Showing posts with label Al Jourgensen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Al Jourgensen. Show all posts

CD Review: Rigor Mortis – Slaves to the Grave

CD Review: Rigor Mortis – Slaves to the Grave
Rigor Mortis Records
All Access Rating: A-

Rigor Mortis - Slaves to the Grave 2014
No Mike Scaccia means no more Rigor Mortis. The thrash/speed metal tyrants have apparently refused to soldier on without him.

Felled by a heart attack onstage at a homecoming show for Rigor Mortis in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2012, the guitarist was the maggot-filled heart and worm-eaten soul of a band that laid waste to the late 1980s extreme metal underground.

Without their breakneck tempos, frenzied beats, insanely furious riffage, and putrid, R-rated lyrical content inspired by horror and gore films, and a fascination with serial killers, there would be no Toxic Holocaust, no Goatwhore even. Who'd want to live in a world like that?

Only days before Scaccia, also known for his work with industrial-metal giants Ministry, as well as a slew of other Al Jourgensen-related projects, shuffled off this mortal coil, however, he finished his guitar parts for what would become his and the band's swan song, Slaves to the Grave, a record – their first in the 23 years since the punk/metal manifesto Rigor Mortis Vs. The Earth ... – the reunited Rigor Mortis was working on prior to his untimely demise.

No record labels wanted to touch it. Needing assistance with funding to release it themselves, Rigor Mortis raised money through an IndieGoGo campaign, and with a little help from some friends in the industry, this burning slab of fierce, raging death metal is finally seeing the light of day. And what a fiery, no-holds-barred send-off it is, "Flesh for Flies" taking the prize for "biggest wall of buzzing guitar noise ever conceived" by these remorseless attack dogs.

Resting only briefly for an unexpectedly melodic and tasteful intro to "Rain of Ruin," before trashing the place with a barrage of scabrous drums, bombing guitars and war-torn imagery, the original lineup of Scaccia, bassist Casey Orr, barking vocalist Bruce Corbitt and drummer Harden Harrison brutally stomps all over a gruesome "Ancient Horror" and tears through the blistering "Poltergeist" and an equally venomous "Fragrance of Corpse" like a cyclone.

And while the staggering hyper speed with which they play still makes jaws drop to the floor, as it does in "Curse of the Draugr," Rigor Mortis has other tricks up their tattered, blood-spattered sleeves, with Scaccia letting nervous six-string manipulation skitter like frightened, amphetamine-fed spiders or unpacking the unusual, repetitive muted stutter and quickened chug of the instant-classic "Blood Bath" and its whiplash change of pace. This may well be Scaccia's finest hour, and in turn, the rest of Rigor Mortis have fully realized their disturbingly warped vision of humanity and sonic brutality.
– Peter Lindblad

CD/DVD Review: Ministry - Enjoy the Quiet - Live at Wacken 2012

CD/DVD Review: Ministry - Enjoy the Quiet - Live at Wacken 2012
UDR
All Access Rating: B+

Ministry - Enjoy the Quiet - Live
at Wacken 2012
Quiet is not a word normally associated with the "godfather of industrial metal" Al Jourgensen or Ministry. Never one who's subscribed to the notion that the meek shall inherit the earth, Jourgensen has a mouth that roars and a raging band he founded in 1981 in Ministry that has only gotten more ferocious over time.

They were absolutely seething by the time the 2012 "RELAPSE" tour rolled into Wacken Open Air that year for the riotous final show of that campaign with a stage set-up that looked like an abandoned factory, ominous, dirty and ugly, the perfect home for a janitor/serial killer. A visceral, snarling performance from Ministry, this sonic hell-scape was recorded for a new double CD/DVD package titled "Enjoy the Quiet - Live at Wacken 2012" from UDR, and they scorch the earth of those darkened festival grounds in crystalline high-definition sound and video.

Combined with bonus audio and film footage of Ministry laying waste to Wacken 2006, this collection is as much about Mike Scaccia as it is Jourgensen. The longtime Ministry guitarist died five months after this last trip to Wacken, and his guitar work has rarely come across this mean and virulent. With help from guitarist Sin Quirin, keyboardist John Bechdel, bassist Casey Orr and drummer Aaron Rossi, Scacci and Jourgensen lead Ministry into a writhing, contorted aural and visual nightmare of dizzying background sounds and imagery that envelope fast, controlled blasts of atomic, churning industrialized thrash-metal fireballs such as "No 'W'" and "Rio Grande Blood." The riffage is devastating, overwhelming and relentless. 

Jourgensen bitterly vents about cheating managers and music industry corruption in a prepared video statement in the venomous show opener "Ghouldiggers," before Ministry's thickened, serrated aural attack slams through "Lies Lies Lies," "99 Percenters" and "Life is Good" as if caught up a high-speed police chase. Sensing that the audience is tired of Ministry's newer material, Jourgensen hauls out older favorites like "New World Order 'N.W.O.'," "Thieves" and "Just One Fix," and these versions are hypnotic and trashy. While blaring sirens and whistles and all manner of banging, piercing sounds make for a harsh cacophony of frenzied disturbances, Jourgensen and company plow through the fearsome noise that surrounds these songs with tight, brutal efficiency and jack-hammer guitars. 

