Sean Yseult Offers Up Rare White Zombie Relics for The 2012 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction

Sean Yseult

Having played various instruments with different bands over the past 25 years, Sean Yseult is most notably known for her bass work with White Zombie. She was with WZ for 11 years until they disbanded in 1998. Since then she has kept herself plugged into the scene working on projects and doing gigs with various bands and later formed Famous Monsters in 1995. In 2010, she published "I'm In the Band: Backstage Notes from the Chick in White Zombie". It's a striking visual memoir of her personal journey that took her from CBGBs to arenas, with the rare female perspective in a guy’s world of heavy metal, while playing with White Zombie.

If you have read Sean's book then you know the girl likes to collect and hold on to things, but she did find a few rarities to include in the Rock Gods and Metal Monsters auction and all from the White Zombie days.

Here are a few of Sean's special pieces:

WHITE ZOMBIE 1996 SEAN YSEULT'S PERSONAL VALENTINES DAY MASSACRE CONCERT JACKET

This exclusive jacket was exclusive made by Cellar Door/ Pace Concerts Promotions for band and crew members only for the 'St. Valentine's Day Massacre' concert at the Lake Front Arena in New Orleans, February 14, 1996. White Zombie was the headliner (with Filter opening) and this jacket - a men's size Small - was given to and worn by Sean Yseult. It has cool embroidery in the front and left sleeve and is signed by Sean on the orange label.

Sean Yseult's White Zombie Valentines Day Massacre Jacket

White Zombie Valentines Day Massacre Jacket Signed by Sean Yseult

WHITE ZOMBIE 1985 SEAN YSEULT OWNED & SIGNED RARE 'VOODOO MOON' 7"

'Gods on Voodoo Moon' is the very first recording and release by White Zombie, released as an EP in 1985 under their own indie label Silent Explosion. Because the lack of funds at the time only 300 copies of vinyl were pressed at Macola Records Hollywood, California, 100 of which were sold while the others remained in the possession of the band members. There is no denying that this is without question the single most sought-after White Zombie record and we're simply ecstatic to be able to offer this dead mint copy, hand numbered #160/300. The front of the sleeve has been signed by Sean Yseult.

White Zombie's 1st Release - "Gods on Voodoo Moon" 

White Zombie's "Gods on Voodoo Moon" Mint Copy Numbered 160/300

WHITE ZOMBIE 1996 SEAN YSEULT OWNED & SIGNED FINAL TOUR PASS

This fantastic silk White Zombie tour pass was immaculately preserved by Sean Yseult as a memento from the band's final tour (1996). It is signed and in pristine condition.

White Zombie 1996 Final Tour Pass

WHITE ZOMBIE 2010 SEAN YSEULT SIGNED 'I'M IN THE BAND' BOOK

Released in 2010 as a soft-cover, 150-page illustrated book, "I'm In The Band" is an absolute must-read and must-own item! Richly illustrated with nothing but rare photos, handbills, flyers, posters and unusual notes, Sean Yseult provides a candid, in-depth and often funny look into the touring and recording years of White Zombie. This gorgeous book is nicely signed by Sean on the front and is in pristine condition.

Sean Yseult's Book "I'm In The Band"

Be sure and check out all of Sean's relics featured in the auction by simply typing SLT in the Auction Search Box. Each item offered comes with a certificate of authenticity personally signed by Sean.

The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction will go live and open for bidding on Saturday, April 21st and come to a close a week later on Sunday, April 29th. For more information visit our Auction Page. Grab your VIP All Access Pass today and get yourself a piece of metal history.

Scott Rockenfield Keeping the Beat in the 2012 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction

Most rock drummers are already a notch or two above 'the rest' as the average metal anthem is dictated by pace and complexity. Closer to the peak, you'll find those who distinguish themselves by mathematically near improbable rhythmic complexities that create visions of a mad scientist behind the kit. 

But once you're at the summit, you'll find the likes of Scott Rockenfield - (Queensryche), who not only possesses the required skills but also translates those in uniquely designed drum kits that in and by themselves become true rock relics.

Tour after tour, Rockenfield treats his audience to breath-taking kit designs that would leave you with that "If I Only Could" feeling. Well, now you can! 

Backstage Auctions is excited to be able to offer three of Rockenfield's classic kits, straight from his design table and offered up by Scott himself. 

QUEENSRYCHE SCOTT ROCKENFIELD 2008 FAMOUS "CHAIN" DRUM KIT

You have to go back all the way to the 1980s to first see Scott Rockenfield using his famous and trademark "chain" drum kit. At the time this was a revolutionary design but it eventually became Scott's true signature kit, admired and desired by fans and drum aficionados around the world. And as they say "back by popular demand", Scott re-introduced his updated and improved version of the "chain" kit on the 2008 Queensryche world tour.

