Springsteen is "The Boss" - Collectibles & Memorabilia Hit the Auction Block

This year’s Rock 'n Pop Auction at Backstage Auctions is filled with an enormity of unique and rare collectibles from an assortment of legendary artists. The usual suspects - Beatles, Stones, Floyd, Zeppelin - notwithstanding, we have an impressive collection of distinctive relics from other legitimate giants of the Rock and Pop that is guaranteed to surprise even the most seasoned collector. Our collection of Bruce Springsteen items is a prime example.

We have over 40 unique Springsteen lots comprised of well over 100 exceedingly rare pieces - from unusual promotional and tour apparel, rare promotional swag and display items to vintage signed press photos, concert photos, negatives and album art proof prints - we’ve just about got it all! Featured below are just a few highlights of this amazing collection that we hope you will enjoy shopping as much as we enjoyed assembling!

For starters we’ll go wayyyyyyy back to the early days - 1973 to be exact - for this exceptionally rare live ‘Song to Orphans’ acetate! This piece is legendary, as the song has never been officially released. Bruce wrote the song shortly after his private audition with John Hammond at the CBS building in New York City, NY. The acetate featured in the auction, is the recording that dates back to Bruce’s performance at Max’s Kansas City in New York on January 31st, 1973. Slightly shorter versions of this performance circulate the internet - but those pale in comparison to owning the original acetate!

1972 Bruce Springsteen "Song To Orphans" Acetate

Also from the early 70s is this original 11 x 14 inch photo, made by Peter Cunningham at the request of CBS Records. The photo was taken at the New York offices of CBS Records, right before the release of Bruce Springsteen's ' Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.' release. The photo has been signed by Cunningham in the bottom right corner.

1973 Bruce Springsteen Original "Asbury Park" photo

Fast forward several years to 1978 and here we find this awesome lot featuring three exceptionally rare promotional posters for Springsteen’s fourth album Darkness on the Edge of Town. Though Darkness wasn’t as commercially successful as its predecessor Born to Run, the album nonetheless remains a ‘must have’ for Springsteen fans, and these promotional posters are no exception. All three are in various different sizes, but all are generally in Excellent overall condition!

1978 Bruce Springsteen
Darkness on the Edge of Town Promo Poster

Of course, no Springsteen collection would be complete or worthy of praise without a signed piece! This 1984 CBS press photo is boldly signed by Bruce and is in pristine condition!

1984 Bruce Springsteen Signed CBS Photo

Similarly - no ‘Boss’ collection would be justified without unique apparel! The 2012 Rock & Pop auction boasts a number of vintage Springsteen t-shirts, jackets and sweaters that one would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Take for example this 1984-1985 Born in the USA promotional silk tour jacket. These were produced by CBS Records and intended only for management and tour personnel! Good luck finding these elsewhere, let alone in flawless condition!

Born In The USA '84 - '85 Springsteen Promo Tour Jacket

This is just a very small sample of the 40+ overwhelming Bruce Springsteen lots assembled and featured in the Backstage Auctions 2012 Rock 'n Pop Auction.  The preview is LIVE and bidding begins November 3!

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Start Me Up: Incredible Rolling Stones Collectibles Up For Grabs

Few artists can boast the type of longevity that the Rolling Stones can. From their inception in the 1960s to today they’ve maintained a steady stream of peaks of relevance that is unrivaled, and with that comes, naturally, an insane assortment of rare relics and collectibles. Over the years at Backstage Auctions we’ve seen our fair share of Rolling Stones goodies come and go - but nothing quite like the 80+ lots assembled for the 2012 Rock 'n Pop Auction!

Part of what makes the Rolling Stones selection in our upcoming auction so enticing is the fact that we’ve been able to partner with multiple consignors who had direct relationships with the Stones, which in turn has enabled us to offer an impressive variety of promotional items that quite simply are not your average run-of-the-mill commercial products. In addition to promotional goods, we have a wide variety of desirable collectibles - from record awards and signed items to rare bootleg CDs, photos, slides and negatives, vintage vinyl - and much more. Below is a small sample of the amazing Rolling Stones lots we’ve put together for all you Stones collectors!

Strictly limited to 150 signed and numbered copies, this is a most prestigious Francesco Scavullo original 'Mick Jagger, 1973' Gelatin silver print from 2004. The photo measures 18 x 22 inches, with the Francesco Scavullo 'A Photographic Retrospective' portfolio hand stamp and Sean M. Byrnes's signature and edition notation 148/150, in pencil on verso. The overall condition is excellent. The photo has been professionally matted.

1973 Mick Jagger
Sean M. Byrnes  Signed and Numbered 148/150

There is no shortage of vintage and rare posters in this auction! Take this vintage 1975 North American Tour poster, for example. Any collector will tell you this is a highly sought-after poster - especially one in excellent overall condition such as this one!