And then there's the additional Wacken 2006 material, a hairier and wilder set that's visually exciting, if a little rough around the edges. In sharp contrast with the Wacken 2012 concert, this set, although longer, is dogged by audio problems; half of it is suffocated by high levels of distortion, as songs just seem to bleed into each other. Emerging through dense radiation clouds that obscure Ministry's bad sonic intentions, "Lies Lies Lies" and "Worthless" eventually come into greater focus and become more powerful than ever, while the dream-like "Khyber Pass" is absolutely enthralling. "Psalm 69," "Wrong" and other monstrous Ministry furies are intense and mesmerizing, as the band recovers from its confused beginnings. 

With its history of aural violence behind them, Ministry has said its goodbyes. Losing Scaccia led Jourgensen to finally drive a stake through the blackened heart of a band that was confrontational, funny, wonderfully obnoxious, stridently political and always interesting. This sick, savage world might soon discover just how much it misses them.
- Peter Lindblad






CD Review: Ministry – From Beer to Eternity

CD Review: Ministry – From Beer to Eternity
AFM Records
All Access Rating: A-

Ministry - From Beer to Eternity 2013
Al Jourgensen is, in a sense, taking old Betsy out to the woods to put a bullet in her brain. It seems Ministry, the outlaw gang of trailblazing industrial-metal miscreants he’s fronted for years, has outlived its usefulness and will now be stripped for parts. Maybe Nine Inch Nails can use a drum machine.

It’s a terribly sad time for industrial music, actually, as the AFM Records release From Beer to Eternity, reported to be Ministry’s last album, was finished in the aftermath of guitar Mike Scaccia’s death, having collapsed onstage with his old mates in Rigor Mortis late last December. With a heavy heart, Jourgensen threw himself into his work, crafting and honing material Ministry had already worked up in a spate of intense creativity until this massive sonic weaponry was ready to be launched. And here it is, Ministry’s last will and testament, and what does Jourgensen leave to his followers? These words of wisdom: “Enjoy the Quiet.”

A refreshing wall of watery white noise washes over whoever is still listening by the time the closing track to the multi-layered, ferociously opinionated From Beer to Eternity comes on and when it’s over, Jourgensen welcomes the arrival of silence. What comes before it is anything but tranquil, thanks to a cacophony of rampaging metal riffs and a wild thicket of clashing sounds both human and synthetic, as television news clips mingle with alien blips and snorts. Glitchy electronica and clanking factory noises greet those who dare to enter Jourgensen’s tongue-in-cheek “Hail to His Majesty (Peasants)” and are subjected to his hoary invitations to perform oral sex on him, as grimy, heaving guitars swing dangerously about. He certainly has a way with words, doesn’t he?

Never one to hold his tongue, Jourgensen does turn serious on the growling anti-war essay “Permawar,” which begins life as a grim, dark dirge and gradually takes on a more urgent tone, casting a wide swath of UV-powered vocals and fluorescent guitars over troubled lands. A grinding, thrashing tantrum, the torturous “Perfect Storm” predicts an apocalypse of Biblical proportions if something isn’t done about global warming, where a wiser “Lesson Unlearned” imbibes deep soul and hard funk grooves before dipping them in a wah-wah acid bath full of six-string razors. He has a lot of tricks up his sleeve.

Gleefully overloading the senses, as he’s done so often with Ministry, Jourgensen makes heads spin on the surrealistic mash-up “The Horror” – which segues out of his fast and furious Fox News diatribe “Fairly Unbalanced” – and the speed-metal crash site that is “Side Fx Includes Mikey’s Middle Finger (TV 4).” And just when you think he’s all out of ideas, in walks the moody, echoing dub experiment “Thanx but No Thanx,” which attacks bigots of all stripes over a bubbling bass line and eventually shifts into a driving metal opus that rides mean, angry riffage into that black hole known as the “American Dream.”

From Beer to Eternity is, not surprisingly, a dark record, and the booklet that accompanies it, with the disturbing portraits of beautifully feral women representing each of the Seven Deadly Sins, certainly doesn’t lighten the mood. That said, there’s no shortage of funny moments on From Beer to Eternity, and with a title like that, he’s not exactly moping over Ministry’s passing.

Seeing as this is Ministry’s last goodbye, Jourgensen is playfully using every tool at his disposal. That everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach has worked so well for him in the past. Mostly, these are well-plotted tracks, diverse and thoroughly engrossing; however, there are moments when the parts don’t always fit together as seamlessly as one would hope. Worse yet, there are periods of drifting and stagnation in “Side Fx,” and really, “Hail to His Majesty” could have been thrown away entirely, even if it’s childish humor makes you chuckle – not that Jourgensen cares one jot for those who don’t.

So laugh along with Ministry, or cry at the loss of Scaccia or the dire warnings Jourgensen issues here. Ministry has gone out in a blaze of glory, giving the world one last powerful fix, and they will be missed. All stories need a final chapter, and this is Ministry’s, so in that way, From Beer to Eternity is essential, even if Jourgensen’s occasional lack of seriousness indicates otherwise.
 – Peter Lindblad

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 14th.