Featured here is a brand new, limited edition full and complete "chain" kit, which is an exact reproduction of the original tour kit, as designed and built by Scott himself.

Scott Rockenfield's Chain Kit

Birds eye view of the Chain Kit - Scott Rockenfield not included.

QUEENSRYCHE SCOTT ROCKENFIELD 2007 OPERATION MINDCRIME' DRUM KIT

More of an 'Operation Mindcrime' fan? This release is arguably Queensryche's signature album from their already impressive discography. This platinum status rock opera concept album from 1988 can often been found in any random 'Top 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums Of All Time' - and deservedly so!

Rockenfield is offering up his limited edition full and complete kit, which is an exact reproduction of the original tour kit, as designed and built by Scott himself and used for the 2007 'Operation Mindcrime' world tour.

 

Scott Rockenfield's 2007 Operation Mindcrime Drum Kit

QUEENSRYCHE SCOTT ROCKENFIELD 2009 "AMERICAN SOLDIER" DRUM KIT

Featured here is a brand new, limited edition 9-piece Queensryche drum kit, exclusively designed and built by Scott Rockenfield. The kit is made from 100% all maple drum shells and is exactly the same kit as used by Scott during the Queensryche "American Soldier" world tour in 2009.

Scott Rockenfield's American Soldier 2009 Drum Kit

Scott Rockenfield doing what he does best on the American Soldier drum kit.

These and other fine Queensryche collectibles will be part of an over-the-top celebration of rock and metal collectibles that you don't want to miss out on!

The online auction, starts April 21, 2012 and will run through April 29, 2012. A special VIP All Access preview of the entire auction catalog will be available beginning Saturday, April 14^th.

For more information and to get your VIP All Access pass for the event visit:  http://www.backstageauctions.com/catalog/auction.php

Al Jourgensen "Double Taps" in 2012 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction

Al Jourgensen

"Uncle Al" was done, finished, finito! After Ministry's 2008 / 2009 "C-U-LaTour" tour, Al Jourgensen retreated to his El Paso compound to take a well-deserved break from 3 decades of unholy craziness. One more album he promised - which came in the form of the 2010 'Got Cock?". OK, one more then, when he embraced his country roots with 'Buck Satan and the 666 Shooters' release.

Meanwhile, Al emptied out his closets for the 2010 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters auction, which offered an avalanche of gear, instruments, clothing, accessories and other mementos.

"Fast forward...2012 and Al is back with more poise, piss and vinegar than ever before. Relapsing back to the peak of industrial metal, Ministry rages like the Rio Grande river......and the collective "we" couldn't be happier!"

And like 2 years ago, Backstage Auctions once again has a fine selection of historic collectibles from Jourgensen 'private reserve', dating back to the 1980s. Between the leather jackets, coats, pants and boots, there is enough DNA to make collectors excited. Like these boots for example, if you ever wanted to know what it is to walk in Jourgensen's footsteps:

Al Jourgensens  1980s Combat Boots

Or - if you want to go even more exclusive - you can 'speed-pick' your way through any Ministry song with this one-of-only-6 made Schechter Coffin guitars;

Al Jourgensens Custom Made
Schechter Coffin Guitar

Al Jourgensen's Coffin Guitar - Signed by Al

Something a little smaller perhaps - we've got that as well, such as Al's personal laminated tour from the "C-U-LaTour" farewell tour:

Al Jourgensen's personal laminate from
the C-U-LaTour Farewell Tour

Either way, Ministry fans and collectors can pick and choose from an impressive offering of awesome Al Jourgensen and Ministry swag that, very much like Uncle Al, is only getting better with age!

Be sure to check out all of Al Jourgensen's relics featured in the auction by simply typing AJO in the Auction Search Box. Each item comes with a certificate of authenticity, personally signed by Al.

The online auction, starts April 21, 2012 and will run through April 29, 2012. A special VIP All Access preview of the entire auction catalog will be available beginning Saturday, April 14^th.

For more information and to get your VIP All Access pass for the event visit:  http://www.backstageauctions.com/catalog/auction.php

Van Halen Memorabilia Hits a High Note in The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction

Few bands in the history of music have enjoyed the success and longevity that has graced Van Halen. Their earliest hits can still be heard on a daily basis on radio stations worldwide, and they still manage to sell out arenas wherever they go! Though they’ve managed to keep an audience of diehard fans throughout the years, hardly anyone will disagree that the early Van Halen years - the late 1970s to early 1980s - were their best in terms of songwriting, concerts and overall sensationalism. With that in mind, we are thrilled about the amazing collection of - predominantly early - Van Halen LPs, posters, concert t-shirts, photos and promotional items available in the Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction! With over 70+ unique Van Halen lots in the auction, we thought it would be nice to highlight a few that will turn some heads.


