The Jim Irsay Collection Takes Over the Shrine

Photos and words by Steve Rose

Imagine going to an event where you have the opportunity to see unique Presidential artifacts, like an 1823 printing of the Declaration of independence or the Wanted poster for John Wilkes Booth; are a few steps away from the original manuscript for the Big Book used by Alcoholics Anonymous; and are in the same room with Jackie Robinson's bat, Prince's guitar, and John Lennon's sunglasses. Take a few more steps and there’s the script for Scarface with Al Pacino's handwritten notes inside. These are just a few of the artifacts and memorabilia that were part of the Jim Irsay Collection, a collection that has been carefully curated with pieces dating back to the 1800s, and something unbelievable around every turn. Now imagine all of this is free to view because Mr. Irsay doesn't believe people should have to pay to have access to these special pieces.

This collection has something for everyone, which adds to its broad appeal. Numerous historical and political items were on display. For those that may prefer music memorabilia from The Beatles, Grateful Dead, The Who, and Janis Joplin - it's all in this collection. There are also a large number of guitars of significance like that Fender Stratocaster Bob Dylan played at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1964 when he went electric, David Gilmour's famed black Fender Stratocaster and his Martin D-35 that he used to write "Wish You Were Here," or the Gibson Les Paul that Neal Schon used to write "Don't Stop Believin," to Kurt Cobain's Fender Mustang that he used in the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" video - a video and song that changed music and an entire generation of listeners. For the movie lovers, this exhibit has the Rocky boots Sylvester Stallone wore in the first movie along with his Rocky manuscript with script notes. For the techies, how about letters written by Steve Jobs to a friend or a signed Apple II manual? This traveling exhibit has a wow factor that's through the roof and a how factor, as in "how was he able to find that piece?"

As if the exhibit wasn't enough, Jim Irsay also assembled a stellar, star-studded band who played a concert for all in attendance - for free. The house band, consisting of Mike Mills (REM) on bass, Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan) on drums, Kenny Wayne Shepherd on guitar, Tom Bukovac (Joe Walsh, session musician) on guitar, Mike Wanchic (John Mellencamp) on guitar, Billy Branch (Grammy nominee) on harmonica, were joined by special guests, Buddy Guy, Ann Wilson, Kevin Cronin, Peter Wolf, and Billy Gibbons. These blues and rock and roll luminaries each came out to play a few of their hits with the house band. It was hit after hit after hit for over two hours and the sold out crowd at the Shrine couldn't get enough.

An illness prevented Jim Irsay from attending, but they assured the crowd that this event will return to Los Angeles with Jim joining in on the festivities as he normally does. If this exhibit comes to your town, don’t miss out, because you will be amazed at what you see.

The Jim Irsay Collection Band

The Jim Irsay Collection Exhibit