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

Backstage Auctions Announces Headliners for Annual "Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction"


The auction will showcase over 900 exceptionally rare  pieces of rock memorabilia direct from the private collections of notable rock and metal icons from Anthrax, M.O.D./ S.O.D., Testament, White Zombie, The Cult, Mudvayne, Helmet, Cirith Ungol, Ministry, Quiet Riot, Dio, Whitesnake, Queensryche, Powerman 5000 and more.

Scott Ian (Anthrax) - Personally Used Guitar
Houston, TX – March 13, 2012 – Backstage Auctions is proud to present their annual "Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction", a one of kind, rock you to your core, online auction event. "Almost every item being offered in the auction is iconic hard rock and heavy metal memorabilia and is easily identifiable to a specific artist or band that spans 3 decades," explains Backstage Auctions founder Jacques van Gool.

Scott Ian sealing the deal.
The auction, which is scheduled to go live in April, features amazing rock relics direct from the personal  collections of Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Robert Garven, Page Hamilton, John Tempesta, Mike Tempesta, Matt McDonough, Sean Yseult, Rudy Sarzo, Scott Rockenfield, Al Jourgensen…just to name a few. "This years auction catalog really took on a life of it's own when we started getting in so many rare but highly personal items from each of the artists and industry executives. It's not every day that you get a dozen guitars belonging to Scott Ian, but knowing that each of these guitars have a kick ass story, that is a fan or collector's dream. Of course giving fans and collectors direct access to rare pieces of rock history is always our goal when we build our auction events, and we have definitely achieved that with this auction," says van Gool.

Charlie Benante (Anthrax) Big 4 Drum Head
There is definitely a wide range of collectibles featured in the auction and whether you are a fan or collector, you can bet that your inner rock star will come out! "We have everything from guitars, amps, cabinets, drum kits and heads, Gold and Platinum records awards, artist stage worn apparel to master recordings, rare concert posters, historical ephemera, photos and negatives with "money shots", picks & sticks and the list goes on and on. We couldn't be more pleased with how the catalog came together and the final result," says van Gool.

Equally impressive are the private collections of various music industry executives, which feature a jaw dropping collection of RIAA record awards, rare and sealed vinyl, promotional items, signed memorabilia, ephemera, promo jackets and concert shirts, interview cassettes and so much more. "The fact that these executives worked for various records labels, means the memorabilia covers a wide range of artists such as Judas Priest, KISS, Van Halen, Thin Lizzy, Ozzy, Pearl Jam, Pantera, Twisted Sister, Dokken, Gary Moore, Korn, Stryper, Incubus, Motley Crue, Metal Church, Grim Reaper and the list just goes on, it's very impressive," says van Gool.

Motley Crue RIAA 3x Platinum - Dr. Feelgood
The event, aptly titled the “Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction”, is a not-to-miss opportunity for fans and collectors around the world to own an authentic piece of one of the most significant genres of music history. 

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 14th.

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

###

Backstage Auctions is a boutique online auction house specializing in authentic rock memorabilia. By exclusively representing legendary musicians and entertainment professionals directly, every auction event is unique, reflecting the artist's legacy and chronicles their legendary career. Backstage Auctions has represented dozens of notable and very talented musicians, producers and managers in the music industry. The very first online auction event featured the private collection of legendary producer Eddie Kramer (Hendrix, Zeppelin, Kiss) and since then, Backstage has represented Ted Nugent, Howard Kaylan (The Turtles), Ross Valory (Journey) and Michael Shrieve (Santana) Johny Barbata (Jefferson Starship), Kip Winger (Winger), John 5 (Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie), Al Jourgensen (Ministry), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Dio, BOC), Scott Rockenfield (Queensryche), Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatraz) as well as managers of legendary bands such as The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, KISS, Journey, Joe Walsh, Pantera, White Zombie, Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band and Motley Crue. Backstage Auctions works closely with each of their clients and incorporates their personal stories and memories throughout the online auction event. The end result is a unique, historical and unforgettable journey spanning decades of music history and turning fans into collectors one auction at a time.



March Madness - Rock 'n Roll Style!


March 27th - April 3rd, 2011
"This is one auction you can't afford to miss!"

We are serving up our first-ever March Madness Auction featuring over 1,000 previously featured auction lots with insanely low opening bid prices

If you like vinyl, we've got tons of vinyl. If you like concert posters, we've got those, too. If you're more in the market for signed items, we've got plenty of signed items. 

Fantastic Deals on Rare Vinyl
If you're more of a band-specific collector, we've got loads of Beatles collectibles and amazing memorabilia featuring The Rolling Stones, Yes, Grateful Dead, Journey, Frank Zappa and Genesis...just pick a band from A- Z . We've got it all. 

The idea for the auction came about after we found ourself in a position to which most collectors can relate: Too many goodies, not enough room. Over the holidays, we took stock of physically how much we've got and started to look at our auction calendar for this year and next year (which by the way good things are on the horizon), and we started to realize that if we continue to put stuff on our shelves, we'd need a bigger place. Well that wasn't going to happen. 

So here are a few highlights: 

Grateful Dead Photos by Herb Greene
Vinyl records, primarily from the 1960s and 1970s, will comprise roughly half of the featured lots. The majority of the vinyl came from disc jockeys or record company executives and is in immaculate condition. Vinyl collectors who want to upgrade their collections but need to stick to set budgets will be pleasantly surprised.