VAN HALEN 1978 DEBUT ALBUM SIGNED BY ALL 4 MEMBERS
It doesn't get much better than this; Van Halen's debut album from 1978, boldly signed with a silver marker by all four original members; Eddie, Alex, Michael and David. As far as signed Van Halen memorabilia goes, this is one of the premier items to own. The album - which is a promotional copy - shows very light sleeve wear and is overall in EX- condition.

1978 Van Halen Debut Album - Fully Signed by all 4 Members 

VAN HALEN 1979 EDDIE VAN HALEN SIGNED PUBLICITY PHOTO
This 8 x 10" original black and white Eddie Van Halen publicity photo is signed by Eddie with a fine red marker. The photo is in Good overall condition, however, has a stain along the left border and slight discoloration likely from sun exposure.

Eddie Van Halen 1979 Signed Publicity Photo

VAN HALEN DAVID LEE ROTH 1982 L.A. CONCERT WORN T-SHIRT
During their September 10, 1982 show at the L.A. Forum in Inglewood, California, David pulled off this original tour shirt and tossed it in the front rows.....and by sheer miracle, we were able to find an original 3 x 5 inch photo from that show, taken just minutes before the shirt went flying.
The shirt is - as one might expect - all caught up along the neck and sides, with the sleeves complete missing. There's a bit of dirt along the bottom (likely from the ensuing battle for the shirt) but with a historic relic such as this, the condition hardly seems relevant. With practically no stage worn attire of Van Halen ever offered in public, it goes without saying that this is a rare opportunity to own something that actually donned DLR's neck!

1982 David Lee Roth Concert Worn T-Shirt...or what is left of it! 

1982 David Lee Roth Concert Worn T-Shirt - Backside

VAN HALEN 1979 LOS ANGELES FORUM CONCERT USED BEACH BALL
an Halen played the final show of their Van Halen II Tour at the L.A. Forum on October 7, 1979. During the encore, roadies on either side of the stage threw a bunch of beach balls onto the stage, several of which ended up in the front rows. This was the first, last and only time Van Halen ever used these beach balls in concert! Featured here is one of those original beach balls from that concert! This lot is made complete with an original 8 x 10" color photo of David Lee Roth onstage at the concert a midst a pile of beach balls.

1979 Van Halen Concert - DLR with the Beach Balls on Stage

1979 Van Halen Concert Used Beach Ball

VAN HALEN 1977 - 1981 VINTAGE LIVE ALBUM COLLECTION
Featured here is a fine collection of vintage rare Van Halen live albums! Included are:

* 1977 - Atomic Punks - Live at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium 12/20/77 (EX/ EX)
* 1977 - Die Laughing - Pasadena, CA 12/20/77 (VG+/ EX)
* 1977 - Van Halen Live - Pasadena, CA 12/20/77 (VG/ EX)
* 1978 - Suspicious Performance - Pasadena Live Concert (EX/ VG)
* 1979 - Japan Tour (In original shrink wrap, VG+/ EX+)
* 1980 - Special Offer (London Rainbow Ballroom, 2-LP, EX/ VG)
* 1980 - The Good, The Bad & Van Halen (Live at the London Rainbow Ballroom, 2-LP, EX/ VG+)
* 1981 - L.A. Sports Arena (2-LP, clear red vinyl, upper left corner sleeve damage, EX/ Good)
* 1981 - L.A. Sports Arena (2-LP, black vinyl, severe upper left corner damage, EX/ Fair)

Pictured is Van Halen's "The Good, The Bad & Van Halen" 1980 Album

VAN HALEN 1979 VINTAGE & RARE BAND T-SHIRT
This 1979 Van Halen band t-shirt is a Medium that measures 17" from armpit to armpit, 24" from top to bottom and is in VG condition.

Vintage 1979 Rare Van Halen Band T-Shirt

VAN HALEN 1979 LIVE ON TOUR GLITTER SHIRT
This really cool 1979 Van Halen 'Live On Tour' glitter shirt is a 2-sided Large that measures 19" from armpit to armpit, 22" from top to bottom and is in overall VG condition.

