Super-Fan Competition At Goldmine Magazine

The guys at Goldmine Magazine are sponsoring the “I Am A Super-Fan Competition” with a nice little set of prizes for you crazies out there if you and your collection wow the judges. Enter online by submitting photos (or a video) of you and your stuff along with a creative little 1500 word essay and you could be the winner of prizes that include authentic signed items from Ringo Starr and Billy Joel.

All the info is here: http://www.goldminemag.com/superfan

Madonna's Material Girl Past Up For Auction Today

That famous pink dress you saw Madonna wear in her 1985 'Material Girl' video is just one of the items being auctioned off during ‘The Fame Bureau's Rock and Roll Sale’ today (also included in the lot is the white faux fur stole, a set of pink satin opera gloves, two rhinestone cuffs, and a rhinestone bracelet). The ensemble has an estimate of £60,000-80,000.

And how ‘bout her credit card? You can also bid on her gold American Express card (cut in half of course) that she used during the late 1980s.

If only it came with the statements to see how it was used…

CBGB’s reincarnated - sort of.

Just as Manny’s Music fades into the sunset, another New York icon has been reincarnated. The famed underground music club CBGB (launching pad for artists like The Ramones, Blondie, Television, and Patti Smith) has reopened its doors in the form of John Varvatos’ latest boutique. The menswear fashion designer has preserved much of CBGB's posters and graffiti-covered walls and recreated some of its gritty mood with dark wood, Victorian-style crystal chandeliers, velvet curtains, and a black ceiling.

The stage is long gone, as is its distinctive original door, but the space still has the same "feel", and the decor of guitars, drums, vintage hi-fi equipment, classic album covers, (and the same 70's pinball I have in my collection) help evoke its history. There’s talk of an in-house DJ and live performances – including a private album release party for famed glitter band New York Dolls.

"We're not trying to reinvent CBGB's," said Varvatos in a recent interview. "We're just trying to respect the past and let people have an opportunity to enjoy what was there.”

"The walls kind of talk in that place," he added.

Or maybe scream – huh?

***

And there is indeed a fair bit of controversy about the demise of the club, how and why that went down, and the new occupant – but lamenting the loss of another cool live venue was a battle fought some time ago when things got so effed up with the landlord. What we have now, instead of another God-forsaken Starbucks, is a guy who understands, appreciates, and wants to preserve the storied past. I, too, wish to God it was still a club – but given where we’re at, I couldn’t be happier the new tenant ‘gets it’…

“Big Bad John” Grammy and Original Muppet Survive Blaze

Jimmy Dean, known for some big time country songs and yes, sausage, is a memorabilia collector as well and last week his house went up in flames. But a quick thinking caretaker snagged the grammy, as well as pictures autographed by Elvis Presley and several presidents, gold records, and even Jim Henson's Muppet Rowlf (created for Dean's '60s-era show).

Rowlf wasn't just ANY Muppet -- he was THE FIRST Muppet. Built in 1962 for Purina Dog Chow (A Dean sponsor), Rowlf became one of the most popular cast members on the show from '64 - '66.

It wasn't until 1968 that he appeared with Kermit the Frog on the pitch reel for Sesame Street.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

The Beatles Rock Band Revealed (a little anyway…)

The musical interwebs are rightfully buzzing with news that Sir Paul, in what has to be the most clever and unusually staged debut of video game footage ever, gave us all a glimpse of what the Beatles Rock Band game will look like come this September.

The completely unexpected and purposely unannounced world premiere of the images from the much anticipated game was played on vast screens throughout McCartney’s performance of “Got To Get You Into My Life” at Coachella.

Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant.

Alice Cooper to play at benefit for Right Turn, Inc.

A super group including Alice Cooper, Ace Frehley (KISS) and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) will headline a fundraiser for Right Turn, Inc., an outpatient facility for substance abuse treatment and counseling that specializes in helping musicians and other professionals in the arts.

For the third consecutive year, Right Turn is hosting a fundraiser at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston that will include a silent auction of rock memorabilia.

The event is Sunday, April 26 and tickets are $40, $75, and $100.

Aerosmith: Get Schooled By Steven Tyler at Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp

The next incarnation of the now legendary Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp is about to get underway on the Sunset Strip – and the line-up has shaped up to be an eclectically diverse rock & roll stew. Headlining the 5-day out-of-body experience is master class lead man extraordinaire Steven Tyler.

Didn’t see THAT one coming – did ya?

Really – the king of double entendre, in-your-face, blues-based rock & roll will show you what time it is AND perform with you at the Whisky. (Go ahead, thank your higher being that Mark Hudson worked his magic on your behalf. It’s ok – I’ll wait.)

In addition to Steven and my friend, the aforementioned Markey Hudson (who wrote “Living on the Edge” with Mr. Tyler), other camp counselors include Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver), Todd Rundgren, Alan White (Yes), Kip Winger, Steve Lukather (Toto), Bruce Kulick (KISS), Elliot Easton (The Cars), Danny Seraphine (Chicago), and Share Ross (Vixen).

As always, there will be a charity auction of exclusive autographed memorabilia from Tyler and the other participating rock stars to benefit The MusiCares Foundation, which provides assistance to music people in need.

The Doors: Jim Morrison’s Microphone On The Auction Block

Buried in Forrest Ackerman’s collection of iconic Hollywood film memorabilia going up for bid at Profiles In History on April 30 is a Doors delight: Jim Morrison’s original Electro-Voice 676 microphone, Shure Vocal Master amplifier, and road case marked “The Doors.” It comes to the market via Vince Treanor, the band’s road manager from 1968-71.