It's a perfect opportunity to pick up a lot of attractive mementos and collectibles and keep what they want, or trade the rest or resell it. To put it simply, you can buy the large vinyl lots, break up the lots, and if you want to, sell or trade them and perhaps make a bit of pocket money for yourself, and possibly then some. The opening bid prices that are set for each of the lots featured in the auction are really going to excite everyone and we mean really excite you. 

Vintage Posters
The auction will also feature a variety of signed pieces, a collection of cool concert posters from the mid-1970s, gorgeous backstage passes, obscure recording reels from the original Agora in Cleveland and a handful of oversized photos of the Grateful Dead, taken in the 1960s by renowned San Francisco photographer Herb Greene. 

If you collect Beatles memorabilia then get ready to be amazed. The auction will feature nearly 100 Beatles lots, including rare vinyl, posters, toys & collectibles, magazines and books

It'll be awfully hard for collectors and fans to overlook lots featured in the March Madness Auction, especially when the opening bid prices are in most cases up to 75 percent off the original store price or previous auction price.

There are literally 1000s of amazing collectibles at a fantastic price, and if you have been eyeing a particular item for awhile and you haven't really been able to bite the bullet on it, now is your chance to buy that piece, and most likely, get it for a really great price.

100's of Beatles Lots
But that window of opportunity won't stay open forever. The one promise that we will make is that once the auction is over, we are not going to put any of the unsold items back in the store. This is it, last and final encore for these items. Once the auction ends, the items will no longer be available. 

We still have hundreds of awesome items in our online store featuring quite a selection of hard rock and heavy metal memorabilia from the private collections of Al Jourgensen of Ministry and heavy metal manager Walter O'Brien

The March Madness Auction event is scheduled to go live on Sunday, March 27th at 2:00 pm EST and run for a week, coming to a close on Sunday, April 3rd. See our website for more details and the Auction Rules

There will be NO PREVIEW so when the auction goes live it will be open for immediate bidding. 

With prices slashed up to 75% percent off the original price you simply can't afford to miss this opportunity. This auction is going to be a lot of fun and we are just as excited as you. If there are questions you need answered or if we can be of personal assistance, please let us know. 

We are looking forward to seeing you at the auction block!

If you are not registered for your FREE VIP Access - Click here: Full VIP Access

Riff This! Rock Gods' Guitars Hit Auction Block

KIP WINGER PERSONAL CONCERT USED WARWICK BASS GUITAR

Kip Winger Warwick Bass
The bass guitar that Kip offered up - an authentic Warwick Corvette ProLine - left us speechless.......and we're sure it will make your head spin as well. Ever since the start of the 2002 Summer tour with Poison, Kip has played this very guitar extensively. For eight years, it has been his most trusted sidekick, as is easily evidenced by the countless photos and videos. Better yet, Kip walked off stage with it after the most recent Blackwood Creek show in Denver.

To quote Kip; "Man, this really has been one of my all-time favorites. Originally, it had a green finish but I painted it black right after the tour with Poison. It's been with me ever since and anyone who's been to a Winger show in the last 8 years, here or overseas, has seen me playing it. During the last show, the front pick-up crapped out on me and I intended to have it repaired. But now that it's going in the auction, I'll let the future owner decide what he or she wants to do."

The bass does indeed show the type of wear one would expect from extensive use. There's the usual (minor) dents, scratches and even some missing paint chips but in all fairness, the guitar wouldn't have character without it. And speaking of this particular model - which ranks among the elite in the vast line of Warwick bass guitars - this rather pricey instrument trademarks are its well-balanced attack and starting transient, with a consistently clear deep bass register, a warm gently growling mid-range and pleasant soft highs. The Corvette ProLine's body consists of two pieces of hard, Flamed Maple. A Wenge fingerboard is glued to the five-piece Ovangkol neck, which slots neatly into the body and is secured by four bolts in individual recessed metal bushes. Kip replaced the standard MEC pick-ups with two EMG pick-ups. It has gorgeous gold hardware and comes in the original "Rockbag" soft travel case, which has some light damage across the bottom but is overall in excellent condition.

Warwick basses has endorsed the greatest bass players over the years such as Jack Bruce, John Entwistle, Adam Clayton, Bootsy Collins and Robert Trujullio. It is no surprise to see Kip playing this majestic and exquisite instrument. Kip signed the bass on the back, which makes this without question the single most exclusive and desirable Kip Winger collectibles one could ever own.

Included is a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Kip Winger.

Auction Link: Lot 1189

MINISTRY AL JOURGENSEN FAMOUS 'BUCK SATAN #1" GUITAR

Al Jourgensen Buck Satan # 1
Each auction has it's 'crown jewels' and as far as the Al Jourgensen collection goes, this very one might just be it. Offered here is Al's infamous "Buck Satan # 1" Ibanez custom made guitar, which he used extensively for touring and recording between 1996 and 2006. This guitar can be seen in many concert photos, as well as in the 'Lay Lady Lay' video.

Equally impressive is the fact that this prototype guitar is only of ONLY two ever made by Ibanez, exclusively for Al Jourgensen. The second one, aptly titled Buck Satan # 2, is also offered in the auction.

The guitar features mother-of-pearl inlay around the entire side of the body, silver hardware, 2 Humbucker pick-ups and 2 tone/ volume knobs.