Rolling Stones - Vintage 1975 North American Tour Poster 

  

Also from the poster department is this exceptionally rare 1976 Knebworth Fair UK concert poster. This legendary festival took place on August 21, 1976 and features The Rolling Stones, 10cc, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Todd Rundgren's Utopia, Hot Tuna and the Don Harrison Band.

Rolling Stones 1976 "Knebworth Fair" original concert poster

RIAA Record Awards are always nice pickups. Not only are they unique and rare, they typically look nicely framed and contain an allure that only something as prestigious as an official record award could have. This Mick Jagger Platinum Record Award is no exception! Awarded for his 1985 She’s the Boss LP, this awesome collectible is in excellent overall condition and is sure to ‘Wow!’ even the most veteran collectors.

Mick Jagger RIAA Award - "She's The Boss"

One aspect of the Rolling Stones items available in this auction that should not be overlooked is the impressive collection of bootleg CDs. Comprised of rare live recordings, demos, outtakes and more, we’ve assembled some truly outstanding lots of CDs that are sure to get some special attention. For example, this lot of Ultra Rare Trax CDs features 10 Volumes of rare Stones material - and all of the discs were manufactured in Italy. Few examples: 

   

This is a small sample - the ‘tip of the iceberg’ so to speak - of the incredible Rolling Stones lots available in the Backstage Auctions 2012 Rock 'n Pop Auction! The auction preview is currently LIVE and bidding begins November 3^rd! 

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Grateful Dead Very Much Alive in 2012 Rock 'n Pop Auction

The Grateful Dead - BG-176 Poster

Backstage Auctions' 2012 Rock & Pop Auction has over 25 unique Grateful Dead lots featuring original Bill Graham concert posters, vintage photos, slides and negatives, and a multitude of rare live recording CDs! Featured below are just a few that have peaked our interest!

Nothing beats an authentic Bill Graham concert poster - especially featuring the Grateful Dead!  This is an original Bill Graham 1969 Fillmore West poster (BG -176), in excellent overall condition!

Jerry Garcia - October 1974
Winterland in San Francisco

Here is an exclusive, limited edition concert photo of Jerry Garcia at the Winterland in San Francisco (October 1974), directly from collection of photographer Larry Hulst. This beautiful photo measures 11 x 14 inches and is printed on high grade photo paper. It is in pristine condition, already (professionally) matted and is ready to for framing and display. The matting measures 13 x 17 inches and the photo is signed by Larry Hulst on the matting.

Signed Herb Greene Print 1966 

This is an original Herb Greene silver gelatin print of the Grateful Dead, taken in 1966 when they first known as 'Warlock'. This historic photo was printed 1987 and is signed, titled and dated in ink on the reverse. It measures 8 x 10 inches. The overall condition is excellent.








There is no shortage of Grateful Dead music in this auction either. There are nearly 20 unique lots containing multiple Grateful Dead bootleg CDs - filled with rare live performances, demos, outtakes and more. Take for example these CDs of live performances from the 1960s!

We’ve also got several lots containing more than a few of the Dick’s Picks series!

Dick's Picks Volume 1 - 6

The Grateful Dead catalog in the 2012 Rock 'n Pop Auction is not to be overlooked! There are some amazing lots that will go quickly.  The preview is LIVE and bidding begins November 3rd! Good luck Dead Heads!

View Here:  Grateful Dead Memorabilia

A Wall of Pink Floyd Collectibles

With nearly 30 impressive lots, Pink Floyd is taking center stage at the 2012 Rock 'n Pop Auction event this month at Backstage Auctions. 

"It is always a good day when a former Columbia Records executive decides to part with a private collection, especially when so much of it is related to Pink Floyd" says Backstage Auctions owner Jacques van Gool. "With a band as collectible and popular as Pink Floyd, you're always looking for something unique and rare and we sure struck gold this time". 

Pink Floyd 1987 "Momentary Lapse of Reason" Proof Print

Among the many highlights is an impressive number of album proofs, including original Storm Thorgerson prints from 'Momentary Lapse Of Reason'.

1979 Pink Floyd "The Wall"
Promotional Display

Fans and collectors will have ample choices between promotional items and swag related to historic albums such as 'Animals', 'Delicate Sound Of Thunder' and the classic 'The Wall' such as this exceptionally brick molded display .

David Gilmour signed proofs for 'Shine On' book

Autographed items will sure demand a great deal of attention, specially a set of David Gilmour signed proofs from the 'Shine On' book. 

And if proofs aren't your cup of tea, you can make a run for a full signed copy of the 'Shine On' book, which also contains the autographs of Wright and Mason.

