For millions of passionate Grateful Dead fans, there is only one “Wolf”: Jerry Garcia’s beloved guitar. Custom made by luthier Doug Irwin, Wolf was delivered to Garcia and first appeared in a 1973 New York City performance the Grateful Dead gave for the Hell’s Angels. Over the following two decades, Wolf became almost as well known as the performer himself as it appeared in countless concerts and on treasured recordings throughout Jerry’s fabled career.
Years after the musician’s passing, Wolf returned to Irwin and was sold in a 2002 Guernsey’s auction conducted at NYC’s electric Studio 54, where it fetched close to $1 million, more than doubling the existing world record. Now, Wolf’s buyer, wishing to support the important efforts of the Southern Poverty Law Center and its continuing fight against racism and hate groups, has returned Wolf to Guernsey’s for an unprecedented one lot auction of this most treasured guitar. Every penny of the amount bid on this extraordinary instrument will go to SPLC. This Guernsey’s event, additionally supported by the Relix Group, will be held on March 14th, live at the fabulous Brooklyn Bowl in New York City. Of course, absentee bidders will be accommodated.
From San Fran’s Winterland Ballroom to NYC’s Palladium to Egypt’s Great Pyramids, Garcia and Wolf traveled, appearing in front of massive, passionate audiences. It is no wonder that the devoted Deadhead who purchased the Wolf in 2002 has said, “I’ve been a fan of The Dead since I was a kid, and playing this iconic guitar over the past 15 years has been a privilege. But the time is right for Wolf to do some good. My wife and I have long supported the efforts of the Southern Poverty Law Center, and if ever we needed the SPLC, we sure do need them now.”
Rarely, if ever, has there been an item as memorable and noteworthy as the Wolf being sold in support of a worthy cause. Guernsey’s, a great believer in the work of SPLC, is thrilled that the return of Wolf will go a long way to combat racism and injustice across the country.
Those interested in bidding on the Wolf, or attending the auction and preview events should visit guernseys.com or contact the auction house in New York at 212-794-2280.