The E-string is broken but is included in the original guitar case, which further contains a pack of D'Addario string and the original guitar strap. The guitar shows moderate surface wear but is overall in excellent condition.

Not only is this an amazing collectible for guitar collectors - after all, no other Ibanez of this kind is in circulation - but this is also the very first time that Al has offered a guitar from his private collection in public.

You wanted a 'Holy Grail' item.....well, this is it!

Included is a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Al Jourgensen of Ministry.

Auction Link:  Lot 1026

MINISTRY AL JOURGENSEN RARE 'BUCK SATAN # 2" GUITAR

Al Jourgensen Buck Satan # 2
Equally rare as its bigger brother - the Buck Satan # 1 - is this amazingly stunning and flat-out super-cool 'Buck Satan # 2' guitar, which was exclusively designed as a prototype for Al Jourgensen by Ibanez.

Al passionately loved this guitar and used it extensively on the road. It was used between 1996 and 2006 on tours such as 'Sphinc Tour' (1996), 'Clitour-US' (1999), 'Evil Doer Tour' (2004) and the 'Masterba-Tour' (2006).

The guitar features mother-of-pearl inlay around the entire side of the body, silver hardware, 2 Humbucker pick-ups and 2 tone/ volume knobs. It comes in the original case and shows moderate surface wear from stage and studio use. Overall however, this true museum piece is in excellent condition.

Not only is this an amazing collectible for guitar collectors - after all, no other Ibanez of this kind is in circulation - but this is also the very first time that Al has offered a guitar from his private collection in public. Will you be one of the very, very lucky few?

Included is a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Al Jourgensen of Ministry.

Item Link: Lot 1027

ANDY LAROCQUE KING DIAMOND ALBUM USED GUITAR

Andy Larocque Guitar
Known for his signature guitar style of incorporating neoclassical elements into his playing, Andy LaRocque career began in the early days of the N.W.O.B.H.M. as the lead guitarist for metal horror band King Diamond, with whom he has been a member since 1985.

In addition to over two decades of touring and sharing stages around the world with Metal's most outstanding musicians, Andy has produced and engineered top metal bands like Falconer and Evergrey. Bands like Death, At The Gates, In Flames and Dimmu Borgir have called upon Andy as a guest musician to deliver a dose of fierce, lightning fast, heavy guitar. His peerless and influential playing style is admired by so many and without a doubt has earned him a place in the immortal ranks of heavy metal's finest!

Andy is also a Grammy nominated artist for the song "Never Ending Hill" from the King Diamond album "Give me Your Soul...Please" (2007).

Featured here is a most remarkable guitar that will appeal to King Diamond fans, as well as guitar aficionados; Andy's very own Caparison TAT II, which was used during the recording of "Give Me Your Soul....Please".

Caparison Guitars is a Japan-based manufacturer of high-end custom shop electric guitars and endorses a growing numbers of top guitarists and "shredders". The TAT II is an arch top 'Soloist' type guitar that features neck-thru maple construction, 24-fret ebony fingerboard with abalone inlays, alder body wings, Schaller bridge, bound neck & headstock, and a unique one-of-a-kind ' Eastern Red Sunset' finish. The TAT II has a custom made Humbucker (Caparison) and 2 single coil pick-ups with a push/push coil tap switch. This along with the 3-way toggle gives you six distinct tones. Even unplugged, the guitar sounds very loud!

Andy received this guitar from the owner of Caparison in 2002 and will include the personal letter and original documents. Most recently, Andy used the guitar for composing some of the upcoming King Diamond material.

In all, this is a top-tier instrument with great history and provenance. The guitar will be shipped directly from Andy's recording studio in Sweden.

Included is a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Andy LaRocque.

Auction Link: Lot 1234

JOHN 5 CONCERT USED & SIGNED BROKEN GUITAR WITH CAST

John 5 Fender Telecaster & Foot Cast
Pete Townsend started it, Paul Stanley perfected it and John 5 has taken it to a new level! Yup, we're talking about the art of smashing guitars. Where Townshend's were unpredictable and spontaneous, Stanley's were highly choreographed and intended as a fan souvenir. Our man John 5 however doesn't simply smash his guitar....he beats the living daylight out of it with the same aggression, passion and madness he bends his strings and shreds his way through the night.

During several shows on the summer 2010 tour, Rob Zombie would challenge John 5 to a bet, with the livelihood of his guitar at stake. John would lose the bet and consequently smash it, much to the joy of the audience (and Rob). Now, before y'all get carried away, John wouldn't smash his own J5 Fender Telecaster but would instead reach for the more economically priced Squier model.

Since pitching a broken guitar (or parts thereof) into the audience has because a bit hazardous (people do get injured in the fights that break out over getting a piece of it), John would instead toss the scraps to his tech and that was pretty much the end of it. On rare occasions the body or neck would stay somewhat intact and the few that survived were offered by John to his fans.

However, he saved a special one for a special event and that's what we have up for grabs in this fantastic lot. On the eve of the August 3, 2010 show in Raleigh, North Carolina, John broke his foot and initially feared that he wouldn't be able to do the show. A quick trip to the hospital and a cast later, John was good to go. For John 5 fans you know that "taking it easy on stage" would prove to be a challenge, but he managed to do the full show, including the "smashing of the guitar", which is the one featured here. The guitar is broken in several places but is complete and was signed by John on the chrome pick guard.

