Collectors are Out Of Their Heads for early Rolling Stones signed items in the latest RR Auction.

Early Rolling Stones autographed items continue to bring strong prices in auction even in this down economy.

I imagine this gives Stones collectors some “Satisfaction” in knowing their collections are continuing to increase in value and scarcity.

Just recently RR Auction of Amherst, New Hampshire ran the Joey Ramone auction ending February 21st featuring rare items from Joey’s estate. The Beatles, The Stones, Elvis, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix among others were also represented.

An Out of Our Heads album signed on the back cover in blue ballpoint by Mick Jagger and Brian Jones, black felt tip by Keith Richards and Charlie Watts, and black ballpoint by Bill Wyman. In very good condition, with some light scattered foxing and toning, general rubbing wear to the front cover, and a few slight brushes to the signatures brought a whopping $7620.00 plus a 20% buyer’s premium.

Below you can see a copy of the album described.

Also a more recent Rolling Stones limited edition lithograph for the album “Stripped” signed by Mick, Keith, Ronnie and Charlie brought $4300.00.

Both a steal when you consider there were two Beatles signed red label Parlophone 45′s that each went in excess of $22,000.

Wait, what?!?!?!?

Rock and Roll Photography. Visual storytelling at it’s best.

Copyright Rob Shanahan.

Copyright Rob Shanahan.

I’m going to be giving a talk at the Griffin Museum of Photography in Boston, February 16th in conjunction with their current exhibit on Rock and Roll photography.

Some of the featured photographers are: Mike Mitchell, Herb Greene, Bob Bonis, Ron Pownall, Astrid Kirschherr, Melissa Mahoney and Brian Babineau to name a few.

Many of these photographers have had a enormous impact on me.
Their enduring and powerful images have inspired me to make photography a major part of my collection.
It prompted me to write a post on Rock and Roll photography and how important it is as an art form.

Photography has brought new meaning and importance to items I have purchased over the years. Whether serving as photographic reference, or adding depth and history to the items I have.

The story and photo behind the piece I have often found is more interesting and meaningful to me than the piece itself.

They are everywhere we want to be.

Backstage and onstage.
In limos.
In the studio.
Standing in front of the stage.
Sitting in dressing rooms.
Riding the elevators.
Grabbing a bite in a restaurant…..catching moments no one would see, if not for them.

Thank you all.

The prints shown here are those of Rob Shanahan.
These two beauties are in my personal collection.

You can see more of Rob’s exceptional work on his website.

robshanahan.com

….And he’s just published a book.
I had the pleasure of finally meeting Rob in Anaheim at the NAMM show this past January just a few weeks ago where he was signing and promoting his book.

Here’s a bit more info on this super talent.

Rob is recognized as one of music’s most published photographers. He’s also Ringo Starr’s personal photographer. “Volume 1” is his first book of photographs and it features photos of such iconic musicians as Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Eddie Van Halen, Joe Walsh, Christina Aguilera, Sheila E, Tommy Lee, Dave Navarro, and many more. It includes intimate shots of the musicians not only behind the scenes, but also in the studio, onstage and backstage as well. Along with the photos is a foreword by Ringo Starr, artist quotes, and personal anecdotes shared by Shanahan.

Rob has been getting a lot of good press about his book. Check out his interview on Good Day LA and slideshow at Spin Magazine.

My room is not only filled with memorabilia, it’s filled with books on Rock and Roll Photography.

Copyright Ken Regan. Keith Richards, San Antonio, 1975. (I own the guitar strap.)


Copyright Michael Putland. The Rolling Stones 1978. (I own the shirt Keith is wearing.)

Copyright Paul Natkin. Keith Richards portrait. (I own the attitude.)

Here’s a few other wonderful prints I own.
All I need is the room to hang them.
If I stop buying prints, I could maybe build an addition.

Enjoy.

You’re no rock star, until they make you into a doll.

Too be immortalized in plastic with fake hair and a tiny replica guitar.
Isn’t that what every rock star dreams about?
To be cuddled by their fans in bed every night?
Seems like you don’t even have to be inducted into the Rock and roll Hall of Fame to have a miniature figure in a blister pack hanging in a hobby store these days.
Check out the McFarlane Toy line and others.
Joey Ramone, Sid Vicious, Jim Morrison, Jimi, Janis, you name it, there are figures galore.
They are truly amazing works of art.
Impeccable likenesses.
Detailed and adorned with love beads, guitar straps, amp cords and microphones so real looking you think you could sing into them.
Back in the day, like say the 60′s, well you were lucky if you could tell Paul from Ringo.
Well, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch.

Here’s a few pics of dolls from the 60′s unlicensed that are supposed to be the Stones. They were marketed under the “Play-Pal” name and have no markings relative to any of the Stones.

What do you think?

Charlie Watts?

Keith Richards???

Brian Jones?

Way before Guitar Hero, real plastic guitars.

Manufactured by a company called Selcol back in 64-65, The Rolling Stones entree to merchandising.

Years before the Guitar Hero craze kids actually played sort of real guitars to emulate their Guitar Heroes like Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison.

Manufacturers like Selcol Industries of England made plastic guitars in all shapes and sizes for fans emblazoned with facsimile autographs and pictures of The Stones and The Beatles on them.

Back in the 60′s these would sell for under $10.

Today the Stones guitar is worth in the area of $2000-2500 depending on condition.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.