Rock ‘n’ roll van with Kurt Cobain mural to be auctioned in New York City

A van that holds a significant place in rock ‘n’ roll history went on display Saturday, which also happens to be Record Store Day, outside Easy Street Records in West Seattle. “The Melvan,” which belonged to popular alternative rock band, The Melvins, is adorned with graffiti and a mural of Kiss by the late Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain.
The van will be auctioned at the “Music Icons” auction by Julien’s Auctions at the Hard Rock Café in New York City on May 30.
Record Store Day celebrates the role of independently-owned record stores in their communities.

Full Story

A van that holds a significant place in rock ‘n’ roll history went on display Saturday, April 12, outside Easy Street Records in West Seattle. Known as “The Melvan,” the 1972 Dodge Sportsman Royal Van was used by the iconic alternative rock band Melvins during their tours. This is the first time the van has been exhibited publicly.

The van will be auctioned at the “Music Icons” auction hosted by Julien’s Auctions at the Hard Rock Café in New York City on May 30. The van is famous for its graffiti and artwork, including a mural of Kiss drawn by the late Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain.

Ben Berg, the van’s owner, said Cobain created the mural with Sharpie markers he shoplifted. Cobain was a fan of the Melvins.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – APRIL 12: A detail view of artwork by Kurt Cobain featuring Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Gene Simmons, and Ace Frehley of KISS on The Melvins’ tour van aka “the MELvan”, on display during Record Store Day at Easy Street Records on April 12, 2025 in West Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images)

The exhibit coincides with Record Store Day 2025, which takes place on April 12 and celebrates the vital role of independently owned record stores in their communities.

Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief

Ella Greene

Ella and the staff at Clear Media Project (CMP) curate these articles.
Unless otherwise noted CMP does not write these articles.
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the articles published on this blog belong solely to the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the blog owner. The blog owner does not claim ownership of the content shared by contributors and is not responsible for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions.

All rights and credits goes to its rightful owners. No Copyright Infringement is intended. If you believe any content infringes on your rights, please contact us for review and potential removal.

See author's posts