Van Halen 1979 Live on Tour Glitter shirt

 VAN HALEN, IRON MAIDEN & SCORPIONS 1982 CONCERT POSTER
This is a rare and unique original 1982 concert poster for the Chicago UIC Pavilion, featuring Loverboy (Grand Opening), Scorpions, Iron Maiden and Van Halen. Measuring 7 1/4 x 14", this small poster bears light corner and surface wear but is in overall Good condition.

1982 Van Halen, Iron Maiden & Scorpions Poster

VAN HALEN RARE MICHAEL ANTHONY & E.V.H. GUITAR PICK LOT
This is a lot of 6 rare Van Halen guitar picks! There is one Eddie Van Halen concert-used guitar pick in the lot, which is white on tortoise and shows several grooves on the left side of the pick from Eddie's pick sliding. !! The remaining picks in the lot are all unused Michael Anthony picks. There is 1 black on orange, 2 white on red and 2 black on off-white Michael Anthony picks.

Super Rare E.V.H. and Michael Anthony Guitar Pick Lot

VAN HALEN / ALEX VAN HALEN 1990s CONCERT USED DRUMSTICKS
Featured here is not a complete pair of used Alex Van Halen drumsticks, rather, 2 different sticks individually concert-used by the legendary rock drummer. Both sticks are Regal Alex Van Halen signature sticks, but different types of sticks. The first is a traditional drumstick that has two very distinct ends - a handgrip end, and the tip. This stick measures roughly 17 1/2" and shows very light use, though it is covered in little dark marks that give the illusion of being more heavily used.
The second stick is a 'butt ends' style of stick, meaning both ends of the stick can be used as the handgrip. This stick measures roughly 15" and shows much heavier use, including wood splintering. Together, these sticks would look great displayed with a nice signed Van Halen photo or LP! Be sure to look at all the rest of our awesome Van Halen lots in this auction! Rock on!

This preview is really just the tip of iceberg! With so many great Van Halen lots in the auction, we’re positive there will be something to catch your eye. Be sure to check out all the Van Halen lots by clicking Van Halen in the Featured Artists section!

The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction will go live and open for bidding on Saturday, April 21st and come to a close a week later on Sunday, April 29th. For more information visit our Auction Page. Grab your VIP All Access Pass today and get yourself a piece of Metal history!

The Spoken "Rock" Word – Iconic Guitarists, Drummers and Frontmen in the RAW!

Written by - J.D.

Yngwie Malmsteen 2008

The Backstage Auctions 2012 “Rock Gods and Metal Monsters” Auction is turning out to be quite and epic event! We’ve already posted little blurbs about some of the extraordinary GEAR and RARITIES we have filling out the auction, yet we have so many more amazing lots of “hidden gems” we’ve not even mentioned and refuse to let get overlooked!

Quite possibly some of the most intimate items available in this auction come in the form of Interview Cassettes, provided to us by our consignor Steven Rosen. For nearly four decades Steven has been one of the premiere, most recognized rock journalists whose interviews with Rock and Metal’s top talent has appeared dozens of American music magazines, as well as in leading European and Japanese publications. Rosen has interviewed over a thousand musicians over the last 40 years and has been published in countless issues of Guitar, Guitar Player, Guitar World, Bass Player, Modern Drummer - you name the magazine, he has likely contributed to it.

There are a number of factors that make this collection so fascinating. First is that every interview contained within these cassettes has been published! In many cases these interviews have been published in more than one magazine, but at the very least each has been published, in some publication, at least once.

Another feature of these cassettes, even more exciting to us - is that these are unedited, raw versions of your (& our) favorite rock stars, speaking intimately. Backstage Auctions owner Jacques van Gool explains: 

“These interview cassettes contain the stuff that’s not printed too…the expletives, the long-winded answers, the jokes, and the upbeat comments and remarks…so you get a truly one-of-a-kind spoken dialogue from these artists - and these are the only existing copies of these interviews. None of these cassettes have been duplicated, distributed, released - nothing - making each cassette an irreplaceable, unique item.”

Kerry King - 2009

DJ Ashba  2011  /   Slash 2009

Steve Vai,  James Lomenza 2009 /  Dave Mustaine 2009

From Rosen’s personal collection we have put together over 70 stunning lots of exceptionally rare interview tapes! These cassettes feature interviews with the likes of Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down), Kerry King (Slayer), Glenn Danzig (Danzig), John 5 (Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave), John Paul Jones & Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Dave Mustaine & Marty Friedman (Megadeth), Serj Tankien (System Of A Down), Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath), Marky Ramone (The Ramones), Slash & Duff McKagen (Guns N’ Roses, Zakk Wylde (Ozzy, Black Label Society), Scott Ian & Joey Belladonna (Anthrax), Joe Satriani, and Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big), just to name a few. In all, we have over 100 cassettes separated into over 70 unique lots!