Pink Floyd Rare Inflatable "The Wall"
Promotional couch / chair

Between foam pigs, unique promotional pins, rare records and press releases, collectors will have to think 'strategy' if they want to come out on top. If anything, there's always a Pink Floyd promotional couch to relax on and be a great conversation piece.

But whatever your poise, with this number of solid, top-shelf Pink Floyd collectibles, fans will have something to get truly excited about. And contrary to Steve Buscemi in 'Reservoir Dogs', it is good to be 'Mr. Pink'! 

Backstage Auctions' - 2012 Rock 'n Pop Auction is open for bidding November 3 - 11th, but is available now for previewing the entire catalog. VIP All Access Registration is FREE and only takes a minute or two.

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Rare Beatles 1962 Itinerary and Vintage Photos Highlight Auction

Backstage Auctions showcases an amazing collection of Beatles photos and historical documents.


A two-page authentic itinerary from September of 1962 by Brian Epstein to The Beatles is among the center pieces of the 40+ Beatles lots in the 'Rock & Pop Auction' at Backstage Auctions this week.  Rather than a simple 'time, date and location, this historic document actually reads more like the minutes of a meeting, whereby Epstein is firm about attitude, behavior and performance.....and the fact that you were overpaid by 23 Pounds which will be deducted from this week's paycheck!

1962 Beatles Itinerary issued by
Brian Epstein

In addition to another fantastic itinerary from 1963, the auction also hosts an impressive number of 1960s press documents and releases, as well as two great - autographed - photos from Beatles alumni Allan Williams and Bob Wooler

1963 Beatles Itinerary

Allan Williams - Signed Beatles Photo

  

Bob Wooler - Signed Beatles Photo

Equally impressive is the assortment of photos, slides and negatives, which date back to the 1966 San Francisco Candlestick show. A lot of nearly 150 amazing color slides from a 1974 George Harrison concert in Houston, Texas however will take your breath away.

George Harrison 1974 Houston, Texas Concert

There are several lots of highly collectible BBC 'London Wavelength' boxed sets, of which one even includes a rare promotional poster and t-shirt.

The Beatles 1983 "Live At The Beeb"

It is unimaginable to think that The Beatles will ever stop being collectible - but it will become harder and harder to find unique mementos. And forty lots of cool Beatles memorabilia is still something you want to take notice of!

The Beatles - Ron Campbell Animated Cel AP 9/25

Backstage Auctions' - 2012 Rock 'n Pop Auction is open for bidding November 3 - 11th, but is available now for previewing the entire catalog. VIP All Access Registration is free and only takes a minute or two.

View Now:  Beatles Memorabilia

Punk Rock Revival at Backstage Auctions

Jaw dropping punk rarities hit the auction block.

1977 Punk girl Ebet Roberts -  CBGB's

With well over 100 Punk-Rock lots, Backstage Auctions is celebrating a ten-year spanning era of anti-establishment music (1975 - 1985) that ultimately evolved in a subculture of expressive youthful rebellion, a distinctive fashion and a variety of anti-authority ideologies.

The majority of the Punk collection comes from Europe, where it was part of a traveling exhibition for years. Aptly titled 'I Punk, You Punk, We Punk', the exhibition focused on the correlation between music, fashion, art and design, where musicians and fans were equally photogenic. "Absolutely stoked" as Backstage Auctions owner Jacques van Gool puts it, who lived in Europe through the birth of Punk and was fortunate to experience it firsthand.

1976 Ramones at CBGBs - Signed Photo

"Saving Punk mementos was the last thing on your mind in those days. It was all about the experience and we couldn't be bothered with preserving a shirt or a poster. Seeing this collection makes me realize how unique and historically significant those years were".




As can be expected, the Sex Pistols have their middle finger strongly wrapped around the punk torch with nearly 30 lots that include an impressive parade of concert and promotional posters, t-shirts, cards and, yes, the infamous 'God Save The Queen' flag (God Save The Queen - Sex Pistols).

Sex Pistols 1977 God Save The Queen Flag

The Clash 1970s fully signed photo

Also present are desirable collectibles by legendary artists and bands such as Blondie, Dead Boys, Ramones, Patti Smith, Buzzcocks, Iggy Pop and The Clash, many of whom have already been embraced by the Roll 'n Roll Hall of Fame.

Exceedingly rare Destroy shirt 

There are few genres where fashion makes an equally strong statement as the music itself and Punk arguably is at the forefront of it all. And within that, Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood created the epicenter of the 'classic' Punk look through stores such as 'Sex' and 'Seditionaries'. One of the most prolific images is that of Johnny Rotten wearing a 'Destroy' shirt, which also is in the auction.

Debbie Harry - Blondie 1970s
rare collection of photo negatives

With a broad assortment of autographed items, posters, shirts, records, pins & buttons, photos, slides and negatives, the auction has something for everyone. Or simply put - 'Let's All Punk!"