The case alone is a thing of beauty. http://www.profilesinhistory.com/new/

And if you’re not familiar with Mr. Ackerman, here’s everything you need to know about an incredibly colorful individual: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forrest_J_Ackerman

Bruce Springsteen to Celebrate Record Store Day with a Limited Edition Vinyl Single

You already know about Record Store Day this Saturday (of course you do – now go out and support your local guys; maybe buy some vinyl, huh?).

Joining the host of others offering exclusive, collectible items to help celebrate, Columbia Records has produced a Springsteen 7" vinyl single, with collectible photo insert, available only on Record Store Day:

Side A: "What Love Can Do"

Side B: "A Night With The Jersey Devil"

Cool.

Michael Jackson Auction – Just Beat It (that means it’s cancelled…)

Why is it that nothing with Michael Jackson is ever as it seems? Was this ever real or just an elaborate publicity stunt for a financially strapped artist desperate for a comeback? You can never be too sure with him. It’s hard to get your head around how this went from a $30 million auction to a memorabilia exhibit open to the public for 20 bucks apiece.

Doesn’t pass the ‘smell the glove’ test – does it? (that’s a Spinal Tap reference; but you already knew that)

So ya know what? Move on from these shenanigans and help some kids build a playground by bidding on some very rare guitar picks directly from the Bun E. Carlos collection. Much better cause. Much better guy. http://cgi.ebay.com/CHEAP-TRICK-BUN-E-CARLOS-GUITAR-PIC-COLLECTION_W0QQitemZ180345585504QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item180345585504&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A3%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

KISS: The Kings of Rock Collectibles Coming to Your Backyard?

The undisputed kings of Rock Collectibles are returning to the road this summer – with a twist. In what appears to be a first, the band has announced that the cities on their upcoming tour of North America will be determined by... their fans.

How cool is that?

The band says, “No matter where the fans say – from stadiums to cornfields – if there are enough votes, KISS will be there!”

In order to keep the voting fair, the band is vowing to weigh a city’s population size versus total votes so that every city has a chance to win. Voting will also take place on the band’s website, MySpace and Facebook pages, Ticketmaster, VH1Classic, and various other websites.

I’ve already been pinged by numerous “get out the vote” campaign groups, so this could get VERY interesting.

No artist has more rabid fans – and no artist is more willing to connect with their fans, making this a match made in KISS heaven.

COME ON, people... VOTE. When's the next time you'll get to tell your favorite band where to play??

U2 Stage Used Custom Guitar At Auction For Charity

As the U2 Tour begins to take shape, a Dundee music shop is offering a rare opportunity for collectors to snap up a piece of unique band memorabilia.

A customized Epiphone Les Paul, used by The Edge on the band’s last album as well as at gigs throughout the world, – will be auctioned at the weekend on eBay to raise money for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland, the Mary Leishman Foundation, and The Edge’s own charity, Music Rising.

There’s a starting bid of £8,000 which has been put up by The Edge himself.

Bon Jovi Latest To Offer Stage Used Memorabilia Directly To Fans

With the economics of the music industry changing daily, artists are looking for creative ways to monetize their assets. An emerging trend is offering meet & greets, merchandise packages, and signed memorabilia directly to fans. It’s a win for both sides. Not only does the fan get something really cool – they get guaranteed authenticity. If this helps put even ONE predatory soulless fraud on eBay out of business – the world of collecting will be a better place.

Beatles ‘Rock Band' & Original Albums to Be Reissued Sept. 9

Those tinny 1987 versions of the 12 albums the Beatles released in Britain between 1963 and 1970 are FINALLY being reissued in a remastered form. Collectors around the world rejoice.

Each will be issued on individual stereo CDs and in two boxed sets — one stereo, the other mono.

If you’ve heard the beautifully restored recordings used for the LOVE production, one can only imagine what life with be breathed into these classic tracks.

And ‘Beatles Rock Band’ the same day???? Holy Rita The Meter-Maid, batman.

Glittery Glove Garage Sale: Auction of Michael Jackson's Stuff to Proceed

A Los Angeles judge has ruled that Julien’s can proceed with its auction of very personal memorabilia from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. Good news for Julien’s – who has spent $2M preparing for the April 22 event that is estimated to produce $12M worth of bids.

So what’s buried in there that the Jackson legal team is trying to protect? What is Jackson’s version of Charles Foster Kane’s Rosebud Sled? Having sent the catalog – other than the more-than-slightly creepy life-sized statues of butlers and "friends" – I’m not sure I can spot it.

Though I guess that’s the point. One man’s glittery glove may be another man’s childhood (or lack thereof).

The Hard Rock Gives Away Guitars

Anybody see the grand opening ceremony at the new Hard Rock in the just unveiled Yankee Stadium? Of course you did…

Smashing guitars instead of cutting a ribbon? Nice touch.

Even better was the donation to a local music charity that matched the number of guitars that were destroyed.

BTW – the smashed ones are rejected by the factory from Fender that wouldn’t have been sold anyway – so save your letters to the editor about wasting perfectly good instruments.

The Legendary Manny’s Music – and Their Iconic Wall of Signed 8X10’s – Shutting Their Doors In May

Ever been to Manny’s Music on West 48th Street in NYC? Benny Goodman has. And McCartney. And Kurt Cobain. And… well, freakin’ everybody who’s somebody has.

Back when music stores were small, locally owned destinations, musicians far and wide would make a pilgrimage to Manny’s for their amazing selection of gear (especially guitars) and knowledgeable sales staff. And when they hit the big time, they’d sign a photo for the Manny’s wall of fame. There’s an incredible ‘who’s who’ of icons there. Talk about screaming walls…

Can’t wait to find out where it’ll all end up. The right auction could benefit a charity very handsomely.