I have always been a fan of Rock and Roll music.

To me, music, especially rock and roll music, has all the answers. No matter what is going on in your life, no matter how happy or sad, poor or rich, your political stand on just about anything, your new broken heart, looking for hope, or needing some compassion, some one has written about it, and someone has sang about it. The answers are all found in music. Music, especially that in the lyrics of rock and roll, and their very familiar and catchy riffs, can’t help but bring you a smile, and brighten that mood, as it catches you singing along.

The Main Ingredient taught us that everybody plays the fool, Stephen Stills sang about young people speaking their minds, we know exactly how to spell “respect” thanks to Aretha, Lola squeezed us tight, George Harrison asked us what is life, the Go-Go’s took us on a vacation, we put on our boogie shoes with KC, one way or another Blondie is gonna getcha-getcha-getcha, Devo just wanted to whip it good, U2 reminded us about a shot ringing out in the Memphis sky, Nick Lowe said you gotta be cruel to be kind, we were hot for teacher, rode the midnight train to Georgia, felt some good vibrations from the Beach Boys, spent Saturday in the park with Chicago, stayed a while at the Hotel California, all the white boys played that funky music, found out that Jumping Jack Flash was a gas-gas-gas, did some jive-talkin’ with the Bee-Gees, Queen told us to play the game (and to get down and make love) and John Lennon said simply to just Imagine.

Where else but in Rock and Roll music can you find so many stories, so many examples, so many truths, and so many answers? It’s only Rock and Roll, but even as a young kid, I really liked it.

Born in June of 1964, I grew up on L.A. radio listening to 93 KHJ, 95.5 KLOS, and the best radio station ever to exist on our planet, the late 94.7 KMET. Disc jockeys with names of Machine Gun Kelley, Ace Young, Jeff Gonzer, Real Don Steele, Paraquat Kelley, Frazier Smith, Bobby Ocean, Mary “The Burner” Turner, Dr. Demento, and of course the lonesome L.A. Cowboy Mr. Jim Ladd, were my teachers and professors. These DJ’s and many more, sold me at a very young age on album rock played on the radio. My earliest LP’s that I purchased were “Band On The Run” and “Shining On” by Wings and Grand Funk. But concerts, soon grew on me to be the high of my choice, as seeing these artists that I have been hearing on the radio over and over, suddenly live and in front of me on stage (remember, videos and MTV was still several years away), was such a state of amazement, that I could only satisfy my addiction by going to as many live shows as I could. The L.A. Sports Arena and The Fabulous Forum, and I were to very soon get well acquainted over the years to come.

From 1974 to 1982, (1982 being the year I graduated high school) I saw some of rocks best concerts. The Rolling Stones on the “Some Girls” and “Tattoo You” tours of 1978 and 1981. Cal Jam II, Styx “Paradise Theatre” tour, Supertramp’s “Breakfast In America” tour, Devo’s “Freedom Of Choice” tour, “The River” tour by Bruce Springsteen, The Pretenders at Perkins Palace in Pasadena ( original line up and yes, that was the show where Bruce Springsteen jumped on stage and sang “Higher and Higher” ), Tom Petty, on “Hard Promises”, The US Festivals, Rush, Journey, Heart, Rod Stewart, Queen, Eric Clapton, AC/DC, Blue Oyster Cult, Mahogany Rush, KISS, and a whole lot more. I was addicted then, and still am to this day, on rock and roll. Still in my teens in 1982, I had seen over 50+ concerts including many all day and weekend festivals. Though not yet old enough to drink a beer, legally, I had quite a concert collection of memories that brought me so much joy and fascination at each show seen. However, as much as I enjoyed concerts, I knew there was something more I wanted to experience with all this amazingness called rock and roll.

I had always read books and magazines about rock and roll, continued reading liner notes, reading album inner sleeves, and listening to such shows as Jim Ladd’s “Innerview”, the “King Biscuit Flower Hour”, KLOS’s “The 7th Day”, Don Krisners Rock Concert, and really paid attention to where ever I could find and what ever media outlet the DJ’s and artists were speaking and chatting, about rock and roll. I wanted to learn rock and roll, and was well on my way. Seeing concerts and learning the history of all these artists, brought with it the stories of triumph and success, and stories of tragedy. I learned about the swimming pool accident of Brian Jones, the plane accidents of Jim Croce, Harry Chapin, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the drug related deaths of Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin. However in December of 1980, the most tragic rock and roll event in my life time, in my opinion, happened on a cool December evening on the streets of New York City. John Lennon was shot and murdered outside of the Dakota, the apartment were he was living. An absolute senseless killing that tore away forever the blind trust from celebrities to their fans, and stole from rock and roll one of it’s greatest founders, and finest musicians.