Backstage Auctions' - 2012 Rock 'n Pop Auction is open for bidding November 3 - 11th, but is available now for previewing the entire catalog. VIP All Access Registration is free and only takes a minute or two.

View Now: Punk Rock Memorabilia

DVD Review: Freddie Mercury - Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender

DVD Review: Freddie Mercury - Freddy Mercury: The Great Pretender

Eagle Vision

All Access Review: A-

Freddie Mercury - The Great Pretender 2012

At death’s door, Freddie Mercury decided to reveal in a press release that he, indeed, had full-blown AIDs and that he wasn’t long for this world. The news wasn’t surprising. In public appearances around that time, Mercury appeared gaunt, as if he was simply wasting away to nothing. The rumor mill had been spinning out of control for a while, with many speculating that Mercury was in the throes of the deadly disease, and when the end came, the vultures descended to viciously pick his bones clean. Mercilessly, the British tabloids savaged Mercury and his personal life, taking him to task for his reckless promiscuity and his libertine lifestyle. Judgment day had arrived for this modern-day Oscar Wilde, only it was the armchair moralists and the gossipmongers rendering their verdicts, not Mercury’s maker.

Coming to his defense, Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor went on TV to attempt to restore his good name and talk about the Freddie Mercury they knew, the quiet, more reserved aesthete who was completely at odds with the over-sexed madman in press portrayals. And there was more – much more, as it turned out – to Mercury than meets the eye, as the new documentary film “Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender” makes so abundantly clear. Mostly concerned with the extreme highs and lows – both professional and personal – that Mercury experienced between the recording of his first solo album, the disastrous Mr. Bad Guy, and his tragic ending, “Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender,” out via Eagle Entertainment, weaves together electrifying live footage – the Live Aid stuff, with Mercury exhorting the massive crowd to sing with him, is captivating – with candid, behind-the-scenes images of the singer and impactful interview snippets from the likes of May and Taylor, as well as friends and associates such as television personality Paul Gambaccini and Queen manager Jim Beach, to manufacture a colorful narrative fabric that Mercury would wear like a royal cape.

Edited and produced by Rhys Thomas, a diehard Queen fanatic, the documentary artfully explores how Mercury immersed himself in New York City’s wild gay club life and became fascinated with disco and Donna Summer, this along with his deep and abiding love and appreciation of opera and the ballet, which resulted in his sublime 1979 performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” with the Royal Ballet. Going further, through Mercury’s own truthful admission, Thomas reveals the extent to which Mercury felt disengaged and distanced from his Queen band mates, due to their different outside interests, and the bullheadedness Mercury exhibited in steering Hot Space into more dance-oriented territory, which heated the friction between Mercury and May to an almost unbearable temperature.

And while all this controversy and drama certainly makes for good viewing, Thomas is also careful to attend to the smaller, more mundane aspects of Mercury's life, laying bare the vulnerabilities that made him uncertain in interpersonal relationships. Loyal to a fault, as his divisive relationship with former manager Paul Prenter illustrates – in the film, Taylor dismissively says of Prenter, “The less said about him the better” – Mercury was a cat lover, who could be shy and retiring offstage and willingly lament the fact that he didn’t have many close friends, as he did in a poignant talk about his star-crossed relationship with girlfriend Mary Austin in the movie, Mercury wasn’t the arrogant superman his dazzling onstage persona would suggest. He did have his endearing qualities, though, as his giddy adoration of opera singer Montserrat Caballe – whose friendship with Mercury is treated with such tenderness and pure joy in the film – so aptly demonstrates. It was Mercury’s determination to work with her that brought the two vocalists together for one of the most spectacular collaborations in music history, as their clarion calls sent the massive international hit single “Barcelona” soaring to the heavens. Outside of Queen, it was Mercury’s greatest triumph; more than that, it washed away the bad taste left in his mouth from Mr. Bad Guy, the result of a bloated contract with Mercury as a solo artist that caused excruciating financial pain to his record label.

Driving right through that intersection where art and life collide, “Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender” pulls no punches, and yet it is a warm, wistful eulogy to an artist who never stopped creating, even as AIDS ravaged his body. Startlingly honest and forthright about Mercury’s failings and his grand ambitions, the film introduces the world to Mercury’s flawed humanity, and through Thomas’s multi-faceted portrait, the once-blurry and undefined picture of Mercury, the man, comes sharply into focus. Near the end, as is outlined in Thomas’s heartfelt liner notes to the DVD, Beach once asked Mercury what he wanted done with his legacy and all that he’d left behind. Mercury responded, in typical devil-may-care fashion, by saying, “You can do whatever you like with my image, my music, remix it, re-release it, whatever – just never make me boring.” Mission accomplished.

-            Peter Lindblad