A drum kit belonging to Beatles drummer Ringo Starr sold for a record $2.2 million at Julien’s Auctions in a three-day sale that ended this past Saturday.

The musician played the Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl three-piece drum kit in over 200 performances between 1963 and 1964, and used the instrument to record several early Beatles hits including Cant Buy Me Love, She Loves You, and I Want to Hold Your Hand.

In a promotional video, Julien’s Auctions executive director Martin Nolan said “This is a fantastic drum kit that has not been seen in public for more than 50 years.”

The drum kit was used to record several classic Beatles records.
Photo: charlotteobserver.com

The kit was also used by fellow Beatle Paul McCartney for the recording of his first solo album “McCartney” in 1970.

According to AFP, Jim Irsay, owner of the National Football League’s Indianapolis Colts put in the winning bid for the drum kit.

The instrument was part of a three-day sale from the Collection of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach which went from December 3 to December 5 and included over 800 items and Beatles memorabilia belonging to Ringo Starr. Curated by the legendary rock star and his actress wife, the sale totaled $10 million.

Over 800 of Starr’s personal items went under the hammer.
Photo: blogs.vancouversun.com

Another record was set by the sale of the first mono pressing of the Beatles’ 1968 number one “White Album,” which was hammered down at $790,000.

Meanwhile, a Rickenbacker guitar gifted to Starr by his late former bandmate John Lennon changed hands for $910,000.

Also in the sale was a selection of the drummer’s personal items. Starr’s Patek Philippe wristwatch sold for $179,000; a blue stone pinky ring sold for $106,250; and a black onyx pinky ring went for $100,000.

According to Reuters, some of the proceeds from the auction will go to Starr and Bach’s Lotus Foundation, which funds and promotes charitable projects.