In the days following, disbelief still, as the tributes continued across the world. I thought to myself that this fan actually was able to stand close enough to one of the greatest and most talented musicians in our life time, ask for and receive an autograph, then later shoots him. That night, and in the weeks that followed, I was saddened, upset, and so confused. The idea of ever being able to get close enough to these amazing musicians to ask for an autograph, was a thought that was so inconceivable as (in my mind) why would anyone want one, and what was the purpose?? Later I thought to myself, should I ever get the opportunity to be that close to these so talented musicians that I admire so much, I would just want to tell them how much I really enjoy their music. Little did I know that out of a night of such tragedy a seed got planted not just in my mind, but as I would much later find out, in my heart. The entire tragedy of John Lennon’s murder continues to be, again in my opinion, the saddest event in all of rock and roll music. How dare this crazy animal take a man like John Lennon away from all of us, and from his personal family. I still, almost 30 years later, cannot feel but so sad, when I hear “Happy Xmas, war is over”.

After high school graduation in 1982, a busted stint in the navy, and the breakup of a very dear and special girlfriend from high school, I decided that a change of friends, and a change of some very bad habits, was for me, of some real desperate need. Through it all, I continued to absorb more and more rock and roll, and see more and more concerts. New Wave was in full blast, and bands such as The Motels, The Clash, Berlin, The Plimsouls, Oingo Boingo, Duran-Duran and so many more were now on the radio, on MTV, and playing in the clubs of Hollywood. With my 21st birthday soon a thing of the past, I jumped on the Hollywood music scene, and went to clubs such as The Whisky, Gazzaries, The Roxy, The China Club, Madame Wongs, and others, not to drink and seek women, but to see the bands and listen to the music. Again, it has always been the music.

Seeing bands and musicians just a matter of a few feet away, was to me, like sitting on their lap. This was amazing!!!!!!! Though many of these artists in the clubs had not yet “broke through”, with the newest station in town KROQ, these bands were getting big time radio airplay. Now I mentioned earlier I saw Bruce Springsteen in concert on The River tour, but failed to mention that other than knowing about 5 of his songs, I really wasn’t a fan of his. All that changed in May of 1984. It was called “Born In The USA”. Seeing Springsteen at the L.A. Sports Arena in May of 1984, was to me as unbelievable as it could possibly get. Bruce had 1000% control on that mesmerized crowd. Everyone signing, everyone shouting, people dancing, people sweating, girls going absolute ape shit crazy, and Bruce singing with such force and power. I was speechless. Now remember, I was no rookie at concerts. Besides all the before mentioned bands, I had also seen U2 on their very early “War” tour. Robert Plant had just played the year earlier on his first post Led Zeppelin tour, as did Roger Waters on his very amazing “Pros and Con’s of Hitch Hiking” tour and The Police just had their farewell tour in 1983. I left that Springsteen concert back in May of 1984 knowing I had just witnessed something very very special. What the movie “Jaws” did for the term "blockbuster" back in 1975, Bruce Springsteen was about to term the same for Rock and Roll, in 1984 and the second leg of the tour in 1985. Concerts as I knew them, had now changed forever. I saw Bruce Springsteen 7 times on that tour, (and now another 16 times since ), but it was just after the four shows at the L.A. Coliseum in October of 1985 that I knew Rock and Roll music for me, would mean something very special and never again be looked at the same.

It was about that time I meet the most important person in what would become the genesis of my eventual 20+ year collection that you see on this web-site. David Elkouby was at the time, a very young photographer renting a small desk in the corner of a head shop on Hollywood Blvd. I had gone in the store years earlier in my “party days”, and while with friends went back in to show the people I was with, the goodies that this unique store had. I saw this kid about my age, with quite a collection of photographs from musicians. Between all the photos of the many stars both musician and film/TV, he had photos from the Bruce Springsteen shows at the just completed Coliseum gigs that I had just seen. I bought a few photos that day, went back later and bought some more, then on another occasion bought even some more. David, as he introduced himself to me, talked to me about his photos and the ones I have purchased, and my interest in music. He asked if I had ever thought about trying to obtain autographs. David made it sound so easy, or at the very least, he had it make sense. I live in Los Angeles, these artists that I admire live and work in Los Angeles, how hard can it be to get some of these photos, and some of the many LP’S I have at home signed? Autographs, hmmmm….what an idea, being up front and in the circle of a rock celebrity, even for a brief moment. Title Insurance by day, and autograph collector at night. Being a people person, and, any one that knows me knows I have the gift of gab, I left David thinking I could do this. I appreciated back then in late 1985 what David Elkouby did for me, and now over 20+ years later, I am still as grateful as ever to David for the wisdom, the energy, the ideas, the advice, the tips, and the friendship he has bestowed upon me and my collection. When in Hollywood, please visit David at his shop:

STARWORLD
6665 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, Calif. 90028
323-469-0757

David has one of the largest collections for sale of anything having to do with Hollywood entertainment. If you need it, David most likely has it, or can get it for you. David Elkouby, THANK YOU for the sharing of your insight, and for the friendship and for all you have done that started off and contributed to my collection.

