Barrett-Jackson Writes The Score To First Rock Auction
Scottsdale, Ariz., January 16, 2007
On Monday, January 15 bidders embraced their first opportunity to bid on rock memorabilia at a Barrett-Jackson auction during Rock on the Block™. On Family Value Day, more than 200 pieces of rock history and pop culture crossed the main auction block fetching more than $400,000, including buyer premiums.
“Barrett-Jackson made history last night by hosting its first Rock memorabilia auction,” said Craig Jackson, CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Auction Company. “We intend to cultivate this genre of collectables with as much passion as we have for the collector car industry.”
Spectators reveled in delight as items from famed superstars Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Doors, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones and various others were auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Highlights from the evening included:
- John Lennon signed original childhood watercolor painting of a bird, drawn in 1952 had the evening’s highest bid of $60,375.
- John Lennon original drawing with annotations from 1967; a fantastic multi-layered drawing by John featuring a face with various comic figures and animal doodles, annotations and designs sold for $19,550.
- Jimmy Page’s used and signed Fender Stratocaster guitar went for $11,500.
“At Barrett-Jackson, we offer only the highest quality items for our customers, “said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “With many days ahead of us full of quality cars and rock memorabilia – we are just getting started.”
Rock on the Block will continue throughout the entire week at the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction being held in Scottsdale, Ariz. at WestWorld. On Wednesday, January 17 rock memorabilia will be auctioned off beginning at 3:30 p.m. in The Garage, with the Von Dutch Collection starting at 4:30 p.m.
On Friday evening during SPEED’s live prime time coverage, Von Dutch’s GMC Bus that he converted into a home and workshop will cross the main auction block. The bus had all of the essentials Von Dutch needed to create his masterpieces – generator, air compressor, welders and metalworking tools.
Also up for auction on Friday is Von Dutch’s 1950s ‘Grundig Majestic’ Hi-Fi Console, featuring two paintings by Von Dutch.
Several extremely high profile items will grace the main auction block on Saturday during SPEED’s live primetime coverage of the auction. Items include:
- The Beatles, original handwritten signed score for Whilst My Guitar Gently Weeps.
- George Martin’s 1906 Bechstein Grand Piano from Abbey Road Studios.
- Bill Haley’s main/primary 1940 Martin D-18 guitar used on the recording of the original rock ‘n’ roll songs, Rock Around The Clock, Shake, Rattle and Roll, and See You Later Alligator.
- John Lennon owned and played 1917 Brambach Baby Grand Piano used in his home in the 1970s.
The Johnny Cash and Memorabilia Auction will be held on Sunday, January 21 in The Garage; with rock ‘n’ roll and lifestyle items going between noon and 1 p.m. and the Johnny Cash items running between 1 and 5 p.m.
About Barrett-Jackson
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.