Agreed, this by itself would be a prestigious memento for any collector. After all, John 5 is one of today's absolute premier guitar players; period! Owning one of his very few 'battle axes' is plenty reason to draw envy and admiration but why stop here? To make this lot unparalleled, John has added the cast for his broken foot that he got prior to the Raleigh show and supported him for the remainder of the tour. The cast too has been signed.

Whether you're a John 5 admirer or a guitar aficionado, you're not going to find anything like this ever again. Talk 'bout a true one-of-a-kind item....it doesn't get any more authentic than this!

Auction Link:  Lot 1241

PANTERA FULLY SIGNED DIMEBAG WASHBURN GUITAR

Pantera Fully Signed Guitar
If there ever was a 'Holy Grail' Pantera collectible, then it is this amazing, fully-signed Washburn 'Dime Slime' guitar! Out of appreciation for all the years of hard work, support and tremendous successes, all four Pantera band members signed this killer Dimebag signature model Washburn guitar for their manager Walter O'Brien back in 1998.

The signatures read;

* Dimebag; "To Waltino O.B.! Light It Up, Watch It Go, But Don't Make Me Hot. Ya' Boy, Dimebag, CFH '98"
* Rex: "Walt - Here's To Good Times, Love Bro - Rex"
* Phil: "Walt, May We All Die In The South (O.K., Not Really!) P.'98"
* Vinnie: "Thanks For Everything!! Vinnie Paul 1998 X"

The guitar (serial # S97117040) is in absolute mint condition and comes complete with a Dimebag guitar pick, a Dimebag signature guitar strap, a sealed pack of 12 Dimebag signature guitar picks in the original packaging and a brand new 'Dime Cry Baby From Hell" wah pedal (in the original box, complete with inserts).

Also included is a clear display case (with black backing), which measures 50 x 20 x 7 inches. The case is optional as its significant weight will ass substantially to the cost of shipping.

All together, you'll be hard pressed to find a more prestigious Pantera collectible than this!!

Included is a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by former Pantera manager Walter O'Brien.

Auction Link: Lot 1140

MINISTRY AL JOURGENSEN CUSTOM 'COFFIN' SCHECHTER GUITAR

Al Jourgensen Coffin Guitar 
Designed by Al Jourgensen himself, Schechter guitars made a half-dozen 'Coffin' guitars exclusively for the 2008 Final World Tour (also known as the C-U-LaTour). The guitars were made in three colors; black (of course), white and cherry red.

Al took the black and red guitars on the road with him, leaving the red one back in El Paso for studio work. The cherry red guitar as featured in this lot was used by Al for recordings over the past 2 years. Judging from the height of the bridge - which is slightly elevated - Al most recently used it for "slide" work.

The guitar, which is also signed by Al on the back, has gold hardware, mother-of-pearl inlays and Gibson 500T Humbucker pick-ups. It comes in the original case and is in pristine condition.

Al's gracious decision to offer one of his only six in existence beloved 'Coffins' to the public, which makes this one of the most prestigious Ministry collectibles to own. Naturally, for guitar aficionados this guitar is equally thrilling, knowing that you will own this high-end piece of art, of which only two in this color were ever made....and only one will ever belong to anyone else than Al Jourgensen.

Included is a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Al Jourgensen of Ministry.

Auction Link: Lot 1029

The Rock Gods 'n Metal Monsters Auction also features additional instruments and gear, including artist used keyboards, speakers, mic stands, drums and complete drum kits, percussion items, flight cases and more. Check out the complete collection of auction items in the Instruments & Equipment category at Backstage Auctions.

Auction ends on Sunday, November 7th. Rock on Over to the Auction Tab and register for your VIP All Access Pass. 

Who Want's A Piece of Buck Satan?

Ministry's Frontman Al Jourgensen Headlines The 2010 Rock Gods 'n Metal Monsters Auction with Personal Rock Relics







Al Jourgensen
Backstage Auctions trusts the immense popularity of heavy metal music and memorabilia among fans and collectors around the world, to successfully pull off a rare and historical hard rock and heavy metal auction. Headlining the auction is the personal collection of Ministry's frontman Al Jourgensen.  "Jourgensen's collection is by far one of the most defining collections we have had come through our doors and can be easily described with one word, EPIC," says Backstage Auctions founder Jacques van Gool.

After 30 years of making records and touring in support of those records, Jourgensen felt the time was right to open up "Buck Satan's" vault and share his personal relics with the legions of loyal fans around world. "I have one more album in me - my Buck Satan project, which I am working on now with Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), Tony Campos (Static X), Mike Scaccia (Rigor Mortis) and Dave Lombardo (Slayer) and then I want to take a long break and rest for a while," explained Jourgensen to van Gool at Jourgensen’s 13th Planet Compound in El Paso.

Skull and Bones Microphone Stand
Among the many highlights is an amazing offering of gear and equipment, including 4 of Al’s personal guitars which are all concert and studio used. Additionally, there are Marshall and Crate amps, road cases, Roland keyboards, Ministry and Revco stage backdrops and even two ‘Skull & Bones’ microphone stands which have been extensively used over the years and are true works of art in their own right, created by legendary “bone sculptor” Turner Van Blarcum, notorious for the Ministry LaLaPoLooza bone set designs.