Like most people who wish to collect, I made a lot of very costly mistakes. Most noteworthy, is I wrote to the celebrities based off of a compiled alphabetical list, seeking autographs by mail. BIG MISTAKE!!!!!! Autopens, secretary signings, and fakes after fakes, (as I would later find out) were the bulk of what I received. In 1986-1987 alone, I spent well over $2500 on postage, shipping, and the products of items I wanted signed themselves, only to receive second parties signatures, bent LP’s, or often not, no response at all. A nice letter, postage, let time take it’s course, and waa-laa, an autograph, …..so I thought. Though some celebrities do sign “in the mail”, going after "in the mail" signatures had more disappointment in it than actual reward. I then “woke up” one day and said, hey stupid, isn’t it Rock and Roll that has had your interest ever since you knew how to work a radio??? I then went back to the radio, and all resources of the media relating to Rock and Roll, and found that a lot of these Rock and Roll artists make a bundle of appearances in and around L.A. for promotions, work, to record, and all kinds of business related to their art. Brains being what they sometime are, I figured out, to just find out who is going to be where, and be there first. I was now armed with the most important tool to an autograph collector, besides his blue sharpie pen, some knowledge and common sense.

Having a full time job in the Title Industry and working in Arcadia, I could only go out on my autograph quests on weekends and late weeknights. Though I love my sleep, I learned very early on since Robert Plant, Tom Petty and others were not about to show up at my house or my place of work to sign, I had to, so to speak, go to theirs. I took a few of my favorite albums, and some photos bought from David, and out I went on the streets of Hollywood. Only then I had my first major set back, and learned of a new term and what it all clearly meant: the paparazzi. I remember telling myself, “what the hell are all these photographers doing here, and how the heck am I going to ever get an autograph”? After a couple tries out, and with no luck, I simply went back home to my West Covina condo. However, determination being strong, and being a real good listener, I realized I could learn a lot from these photographers if I just listened to what they were saying. So I did on my next night out. The first thing I learned is their objective were completely different from my own. Yet, standing with a camera and a bunch of LP’s, I looked enough like them (especially late at night after working all day) and knew something still was not going to let this work. To get my autographs, I had to both out think these photographers, or at the very least, do something much different. It was then I had to make one of the smartest decisions that would prove to be the catalyst for my collection: Leave my camera in the car. Second smartest decision, your NEVER going to beat these photographers and autograph seekers as this is their living, their bread and butter, so learn to collect elsewhere and/or learn to collect in spite of them. Lastly, keep listening, there really is a lot to be learned from all of them. After several months of being “out on the streets”, I learned how and began to obtain some autographs.

I really don’t remember which was the first of my autographs obtained, but a lot of musicians went to KLOS radio to be interviewed, and when the station was still at their old pink building, access was pretty easy. Plus, the staff and security was really quite cool. Rita Wilde actually brought me out a diet soda, and chatted with me on one of my autograph quests while at her station (she later gave me a promo copy cassette of Roger Waters “Live In Berlin” while waiting for Ringo Starr once). Also, their was 97.1 KLSX that had a classic rock format when they first broke out, and they hosted a record swap each December at the Bonaventure Hotel and had a meet and greet with all kinds of musicians such as Mick Fleetwood, Jackson Browne, Randy Meisner, Ray Manzarek, Mick Taylor, Greg Lake, Kenny Loggins, and a bunch of others. Radio Stations, meet and greets, hotels, restaurants, and other “on the street” meetings became my norm. Too, I would spend Saturdays and Sunday’s at LAX, seeing who got out of limo’s and town cars, and be there with an album if by chance, or white 4X6 index cards. Also, I would follow the limo’s out from under the Forum, and as in the case of one such very lucky night, to my surprise obtained Bruce Springsteen's signature as he had just left a Tom Petty concert and drove to The Rainbow on the Sunset Strip.

In September of 1988, after a 2 month trek to Europe on a much needed and restful vacation with only a backpack and a return flight ticket, I meet who would become my eventual wife. Maria, who did refuse for a few weeks to go out with me, eventually said yes. Introducing her to my second favorite passion, the UCLA Bruins was an adventure. UCLA was ranked number 1 that early part of the 1988 season, which if you know anything about UCLA football, that high of a ranking just isn’t part of their football program. But, this year was different. On my second date with Maria, and UCLA leading Washington State at the Rose Bowl at the half, I was feeling real good. A gorgeous Saturday afternoon, I am with a very beautiful young Mexican woman (it’s always been Mexican woman for me; love that hot Latin blood) and my Bruins going into the 3rd quarter leading. Life was just great. Then, something soon changed. It was the score. My Bruins were soon loosing and forgetting I was on what was my second date with this gal, the fan in me took over and I was soon yelling at the team and cursing Terry Donahue (their coach). My Bruins lost that day. Down with their number 1 ranking, down with their Pac 10 lead, and along with my spirits, down with any salvation of that date. I just wanted to go home. Maria saw the real me that day, and I still had yet to introduce her to my first real passion, my collection of Rock and Roll autographs and now growing memorabilia. Somehow someway, in spite of my Rose Bowl pouting, love triumphed and in May of 1989, Maria and I were married. Years later we now have 3 very healthy and beautiful children. As you view my autographs you will see many autographed to them (or in the case of some of these artists, attempt to be signed to them). My kids are Deleah, Kevin and Khaylan. My children are the love of my life. Though I am strict at times with my children, I love them dearly and protect them passionately. I am not a perfect father, but I always strive to teach my children both my good points and my mistakes, and to be a better person, even at such a young age, than I was. They are already there……..