Phil Anselmo 2010

These rare cassettes from Steve Rosen’s collection are just another facet of the incredible “Rock Gods and Metal Monsters” Auction coming up in April. At Backstage Auctions, we pride ourselves on the things like this that differentiate us from any other auction house - these items that truly connect us to the artists we respect and admire. We hope you will find these cassettes as exciting as we do!

Be sure to tune into our Special VIP Preview from April 14-20 and start making your list! And don't forget to register for your VIP All Access Pass: Sign Me Up! 

The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction will go live and open for bidding from April 21 - 29, 2012.

Spin This! Obscure metal vinyl featured in the "Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction"

Written by - J.D. 

It’s no secret that most of the auctions assembled by Backstage Auctions have all historically featured some pretty incredible vinyl. Some of the collections we’ve encountered over the years have been the subject of many a collector’s sweet dreams. Well, the “Rock Gods and Metal Monsters” auction coming up in April is certainly no exception! We are besides ourselves with excitement over what we have in the upcoming auction.

We have vinyl in this auction from a number of consignors: rarities from the private collections of highlighted artists like Scott Ian (Anthrax) and Sean Yseult (White Zombie) - to extremely rare advances or demos from current and/or former record executives Gayle Miller and Amy Jozefek. The vast majority of vinyl in this auction, however, comes from a closed record store in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong collection is literally the Holy Grail of Metal vinyl, for three very important reasons. First, all of the vinyl - and we mean everything - is factory sealed. Secondly, everything in this collection is from the 1980s, or the “Golden Era of Metal” as we like to think of it. The collection features a ton of “New Wave of British Heavy Metal” as well as the first days of American Heavy Metal. So by default, and the third reason this collection is so cool, is that all of the classic Metal labels are represented: Neat Records, Metal Blade, Shrapnel, Roadrunner , Mausoleum and more - they’re all there! Backstage Auctions owner Jacques van Gool put it this way:

“A good amount of the releases available in the auction are extremely hard to find. If you find them on eBay, they sell for crazy money - but rarely, if ever, do you find them sealed. The fact that these are - basically the birth of Heavy Metal - all from the classic Metal labels and they’re sealed - really makes this a unique collection.”

But don’t just take his word for it. Here are a couple of records that stand out from this collection:

The second collection providing a plethora of vinyl for this auction is the personal collection of a former West Coast A & R rep. Unlike the Hong Kong collection, this collection is much larger and features a much wider array of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal records - everything from AOR giants like Stan Bush, Strangeways and Dare to colossal Hard Rock and Metal bands like Van Halen, Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne and KISS. There are several factors that make this collection really stand out. First, is the quantity of advance copies and promotional releases, as well as Japanese, UK, Dutch, French and German pressings. For example, check out this exceedingly rare lot of Japanese Quiet Riot vinyl from the late 1970s, featuring Randy Rhoads!

Secondly, the vast majority of the vinyl included is in NM or EX condition. Being collectors ourselves, we understand the importance of providing top quality products to our customers and we’re excited about the outstanding quality of all the vinyl in this collection!

Lastly, the sheer volume of vinyl - as well as variety - really makes this a very unique, in-depth collection. There are many large lots not to be overlooked! And take note, that just because we have put some of these records into larger lots certainly does not mean they’re not good enough to be sold individually - it just shows we have so much vinyl in this auction, it would be impossible to list them all individually! Owner Jacques van Gool elaborates:

“What I like in particular about this collection is vast variety. Everything from classic to rare and everything in between! There’s a crazy amount of obscure releases from Van Halen, Ozzy and Quiet Riot - but then records from the likes of August Redmoon and Dietrich, and really obscure Metal compilations like “Metal Concussion”, “Metal Massacre” and “Metallurgy” - all in great condition. This is a really exceptional collection!”

This is only the tip of the needle folks! With over 1500 records available in this auction from a variety of unique consignors, there is guaranteed to be some jaw dropping, head turning vinyl to peak your interest! Here are just a few more records we wanted to spotlight for you:

So there you have it. The Backstage Auctions 2012 “Rock Gods and Metal Monsters” Auction is a force to be reckoned with. We stand by our words that this auction will have something for every Rocker and Metal Head! But especially for all you vinyl collectors out there, this is absolutely, positively one you can't afford to miss.

Grab your VIP All Access Pass today and get access to our Special VIP Preview from April 14-20. The auction goes LIVE on April 21 and will be open for bidding until April 29th. See you there!