For the collector who is looking to get a piece of Jourgensen, the auction will certainly have a wild selection of "iconic memorabilia".   The auction features Jourgensen’s personal leather jackets, coats, pants, vests, boots and even kilts which were all used on stage, in videos and photo sessions," says van Gool. There is also an impressive variety of accessories such as sun glasses, goggles, skull caps, gauntlets, boot straps and a half dozen custom designed rings.

Al Jourgensen's Skull Vest
For Ministry aficionados', the auction will feature a selection of rare and one-of-a-kind mementos such as several handwritten lyrics, original 2-inch master recording reels for Ministry classics such as “N.W.O.”, tour itineraries, a cool megaphone, band signed drumhead, vinyl, a large signed CD collection and a most stunning collection of signed concert posters from around the world, including the most desirable Dublin 2008 concert poster, which happened to be for the last ever Ministry concert.

Rarely does a high-profile artist offer such a comprehensive, historic and personal collection like this. This exciting accumulation of mementos is nothing short of breath-taking and a sure dream coming true for the dedicated and loyal Ministry following around the globe.

The event, aptly titled the “Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction”, also features the personal collections Walter O'Brien (Concrete Management, Co-Founder), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy, Whitesnake, Dio), Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz, Impellitteri), Scott Rockenfield (Queensryche), Kip Winger (Winger), Bobby Rondinelli (Black Sabbath, Aerosmith) and John 5 (Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson), just to name a few. "When we designed the hard rock and heavy metal themed auction, we really tried to build an event that was not only unique but give fans and collectors access to pieces of rock history that were equally rare and one of kind and we have definitely achieved that goal," says Jacques.

The auction will showcase over 400 exceptionally rare pieces of rock memorabilia,  including over 50 gold and platinum records awards, an awesome selection of artist used guitars, stage props, drums, artist stage worn apparel, master recordings, rare concert posters and original photos, promo vinyl and loads more!

The auction, which will be held on-line at www.backstageauctions.com starts on October 31, 2010 and will run through November 7, 2010. A special preview of the entire auction catalog will be available to view beginning Sunday, October 24.


Auction Highlights...well just a few! 



































































Backstage Auctions Announces All Star Line Up for the Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction

The auction will showcase over 400 exceptionally  rare  pieces of rock memorabilia, featuring members of such legendary groups as Pantera, Ministry, Quiet Riot, Dio, White Zombie, Whitesnake, Alcatrazz, Queensryche, Ozzy and more, direct from the private collections of notable rock and metal icons from the past 3 decades.

Houston, TX - October 5, 2010 – Backstage Auctions is proud to present the "Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction", an unprecedented hard rock and heavy metal online auction event. "Almost every item being offered in the auction is "iconic memorabilia" and is easily identifiable to a specific artist or band," explains Backstage Auctions founder Jacques van Gool.
Fully Signed by Pantera Members
Dimebag Darrell Washburn

The auction, which is scheduled to go live on Halloween, features amazing pieces direct from the private collections of Al Jourgensen, Rudy Sarzo, Graham Bonnet, Scott Rockenfield, Kip Winger and John 5, just to name a few. "When we designed the hard rock and heavy metal themed auction, we really tried to build an event that was not only unique but give fans and collectors access to pieces of rock history that were equally rare and one of kind and we have definitely achieved that goal," says Jacques. The auction catalog features over 50 Gold and Platinum records awards, guitars, stage props, artist stage worn apparel, master recordings, rare concert posters, original artwork, photos and the list goes on and on.

"It's not an every day event that you can stand behind and grab on to Al Jourgensen's infamous "skull and bones" microphone stand which he used extensively on many Ministry shows and rehearsals. The historical relevance of that one piece in the rock community is well documented," says Jacques.

Equally impressive is the private collection of Concrete Management co-founder, Walter O'Brien which features a jaw dropping collection of RIAA record awards presented to him while managing Pantera and White Zombie. On a more personal level, Sarzo and Bonnet have both offered up vintage "rocker apparel" that they wore on stage, during photo shoots and really cool music videos.

Ministry's Marshall Amp & Case
C-U-LATOUR 2008
The auction wouldn't be complete without a few guitars, drum kits, stage props and handwritten lyrics. Amazing pieces that Scott Rockenfield of Queensryche, John 5 of Rob Zombie and Kip Winger have pulled out of their personal collections are sure to get quite a bit of activity during the auction.

"While this is a stellar line-up of artists, we are still adding headliners to the event, which is exciting.  It will be interesting to see who makes the final cut," says van Gool.  

The event, aptly titled the “Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction”, is a not-to-miss opportunity for fans and collectors around the world to own an authentic piece of one of the most significant genres of music history. 

The auction, which will be held on-line at www.backstageauctions.com starts on October 31, 2010 and will run through November 7, 2010. A special preview of the entire auction catalog will be available to view beginning Sunday, October 24

Auction Registration: VIP All Access


Additional Photos: 
Walter O'Brien: Pantera Records Awards
Scott Rockenfield / Queensryche: Drum Kit

For additional information: Backstage Press & Media

Metal the next big thing in rock auctions


Goldmine Magazine
By Susan Sliwicki


Al Jourgensen's Buck Satan
Backstage Auctions is betting on the universal appeal of metal music and memorabilia among fans worldwide for its next auction. The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction preview runs Oct. 24-30; the auction runs Oct. 31 to Nov. 6. 