The Rockline Studios was known for hosting some of Rocks biggest celebrities each Monday night, interviewed by DJ veteran, Bob Coburn. The location of the studios was a very careful and guarded secret. Paul McCartney was to appear there in 1989. Here it was, the Mona Lisa of autographs to have in my very young collection. Not knowing where this studio was, but wanting just a chance to see and possibly obtain an autograph from Paul McCartney, was I thought and chance that I just couldn’t pass up. Bob Coburn had a shift at KLOS from 10:00am – 2:00pm back in them days. Waiting on the curb on La Cienaga, outside the KLOS studios, I saw Bob get into this little red car and get ready to leave the station. So with no other choice as I tried every other possible means to find this studio, I followed Bob’s car (hoping he would arrive early to the station). Bob often talked on the air about Malibu. Malibu, though beautiful, geographically, is really out in the middle of no mans land and is such a land lock by the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica mountains. The last place I wanted to follow this guy, would be out to Malibu, if in fact this is where he lived. Well, as you can guess, we were on our way to Malibu. Long story short, and not at all something I recommend as it is so very dangerous (L.A. traffic being what it is), I followed Bob to his house off of Pacific Coast Highway, waited a couple hours down on PCH, then followed him through the canyons of Malibu to the 101 freeway, back into North Hollywood and, jackpot, straight to the Rockline studios on Cahuenga. I was the only one there. Again, life was great. Soon to arrive would be Paul McCartney. I’ll ask him very nicely to sign my stuff and waa-laa, perhaps I will have an autograph from this living legend, this R&R icon, this former Beatle, and this most amazing and talented of all of rocks finest, musicians. I was feeling as high as a kite. However, before Paul arrived, some photographers arrived. Then, some other fans arrived, and I began to think, “Ohh-Ohh:’ Then the press arrived. Then some more fans arrived. I then said, “ahhhh shit, as I was following Bob, was someone following me ??” Before you knew it, the place was a flipping circus. I guess I was the only stooge in L.A. who thought this location was a secret. Geeeeze, getting an autograph now was almost an impossibility as I am just another schmo in the crowd. Paul McCartney did arrive, and he was whooshed into the studio. Thank god I didn’t blink. However, to the joy of the crowd, and credit to the absolute gratefulness and class of Paul McCartney, he sent a representative out to collect everyone’s memorabilia while Paul was giving his interview. This representative about an hour and a half later brought a mountain, literally, back out of everyone’s item, each of which was autographed. There were my 4 items, all signed, in the next best way, to in person. As I drove home that night I thought back to the entire John Lennon tragedy. I wanted to look at the killer of John Lennon and say, “look you jerk, this is the way and this is the feeling you could have had.” I was so happy to have 4 Paul McCartney autographs riding home with me that night. However jubilated I was that evening, and damn I was feeling real good, I was equally sad thinking back at that December night in New York City of 1980.

The Rockline Studios has changed locations over the years, but still continues to be a source of a lot of what you see on this website. Many of my signed items from Pat Benatar, Robert Plant, Tom Petty, Aerosmith, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Ronnie Wood, Niels Lofgren, Roger Taylor and Brian May, and a host of others have all been signed at the Rockline Studios. Though I do not have a lot of photographs of my stuff being signed, (remember that decision I made very early on) I have managed to get some of the artists photographs. My most pleasurable was Sammy Hagar and Robert Plant. I have also attended many book signings and have had the chance to sneak a peak,and photograph in person such celebrities as Ann Margaret, Carlos Santana, Bob Hope, The Go-Go’s, Roger Waters (in Stockholm, Sweden), Randy Meisner, Jeff Bridges, Greg Lake, Johnnie Depp, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and many others. Though I would love to tell all of you more and more stories like the one above, a collection of this size brings with it many many stories of both success and failure in collecting, and would take forever. However, I have chosen my 5 favorites stories as best I remember them (in no particular order). Please enjoy these tales that go hand in hand with the autograph(s) obtained:

ROBERT PLANT: Robert Plant was in L.A. in May of 1995 for the Plant/Page tour. He was staying at the 4 Seasons Hotel on Doheny, in Beverly Hills. After a morning rain, he left the hotel in mid-afternoon in a black convertible driving north on Doheny. I followed behind him, having both he and I stopped by the streetlight at Doheny and Santa Monica Blvd. I put my truck in park knowing that anyone caught at this light has at least a 3-4 minute wait as this intersection takes forever. I walked up to the drivers side of his car with my stack of LP’s and asked Robert if he would sign. Looking perplexed and amazed, he stated that he would sign as long as the light was red. He said when the light turns green he is going that way (pointing north), and asked me which was I was going and I pointed that way (east on Santa Monica Blvd.). Robert replied, “good, I am not about to do this again”. Thank god for long traffic lights in L.A. Robert signed 9 autographs for me at that intersection. Driving home that afternoon I knew I truly tapped the mother lode of Robert Plant encounters. Robert has signed for me on several other occasions, and I have over 40+ signatures from him. He even on the 1993 tour of “Fate Of Nations” got out of his car and posed for some photographs that I took on the western residential area of Hollywood Blvd.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: The night of the taping of the MTV Unplugged, Bruce was at the Warner Brothers studios off of Santa Monica Blvd. Fans from all across the nation who had won tickets as a promo to the show, were joined by a slew of media. This really was a big event. Not having a ticket, I bought one from a person in line who thought $200.00 was better in his pocket than a ticket into the show (cannot even begin to tell you how much and how many “tickets” and “passes” I have had to purchase in 20 years this way; well over $5000.00 easy……). Anyways, I was in. The video, incase you haven’t watched, offers the performance no justice. The show was simply awesome. Bruce, was at the best he could have been, less the E-Street Band. After the show as Bruce was leaving, about an hour and a half or so, I was still hanging around ( not as easy as it sounds ) and approached Bruce for an autograph. I had 3 LP’s with me. Bruce refused to sign saying, “I looked like a professional”. I replied to Bruce that I am a fan, and a collector, and that I really enjoyed his show. “If I sign for you, those will all be on sell on Melrose by 9:00am tomorrow”, was his next comment, after I asked yet again. Bruce stated he does not sign for people that sell his autograph. I again replied to Bruce that if he would like, he could sign them to myself, and my wife and my 3 kids. “I doubt then Bruce if they would have any value of interest”, I further replied, asking him if he could just sign one. Bruce along with his wife Patty were still in wait for their town car, so the conversation continued. “You know Bruce, I have a full time job. I collect autographs for hobby and collection” Bruce replied that he heard that before. Then to my surprise Patty then gave him that wife nudge (wife’s often do that) saying, “Bruce, just sign”. Grudgingly, not only did Bruce sign the one, he then signed all 3 (after giving me, or was it Patty, a huff and a puff under his breath).

PHIL COLLINS: It was June 29, 1990 in Knebworth England. Knebworth, is about 30 miles or so north of London, and the sight on the estate of the 500+ year old Lytton family manor. Knebworth has been hosting rock concerts on the family grounds by the family heiress Chryssie Lytton since 1974. Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Allman Brothers, Queen, Deep Purple and a host of others have all been invited to play over the years. This year was the Sliver Cleff Award winners with bands such as Elton John, Paul McCartney Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Tears For Fears, and others were all to perform in an all day festival, the next day, June 30th. The entire Lytton family estate is something indeed out of an English fairy tale, or a setting for a romantic movie. It is a sight to see. The day of rehearsals, June 29th, was still very much a set up day. Funny to think in less than 24 hours, 300,000+ people would be standing where today, there was only the bands warming up and worker bee’s buzzing about. I had already gotten Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, and Jimmy Page’s autograph, during these day before warm-ups. Also was my wife and I treated, to some very raw rehearsals (the first time live performance ever of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant performing “Wearing and Tearing”, and Paul McCartney singing “Happy Birthday”). All I had was writing paper (albums were all back home in the states) and Phil Collins was approaching the back of the stage. I went to ask Phil for an autograph, and as he happily said yes, I handed him the thick black marker, ink side up, making about a 4 inch line across the palm of his hand. Angrily, he looked me right in the eye and snapped at me, “Now how am I supposed to play the piano?” Just as fast he reversed his anger, then smiled at me and said, “No worries, it was an accident. I’ll get it washed.” I turned to start walking away, and he said, “Hey what about that autograph??”. He still signed for me. The appreciation from Phil Collins to me as a fan, black pen mark and all in hand, is one of my favorite stories to tell.

