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The charity ripple from Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s farewell festival keeps growing. Instruments played and signed during the Back to the Beginning shows are now up for auction, and one rare Gibson SG used by Metallica’s Kirk Hammett is drawing big attention.
Stage-used guitars and gear hit the block for charity
An auction called “Played, Worn & Torn” is sending a curated group of onstage instruments to bidders. The sale pairs Julien’s Auctions with Gibson Gives.
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- 15 items are listed, each used live and autographed.
- Artists represented include Metallica, Cheap Trick, Pat Benatar, Lzzy Hale, Rise Against, Maná, and All-American Rejects.
- Proceeds support music-focused non-profit programs.
The auction follows a festival that reportedly generated near $200 million in charitable donations, and organizers say these items extend that philanthropic reach.
Inside the one-off Gibson SG Kirk Hammett played
At the center of the sale is a unique Gibson SG known as CEO#4. It was custom-built by Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian and features a maple top with hybrid design cues.
The instrument blends SG DNA with elements drawn from the Super 400, Supreme, and Les Paul Custom. Its finish is a subtle Ghost Burst, a name credited to a well-known artist friend of the builder.
Hammett used CEO#4 during Metallica’s cover of Black Sabbath’s “Hole in the Sky.” After the performance, he signed the guitar. The instrument remains exactly as it was left onstage, strings and all, and it includes a backstage pass from the event.
What makes CEO#4 collectible
- Custom, one-of-a-kind construction by Gibson leadership.
- Direct stage provenance from a historic festival.
- Signed by the player and accompanied by event memorabilia.
Where to see the items and how bids work
The full lot is live now on Julien’s Auctions’ website. Bidding is open through November 20.
All funds from the sale will benefit Gibson Gives. That charity supports music education, health, and wellness initiatives for musicians worldwide.
- Visit Julien’s site to view high-resolution photos and condition reports.
- Register to bid online if you want to participate.
- Shipping and buyer’s fees are handled through the auction house.
Metallica rumoured to be eyeing a run at the Las Vegas Sphere
Separately, talk has intensified that Metallica may bring a residency or special run to the Sphere in Las Vegas. The buzz began after drummer Lars Ulrich hinted at a possible collaboration during a radio interview this summer.
Ulrich described the venue as something the band admires and said the team has explored the space. He did not announce plans, but he expressed clear excitement about the idea.
Lars Ulrich’s reaction
Ulrich said the band’s management and production staff have studied the Sphere, and that Metallica would be open to a creative partnership after their 2026 tour commitments. He called the concept very appealing.
Robert Trujillo on what a Sphere show could offer
Bassist Robert Trujillo added that a Sphere residency would allow heavy rock to do something new visually. He noted the band’s long history with immersive production and the chance to pair that with the Sphere’s capabilities.
- Potential for immersive visuals and bespoke stagecraft.
- Opportunity to present catalog favorites in a fresh context.
- Could mark a first for heavy rock at that scale.
