Vintage Rock 'n Roll Posters are a Hot Ticket at Backstage Auctions

Let's be honest here; who grew up NOT having a poster pinned to their wall? Exactly - and while your parents complained, truth is they did it too. As will your children...and their children. Fact is that posters are so much more than just an over sized sheet of paper. Some might call them art, others see them as legitimate collectibles but whatever the motivation, in the end it all comes down to this one simple word.....'Magic'.

Rolling Stones 1975 Original North American Tour Poster

Whether it was your favorite album, your first concert, an iconic image that defined 'you' or simply a reminder of good times, posters have meaning. So much so that endless books have been written about them, websites are dedicated to them and ultimately, they have become staples in our culture - and our collection. Backstage Auctions is offering nearly 100 collectible posters, lithographs and unique proof prints in their 2012 Rock & Pop Auction, which is taking place this very week.

Leading the pack is a nice collection of almost 50 San Francisco concert posters from the old & new Fillmore, containing many of the great names from those memorable years, such as Janis Joplin, Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, Santana and naturally, the Grateful Dead.

Grateful Dead 1966 Fillmore West BG-41 Original Poster

A most impressive assortment of rare proof prints featuring Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones is certain to receive much attention, if nothing else for the simple fact that these proofs are one of only a handful and often vary from the final version.

Bruce Springsteen 1984 "Born In The USA"
Album Art Proof Prints

Some of these lots even contain the original photos used for the artwork and it goes without saying that something like that gives a whole different meaning to the word 'exclusive'.

Bruce Springsteen 1984 "Born In The USA" Album "Photo" Proof

Another grouping that deserves a special mention is the collection of original punk posters, showcasing the likes of the Sex Pistols, the Clash, Blondie, to the more obscure D.O.A., Lydia Lunch, Mumps and Teenage Jesus & The Jerks.

Sex Pistols 1978 Warner Bros. Promo Poster

And while not necessarily a poster, the auction also features a small collection of silk screen banners which all came from the recently closed Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame New York Annex. With measurements exceeding 10 - 15 foot, these are impressive and prestigious pieces of serious wall decoration

Eric Clapton 1970s Silkscreen JUMBO Wall Banner
NY Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex

The 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 Posters:  Posters & Handbills

View Proof Prints and Banners:  Original Artwork

Autographed Memorabilia at Backstage Auctions Hits Center Stage

Rare Signed Memorabilia from Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Band Highlights the 2012 Rock 'n Pop Auction

No matter what you collect - or who you collect - an autographed item is and always will be a crowning piece in every collection. Not only are the days of 'easy access' long gone, but with more demand than supply, getting your hands on an authentic signature isn't all that easy anymore - especially if you're looking for anything in the A-Level rankings.

"Sure, autographs are readily available, you can find them 24/7 on a host of websites these days, but the question always is 'How do I know I'm getting the real deal'?" says Jacques van Gool, owner of Backstage Auction. "We have always been extremely careful in accepting signed items, which is why we - from day one when we started our business - decided to only accept consignments from musicians or those professionally active in the music industry. That way we have a much, much higher authenticity threshold and can offer, in addition to an autographed item, a peace of mind, which is equally if not more important".

Leading the pack in this auction is a fully signed 'Houses Of The Holy' album by all four Led Zeppelin band members, which is only one of a handful known to be in existence. Collectors of rock memorabilia will know that authentic Led Zeppelin autographs are among the hardest to find and an item like this deserves to be called 'Houses Of The Holy Grail'.

Exceedingly Rare Fully Signed Led Zeppelin 1973 "Houses Of The Holy" Album

No less impressive is a fully 'Music From The Big Pink' album from 1970, signed by all five members of The Band. Very few pieces that contain all five original 'John Hancock's' are known to be in circulation, and with only two surviving members of this legendary Woodstock outfit, this piece is certain to get a lot of attention.

The Band Fully Signed 1970 "Music From The Big Pink" Album

Collectors will have little trouble to rally behind a cool Rolling Stones signed song book, that also contains signatures from back-up singers Lisa Fisher and Blondie Chaplin 

Rolling Stones 1997 Signed "Beggars Banquet" Songbook

or a variety of autographed Pink Floyd memorabilia, which includes a nice selection of anything from a CD, hard cover book, to even a set of highly unique proof prints, which were all signed by David Gilmour. 

Pink Floyd 1992 David Gilmour Signed "Shine On" Book Proofs

In all, there are roughly 50 autographed pieces, which can be easily found under the section of "Artist Signed Items".  Each and any of them deserving of a new, appreciative home - and hopefully some wall space! After all, where can you find this many wonderful items at a great price and the knowledge that what you get is 'The Real McCoy'. So fans of Queen, Genesis, Cheap Trick, ZZ Top, Elvis Costello, Blondie, Ramones, Joe Cocker, INXS, Jethro Tull, The Kinks, KoRn, Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne and on and on - be sure not to pass up on this opportunity. Our crew members pick is this awesome ZZ Top signed drum head - those boys from Texas ROCK! 

ZZ Top Fully Signed Ludwig Drum Head

The 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: Artist Signed Items

Spin Zone: Incredible Vinyl Selection in The 2012 Rock 'n Pop Auction

As is customary with the auctions put on by Backstage Auctions these days, there is an overabundance of truly incredible vinyl. The 2012 Rock 'n Pop Auction is filled with unique vinyl lots - from test pressings, rare promos, and radio broadcast vinyl to autographed records and creative bulk vinyl lots - one could spend an entire afternoon reading through all the vinyl available and still miss a hidden gem or two! Here are a few lots that really stand out!