DeFORREST KELLEY: For those not familiar, DeForrest Kelley was “Bones” on the original Star Trek series. Either I missed him at most of the Star Trek conventions or he just was never in attendance, but either way, I needed him to complete several cast items. He lived very moderately at a cute, but quaint house just off of the 405 freeway and Ventura Blvd., in Sherman Oaks. One Saturday, myself and my oldest daughter Deleah (who was about 6 then) drove to Mr. Kelley’s house. We waited on the street for about an hour or so, then saw him walk out to do some gardening. Together, my daughter and I walked up to his sidewalk where he caught eye of us and smiled. We introduced ourselves and asked him for his autograph. He both surprisingly and graciously said yes. He then talked to us for about a half an hour. I then told him we had to go, but before we left he asked us where we lived. I told him in Arcadia. I told him I had a one year old and a new born at home too (and that my wife actually was the real Star Trek fan of the family). He stated he doesn’t mind at all meeting his fans, and signing autographs at his house doesn’t bother him, but does disturb the neighbors as it scares them seeing “Star Trek fans, dressed, walking up and down the sidewalks”. He stated for me to feel free to mail him any time I wanted an autograph and he would gladly sign. This way, it would “save me a drive” and not upset his neighbors. Funny as he was, he really was concerned about a father of 3 small kids driving all the way out to the valley. I took DeForrest up on his offer and each time he signed as promised, so beautifully. God Bless Mr. Kelley who very sadly died on June 11, 1999.

BRIAN MAY: Queen’s last album to be released while Freddie Mercury was still alive was 1991’s “Innuendo”. As a promo for it’s release, Brian May and Roger Taylor were making the radio station rounds, had a giant release party on the Queen Mary, and coincidently, stopped off at the Rockline studios for an on air Q&A. The guys arrived about 45 minutes prior to the start time, and this time, it was just my wife and I there as the only fans. I asked them both for an autograph, which very happily they both did. Brian signed a guitar, Roger a drum, both signed a tour book and an LP. I asked Brian, how does a fan get Freddie’s signature as he is never here in the states as of late? Brian said he would “talk to me about it after the show”. “Talk about it”, whatever could that mean??? For those that don’t remember, it had been rumored for several years that Freddie, a known gay, was ill with either HIV and/or AIDS., but nothing ever said official. Freddie to me, was everything on and off stage that a rock star should be. Sex appeal, a voice that could sing any note at any range, move and strut, play guitar and piano and simply entertain. Freddie Mercury had mystic, and Freddie Mercury had it all. Queen on stage was everything a band was about and their live performances had no equal. After the Rockline show, at about 10:15pm, Roger Taylor and Brian May walked out of the studio onto the sidewalk. He asked to see a poster that I had from their LP “The Works”. It was a multiple collage of each of the band members eyes, photographed over and over. He asked where I got the poster as he really liked it. I honestly could not remember, but offered it to him to keep. He wouldn’t take it from me as he felt it wasn’t “his to take”, but offered me this: He stated he was going back to England and would see Freddie in about a month or so. He offered to take both the LP’s, photo, and white index card that I had for Freddie (should he had shown up that night) to England with him to get signed. My jaw dropped onto Cahuenga Blvd (and probably is still there somewhere). Needless to say, I took Brian up on his offer. I thanked him sincerely, he smiled and took my stuff and drove off. About 3 months later, I received a parcel post from the U.K. with all my items signed by Freddie, personalized to me. My albums, my photos, my white index, were all signed, “To Stephen”… I was able to obtain Brian’s signature a few years after Freddie’s death, as Brian was touring solo. There was too many people around and the opportunity to thank him in person, just wasn’t in place. (I had written to Brian at his L.A. home shortly after receiving the parcel thanking him). Mr. Brian May, if you ever read this, that act of generosity holds as an amazing act of extreme kindness to any fan. I prize these autographs of Freddie, and the entire band so highly. Thank you so much.

I have learned a lot over the last 20+ years of collecting autographs. I have gotten to meet and spend a lot of time with many of the west coast’s best and most aggressive paparazzi. I have gotten to meet, be it ever so brief, many of Rock and Roll’s royalty. I have seen some celebrities with their families, some with their girl friends, some that were happy and willing to sign, and some that were defiantly not so willing. I have seen some that were drunk, and some that didn’t have anything nice to say about their former band mates. I wrote a very good article in the April 1996 issue of Autograph Collector magazine stating my views on the entire subject of autograph collecting. Currently, as of June of 2007, I have 2000 autographs from over 750 Rock and Roll artists and celebrities. Included in my collection are a mix of many rare and hard to find 45 picture sleeves and items of memorabilia. I have been mistakenly been called and compared to a paparazzi. I am no paparazzi, nor am I am autograph seeker. I am a fan that has turned an interest into a hobby, and a hobby into a collection. This collection is served for my interest and never has been nor at this time is intended to be for profit. (profit being anything but; this collection has cost me tens of thousands of dollars to build and obtain) Though I have been told it is “probably one of the largest collections by any private collector having no affiliation with the music industry of any kind” in this country, I still find my collection quite boring as it is rewarding. If you took out all my Led Zeppelin, Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Pink Floyd, Beatles and Rolling Stones related items, there goes 75% of my collection. My collection is actually stuck in that 70’s time warp, if you will. I never even set out to have a collection. I just let my interest in music kind of guide me in the direction that it took. What you see today is the fruits of a lot of very hard work, appreciation, a lot of luck, money spent, love and an interest in music.