“Heavy metal is a lifestyle, and it shows in everything; it shows in the clothes you wear, the car you drive, the haircut you have, the concerts you go to, the music you listen to, the friends that you have,” Jacques van Gool of Backstage Auctions said. 

When it comes to business, make no mistake. Van Gool has done his homework. Just because metal music has never really seen the light of day in the mainstream media doesn’t mean it lacks a following. Van Gool cited the massive number of Web sites and magazines dedicated to heavy metal worldwide, as well as a plethora of heavy-metal festivals and legions of incredibly loyal fans who follow their favorite acts on social media platforms such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. 

“You have to go a little bit underground for this. I don’t see Fox News or CNN wasting their time saying Al Jourgensen of Ministry is going to put 100 items in a heavy metal auction, because they wouldn’t know what to do with that kind of news. But at the same time, the official Ministry database has 250,000 registered users, so, I’m going to forget about the Foxes and CNNs of the world. All that matters is that 250,000 Ministry fans know about it.” 

The market for heavy metal memorabilia is probably healthier than that of any other musical genre, he added. 

“Metal just doesn’t go away. It doesn’t die. Fans won’t allow it,” van Gool said. “The market for memorabilia from bands that are considered part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and Motorhead, remains strong worldwide, van Gool said. 

In the past five years, van Gool has noticed younger metal fans expressing interest in the second- and third-tier bands of the NWOBHM that may sound obscure to non-metal fans. 
“From a collectible point of view, the original vinyl of these bands demands incredible, incredible amounts of dollars,” van Gool said. 

He cited original 7-inch records from Neat Records as being particularly hot with collectors. Records issued on Shrapnel or the original Metal Blade label also are popular in the U.S. 

“The very first Shrapnel album was called Metal Massacre, and Metallica is on that album, which was their first vinyl appearance before they got a record deal,” van Gool said. “In the early years, the Metal Massacre albums featured bands that were on their way to the next big thing, and everybody wants to have that.” 

The uniquely American hair metal phenomenon, which included acts like Cinderella, Poison, Motley Crue, Winger and Ratt, dominated mainstream music in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and those acts still have a strong fanbase here. However, overseas, hair metal isn’t as big of a draw as speed or thrash metal, which boasts bands like Metallica, Slayer, Testament, Exodus and Megadeth, van Gool said. 

One of the biggest “holy grail” items that collectors seek is Iron Maiden’s first 7-inch record a three-song EP called “The Soundhouse Tapes.” 

“That little 7-inch single can sell for $600, $700, which is an amazing amount of money for a single for a band that made it 30 years ago,” van Gool said. 

Autographs are another great collectible, although they are not always extremely valuable, van Gool said. 

“The great thing about most heavy metal bands is that they are, in my opinion, more approachable than most other artists you can think of,” van Gool said. “The moment you start to act like a superstar, you’re gonna lose fans. Your fans need to feel like they can associate themselves with you.” 

That means the desire to bootleg signatures isn’t as high in the metal realm as in other genres of music, he said. 

When it comes to stage-worn clothing, pristine isn’t always the most desirable state, he added. 

“The more an item shows wear and tear, the better, because the more use a piece of attire has, the more it will tell you that the artist really enjoyed wearing that piece,” van Gool said. “When you get something that has makeup on it or smudges on it or hairspray on it, or, even better, bloodstains on it, that, in my opinion, definitely adds value.” 


The focus of The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction is near and dear to van Gool, who grew up listening to and collecting memorabilia from bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Saxon. 

The sense of history associated with the memorabilia featured in this auction is staggering, Van Gool said. 

“You have to look at an individual piece, and you’ve gotta think about on how many stages this microphone stand has been, or what songs were recorded through this particular guitar, or how many photos have been made of this individual wearing this shirt or boots or whatever,” van Gool said. “It’s not just a shirt that’s on a mannequin that you photograph. There’s a little bit of history in front of you.” 

The auction lots are continuing to evolve, as many of the bands are first getting off the road from the hectic summer touring season. Confirmed headliners including the Al Jourgensen collection, which features everything from amps and road cases for guitars to microphone stands, pins, jackets, rings, sunglasses, gloves, hats and boots from the early 1980s until 2008. 

“You name it, it’s in there. He even included original master recordings from the early Ministry days,” van Gool said. 

When Ministry officially retired in 2008, it played its final farewell show in Ireland. A concert poster from that last show, signed by Jourgensen, also is in the auction. 

Whether you dig autographed records, signed posters or stage-worn attire from your favorite artists, the one thing that really matters at the end of the day is a piece’s provenance, van Gool said. 

Pantera, White Zombie, Metal Church, Exodus, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, Whitesnake, Dio, Quiet Riot, Mr. Big, Winger, Nelson, Queensryche, Alice Cooper and Rainbow also are represented, he said. 

The final auction lineup will boast about 400 lots that range from concert photos sold with negatives and full rights, to vinyl, stage-worn clothing, backstage passes, concert posters and instruments.




For more details on The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters auction visit Backstage Auctions. The auction goes live on Halloween.