Though you’ll find this one filed under our ‘Artist Signed Items’ section, it is still a record worthy of mention! Collectors of rock memorabilia will know that Led Zeppelin autographs are among the hardest to find and that fully signed albums like this are truly exceptional finds!

Led Zeppelin 1973 Fully Signed "Houses of The Holy" Album

In addition to numerous signed albums, there is a multitude of rare promotional vinyl in the auction. Take for example this rare Sex Pistols Never Mind the Bollocks LP - a white label promotional copy of the first ever US release of the legendary Punk album!

Sex Pistols 1977 "Never Mind The Bollocks"
Rare White Label Promo US Pressing

There is also no shortage of test pressings in this year’s Rock & Pop Auction. This is an amazing pair of U2 test pressings from the 1988 'Angel Of Harlem' 12" EP (also featuring 'Heartbreak Hotel' and 'Rescue Me' Live on the B-side). Both test pressing are in immaculate condition and only differ by one number on the matrix.

1988 U2 "Angel of Harlem" Test Pressing

Another exciting aspect of the vinyl available is the incredible amount of radio broadcast box sets! For example, check out this sensational rare John Lennon 5-LP radio station broadcast box set. It was released by London Wavelength and includes a 15-page cue sheet and 2 original program update memos. The vinyl is in NM condition, the box in EX- condition.

1982 John Lennon 5-LP Radio Broadcast Box Set

As always, we are pleased to offer a number of really exceptional bulk vinyl lots. These lots vary in size and content, but rest assured - each and every bulk lot available contains numerous hidden gems and in most cases, is comprised of vinyl that is predominantly in near mint to excellent overall condition!

1960s - 1980s US Rock Vinyl

Alternative Rock Vinyl

When all is said and done, one thing we know for sure is that the vinyl available in the 2012 Rock 'n Pop Auction will be gone! Quality record lots like these move quickly. Be sure to make use of our auction preview, which is currently LIVE, and browse our vinyl NOW and start making your selections!
Bidding begins November 3rd!

Spin Your Way Through Now: Vintage Vinyl

40 Years of Rock Concert Photos Featured at Backstage Auctions

1984 Stevie Ray Vaughan Concert Photo
Freeborn Hall - Davis, California

So much has changed in 40+ years of concert history. From the sound, lighting and theatrics all the way down to merchandise, non-smoking signs and that little thing called ticket prices. But the one constant among all this is this guy (or gal) in the pit, tirelessly aiming an above-averagely priced camera at the lead singer in the hope of getting that 'money shot'.

Countless books have been released over the decades, showing us jaw-dropping images so real, we can 'almost' experience the rush of being there. Live albums, posters, t-shirts, magazine covers...they have all benefited from 'The Photographer' without whom rock 'n roll would have never had a face. This week at Backstage Auctions, the 'Rock 'n Pop Auction' event hosts almost 400 lots of original concert slides, negatives and photos from the 1970s and 1980s, which if anything is a fitting tribute the artists 'behind' the camera.

David Bowie Concert Photo '80s

Over 100 lots have been submitted by British Photographer Philip Kamin, best known for his work with Genesis and the many books released under his name. Everything but a one-trick pony, Kamin covered anything from Rock to Punk and from Pop to Metal. 

Bob Dylan Concert Photo
Houston, Texas 1970s

Equally impressive are the 200 (!!) lots of slides and negatives from a pair of legendary Houston, Texas photographers; Larry Lent and Jim Townsend, who go back as far as 1970 and seemingly never missed a show in 20 years, be it at a stadium or hole-in-the-wall. Rolling Stones, The Who, Bob Dylan, CSNY, Faces, George Harrison, David Bowie, Frank Zappa, Grateful Dead....the list is endless, and so is the number of times you'll shake your head in disbelief at so much history and beauty

Jerry Garcia 1974 Concert Photo
Winterland - San Francisco, CA

Not only is all this a prime opportunity to add one-of-a-kind authentic photos to your collection, but nearly 95% of the lots are offered with a full transfer of rights, which means that the new owner can also explore commercial avenues with these wonderful images.

Larry Hulst started his career in the bustling Haight -Asbury district before moving to Colorado and we are honored to have an impressive collection of nearly 40 pre-matted, large prints from his archive, each and any ready to be displayed with pride


Last but not least, the auction offers several exclusive, high-end prints from legendary photographers such as Gered Mankowitz, Francesco Scavullo, Herb Green, Mick Rock, Godlis, Ebet Roberts, Kamen Rider, Richard Mann and Roberta Bayley.

1967 Jimi Hendrix - Gered Mankowitch
Signed Ltd. Ed. Photo

1973 Mick Jagger - Francesco Scavullo Photo

1978 Sex Pistols "Sid & Nancy In London" - Richard Mann
Signed & Numbered 6/100 Ltd. Ed. Print

Photos have proven to be more than just 'pictures'. They tell a story without words and let us be part of it without having to be there. Collectors are increasingly aware of the historic relevance, which is a good thing....after all, who can tell the story better than the person behind the camera?

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: Historic Photos, Slides & Negatives

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!

View Now:  Bruce Springsteen Memorabilia

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! 

View Now: Rolling Stones Memorabilia

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.

View Now: Pink Floyd Memorabilia

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