I still to this day am 1000% appreciative whenever I receive an autograph. I have never forgotten that these celebrities, any celebrity, are under no obligation whatsoever to have to sign for anyone at any time. The films they make and the music they write and perform, is both their art, and their job of choice. Being lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time to even ask for an autograph, takes skill, information, patience and always a lot of luck. Receiving that autograph, in my opinion, is a gift, and never a celebrities obligation. You pay to see a movie, you buy their record, you purchase a ticket to see their concert, and you are entertained. The obligation firmly stops there. However, collecting autographs, as I have learned, has its entertainment history well back to the 20’s and 30’s. Fans want autographs, and besides collections like mine, it has become very big for business. Some celebrities have understood these facts, and have written many autobiographical books and doing signing tours, and other types of in store live signings. Autograph conventions too have made it real easy for fans to obtain signatures. However some celebrities still have not seen that the demand is clearly here, and their either reluctance to officially sign, and/or have their signature flooded with secretarial fakes and auto pen forgeries actually contribute to the autograph chasers whose objective is to clearly resale the artists signature. In other words, fans pay these night hounds who pop out of bushes and stalk the artists in relentless pursuit, much like those of us who purchase the tabloid magazines or any periodical that contains the candid or crotch shot photos, photographed by the paparazzi. Celebrities who offer no real means for a fan to obtain a real autograph are directly contributing to the problem they despise, instead of being part of the solution.

Personally, I feel the problem is not solely the paparazzi. The real problem is the demand by you and I wanting to see Britney Spears' hoochie as she gets out of a limo, or Mel Gibson drunk that one night in public. We fuel the need, and the need gets supplied. Photographs aside (that’s really not the animal of my collection), those rock and roll artists like Madonna, Elton John, Don Henley (on a very rare occasion), Greg Lake, Denny Laine, Levon Helm, Ray Manzarek, Cheap Trick, (even Paul McCartney with his book in 2006) and a few others that do from time to time take part in in-store signings, or personal appearances, and do sign, make it possible for a fan to obtain an autograph. For an established price, often that of the book or other item they are promoting (even hot sauce and chili sauce), fans can obtain a real autograph. It’s a win-win for all parties. Now in my estimation, and in 20+ years of collecting, those artists that do not offer any means whatsoever of a fan obtaining a real autograph, leaves no choice, but to be approached on the streets. It can be from a collector such as myself, or a seeker who in turn is looking for that bonanza that they can resale. It’s really not all about the fan when it comes to collecting, it’s a lot to do with the celebrity. Offer the means, and the fans will take and be happy. Eventually, the market that fuels the autograph seekers will subside, if even just a little, as collectors, which is who that autograph is going to end up with eventually anyways, receives their autograph. If I am a celebrity, I am signing my ass off, as much as possible, and as often as possible from as many different cities as possible, for whatever price I feel is fair market value, as long as the demand is there. Capitalism, at it’s best. Supply for the fans, at it’s safest and easiest for all.

So Bruce Springsteen, hopefully you can see now, that my items were not going to be sold on Melrose the next morning. William Shatner and Mickey Rooney, I trust you can now understand why I brought items of memorabilia to your book signings. Not stacks as to hold up the line and take away from others wanting an autograph, but just to get a piece or two of memorabilia signed. Don Henley, I could care less if you inscribe me your solo albums, but please, don’t inscribe Hotel California or One Of These Nights. Eagles have anywhere from 4, 5 or 7 members that have played on any one album, depending if it is a studio LP or a Greatest Hits. If each member inscribed that LP to me, we could have as many as 12 names on an album. That makes for a very messy autograph just to keep the product from any resale. Elton John, thank you for allowing one piece of memorabilia, any piece, when you did your Tower Records in store signings for “Made In England” and “El Dorado”. For all those other rock artists who wish to perhaps, even for just a little bit, try and cut down those autograph seekers who you all seem to know, just by sight, from asking you for your autograph only to resale it, please try and getting to your fans a bit more with either some in store signings, like KISS have tried so successfully, or even selling your signed CD’s and signed tour books at your concerts, or on your web sites. Some meet and greets, perhaps, and just not for a few lucky radio contest winners who got through on speed dial, before concerts would fill the need nicely.

I heard Robert Plant express his disappointment at the fact that his last two CD’s released with his band The Strange Sensation have not sold as well as he had hoped. Robert, hire me as your promotions, please. Your last two tours where you stopped here in L.A, you were selling your CD’s at the concert. How many more would you have sold, if they were autographed? Or, for an extra $100.00 or so, a fan can arrive at your show, for an earlier part in the day signing. You get paid, the fan gets an autograph, and everyone wins. A celebrity can easily whip through a line of 100 fans in an hour or so. Not so, try attending a Star Trek Convention and watch how fast Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner, both at the same table can punch out a line of 500 people (at $70.00 an autograph). Shatner and Nimoy rake in over $25,000.00, each, for several hours of autograph signing in an afternoon during each Star Trek convention they attend. Fans then leave with a real signature signed on the memorabilia of choice. It is such a win-win for all.

