Jim Irsay and members of the Indianapolis Colts organization along with Nashville media, musicians and other VIPs gathered at the Loews-Vanderbilt Hotel to experience the renowned NFL owner and collector's assortment of iconic music and history memorabilia over the weekend ahead of the Colts vs. Tennessee Titans game.
Irsay joined an impromptu jam with legendary musicians Mike Wanchic, guitarist for John Mellencamp, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tom Bukovac and Mike Mills, founding member of R.E.M., in front of the awe-inspiring Wall of Guitars that featured the likes of Jerry Garcia’s “Tiger”, George Harrison’s 1964 Gibson SG, Eric Clapton’s C.F. Martin & Co 000-42 and Bob Dylan’s 1964 Fender Stratocaster that Dylan played when he "went electric" at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. The eclectic Irsay, dubbed 'the NFL's Rock n' Roll owner' by The Tennessean cranked out a rendition of "All Along the Watch Tower" which was captured by a now viral video.
“I began this collection to preserve, protect and share historic items with others in hopes of inspiring people to dream big and do great things in life,” Irsay said, adding, “Since we’re in Music City, it makes sense to display instruments from some of the greatest musicians in history, as well as other special pieces that tell the stories of our shared past and culture.”
Outside of music, the collection included signed Presidential artifacts, important original documents from American history like an original ‘Wanted’ poster for John Wilkes Booth, Jackie Robinson’s bat, Paul McCartney's original “Hey Jude” handwritten studio lyrics and other historical relics.
Items from the collection have been displayed at the U.S.’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) and the Indiana State Museum; as well as at The Centre Pompidou (Paris), the British Library (London), Auditorium Parco della Musica (Rome) and other locations around the world.
Jim’s goal is to eventually place his collection in one of the country’s top entertainment cities for everyone to enjoy.
Photos Courtesy of the Indianapolis Colts.
