John toured exclusively with the piano until 1993, when he signed an endorsement deal with Yamaha.
Irsay is an avid fan of classic rock and a collector of musical memorabilia from the 20th century. Over the years, he's loaned pieces from his collection to museums and nonprofits for display and research, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and other organizations.
“When I started this collection, my goal was to preserve important pieces of American and world history so we could protect them and share them with future generations,” Irsay said in a press released. “Whether an instrument, an original manuscript or another piece of Americana, these items continue to be a source of inspiration and joy for so many. I am only a steward, so I want to make sure people from all walks of life are able to experience and learn from this array of artifacts.”