We all know the band the Eagles and The Rolling Stones are all about the money. Think not, I have ticket stubs that are $300.00 and $450.00+ a person, per ticket, to their shows. Think of the money that could further roll in, at the thought of these band members doing a paid for autograph show, all the while they are on tour. Pick some selected cities, and on non travel days, they rent the right type of room, or do an in store signing, for a profitable (even very profitable price) and flood real fans with real autographs. Since Elton John has gone to such a system, I have more Elton John autographs than I will ever need, and thus have no need to ever “chase” him down, or purchase one from a seeker. Anyways, just the thoughts and some idea’s from this collector.

SUMMARY

I never set out to have the largest, or the greatest, or the best, or the most, or anything, collection. I just started collecting Rock and Roll autographs, then memorabilia. I don’t have the resources of the Hard Rock’s, nor personally know anyone that is affiliated with any part of the music industry. What I do have, I think is a pretty cool collection. Randy Meisner, upon seeing a lot of my Eagles items exclaimed, “you have more things than I have, and I was in the band !!”  What makes me most proud of my collection, is over 90% of it was collected by me, in person, signed in my presence, and each item indeed has a very personal and often weird or unbelievable story. My collection, is just that, my collection. It may not have the taste or selection of your collection. It’s not a knock on any other celebrity not found in this collection. It most likely means either they just aren’t my taste or I haven’t had that chance to meet up with them. There are a lot of celebrities that I wish I had in my collection, but for whatever reason, it just hasn’t happened (or is too late to happen). Cat Stevens, Al Stewart, Albert Hammond, Gordon Lightfoot, Roy Orbison, Nicolet Larson, Robert Shaw, Murray Hamilton, Syd Barret, Keith Moon, an in person John Lennon, and so many others I wish to add, if possible still, in my collection. Sadly, some can never be added. If you enjoy this collection, or see any errors in my spelling or descriptions, or wish to add any info, or simply tell me my collection stinks, please feel free to email me at rockndroll@sbcglobal.net.  I would like to hear from you and do appreciate any feedback whatsoever. If you are a celebrity, and would like to, or could, add any item of memorabilia to my collection, I would love to have it. You can find my mailing address on my contact page or please too email me at rockndroll@sbcglobal.net. Thank you so much. Careful on the spelling. There is no “a” in rockndroll.

This web-site is more than just a showcase of my collection. It is a personal journey. IN CLOSING, I really must thank the following people who without, I simply could not and would not, have the collection I have today or be the person I am today.

To my old high school friends Robert Gates and Shelly Cervantes: The lessons I learned from the both of you were realized, very sadly, long after the friendship was over. Rob, I learned from you in order to have a friend, you must be a friend. I should have been a much better friend to you back then. Shelly, you offered me everything, at such a young age. More than you should of and much more than I deserved. I am so glad to see the both of you have gone on to have very successful and very fulfilling lives. Please know that a lot of what I teach my kids today, is directly from what I learned from the both of you. Your lessons of friendship and memories continue.

Alex Diaz: The best man at my wedding, and my friend since 1978. It would be nice of you to have let me know where in Arizona you moved to, amigo. Like E.T., please phone home.

Peo Portlid: Meeting you in Europe in the summer of 1988 and traveling through France, Italy and Greece was amazing. Thank you to you and Matz for taking me in. You have been to my house in L.A., and I to yours in Ostersund, Sweden. Not nearly enough do we see of each other. You always have a home here at my house, my good friend.

My parents, Darwin and Rose: Not only would I not have this collection, without all you have done for me, I really wouldn’t have much at all. Mom you so unselfishly always put your children first, and dad, no man have I ever known has worked harder for his family than you. I admire so much these celebrities found in my collection, but knowing that my father working the potato and cotton fields of lower Kern County as a young boy for a buck a day, grew up to be such an icon in the Title Insurance industry, equals any story found with any of these celebrities. If you notice, in my entire collection I have never used the word hero, until now. My father, is my only hero found on this web-site and in my life.

My sister Debbie and David, Amy, Cory and Gregory: I love my nephews and niece as much as I love my own children. Each of you mean everything in the world to me (yes, you too, Debbie).

My children Deleah, Kevin and Khaylan: Nothing on this earth means more to me than the three of you. Everything that I have in this world and this collection is so superficial, when I sit and look and listen and talk and admire the three of you. You indeed are my children. This entire collection will be left to each of you.

	My wife Maria: You have put up with me for 18 years+ . No easy task I am sure, to say the least. In spite of my collection, my umpiring, our Oregon living adventure, lugging suitcases all around Europe, and simply the day to day and year after year, you are so very dear to me. Thank you for all that you have given me and for being my lovely wife. I love you indeed very much.

LASTLY, I must thank the BLUE SHARPIE. You have been such a partner of mine.