One of the saddest and most
confusing times of my life, was back on December 10, 1980,
the night that I heard that John Lennon had been shot by a
person that earlier that day, had asked him for his
autograph. Back then I didn’t know much at all about
autographs or its collectability, however I simply had been
amazed since I was a young boy by all types of rock and roll
music and the artists that I heard on the radio and started
to see in concert. I loved the music of John Lennon and all
that he stood for. Years later as I got older and was
introduced to the collectability of rock music, I never
still could forget how I felt that very sad December night.
I still to this day remember the emptiness as if it was just
yesterday with such sadness and frustration. I made a vow to
myself and to the spirit of John Lennon years ago when the
idea of collectability became a reality that if I was ever
lucky enough to be in a position to get close enough to
these celebrities that I admire and do ask for an autograph,
I want them to walk away with the feeling that they just
spent a few brief moments with a real fan who enjoys,
supports, respects and admires the music that they record
and perform. I have nothing else to possibly give a
celebrity except honesty, whenever asking them for their
autograph. My life changed the night John Lennon died, and
forever still the collectability of fans and celebrities.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Autograph collecting is as
old as musical instruments, records and the celebrities
themselves. For the purposes of this article, I am going to
stick to the collectability of rock and pop music, though
much about motion pictures, sports and other autograph
collecting isn’t too much different. Not only is it very
exciting to meet a celebrity, it is especially exciting to
meet a celebrity that you really admire the music that they
have recorded. Equally exciting to many, is to have an
autographed item of memorabilia from their favorite rock
artist. Collecting anything, but especially rock and pop
music autographs is a very difficult and expensive hobby. If
you obtain autographs purely for resale and profit than the
following article really isn’t for you. If you are a fan,
and I mean a REAL fan like I am of Rock and Roll music and
its memorabilia, then you may learn how to collect some
treats and special memories to keep for yourself, if you
decide to read on. If you are a celebrity and are frustrated
and autograph seekers always chasing you down, then you may
learn there is a smarter, safer and more profitable way, if
you decide to read on.
If you are tired of the
fake and fraudulent autographs that are today polluting the
collectability of both celebrities and fans, then by all
means please read on:
First off, all fans must
clearly understand you will never have the collection of the
Hard Rock Café. Now that might seem fully obvious and even a
bit silly to say, however in my quest for signatures, I have
talked to many collectors of all financial means who are
mistakenly under that illusion. Also, equally important to
keep in mind, someone else will always have something you
want, and you will never have everything. Another fact to be
aware of is there are more fake autographs currently in
circulation that are up for purchase, than real signatures.
Lastly to keep in mind, be very thankful for what you may
have and do not dwell on what you do not have; that is the
nature of collectability. Someone always has a bigger house,
someone always has a nicer car, and someone will always have
a better collection. So if you are ready, you must first
understand a few rules.
Always, always, always try
and see things from the point of view of the celebrity. You and I
live in little town USA, smack dab in the heart of suburbia.
You must understand the life style, pressure, demands,
schedules, accountability, responsibility and so much more
of a celebrities day to day is a complete 180 of how you and
I live. You must further understand that no celebrity is
under any obligation, whatsoever, to sign anything at any
time for you or anyone else. The old saying that you make
them money is all hogwash. They make music because they
decided long ago to pursue a musical career and that will be
their profession. Should you decide to purchase their music
or go see them in concert, as it is your choice and mine to
do so, stops any perceived relationship at that point. There
are no other obligations, presumed or intended. Should a
celebrity decide to grant you your request for an autograph,
they are doing so purely out of generosity, kindness and
appreciation to you as their requesting fan, but never
assume they are obligated to do so. Rejection,
disappointment, and wasted time with respect to
collectability of autographs, all walk hand in hand with the
possibility of receiving or not receiving any signature.
Most importantly, the last time I looked, no celebrity ever
knocked on my door, and never should you at theirs. Knowing
where to go to get that signature, is as important as
knowing where not to go. Understand the difference between
being at a the right place versus invading their space (keep
your quest for the encounter, public). Lastly, if you are a
fan, then act like one. Don’t act like a crazy star struck
fool, and don’t talk like a bonehead. Simply be yourself.
These celebrities are not gods, they are people. Simple
common respect and “thank you’s” that we all were taught
long ago, will go a long way.
PART I: How the
Fan Wins
There are only 4 ways that
I know of, in getting a celebrity signature. You can get it
yourself via a personal encounter, you can purchase it from
a vendor, perhaps you can have one given to you by someone
who already owns one, or lastly have one sent to you by
writing to a celebrity.
No matter if you live in
the star glitter towns of New York or Los Angeles, of the
fields of Iowa and Nebraska, you can own and collect real
signatures of music celebrities if you know where to look.
Many celebrities write books and memoirs, and tour the
country promoting such book signings. Also, many celebrities
now are starting to show up at more and more autograph
conventions, understanding that when doing so, it’s a
win/win, and profit/win for both celebrity and fans. Please
check out the following websites, for many celebrity
personal appearances:
If you cannot make it to
one of these or one of the many similar type of in person
signings across the country, most of these businesses offer
you the opportunity to purchase a signature by credit card,
and they will ship you their signed item. In addition, many
celebrities have quite a shopping cart full of items of
memorabilia and many even offer signed photographs,
lithographs, and quite current (current today means very
rare tomorrow) items of memorabilia. Search
www.google.com
for any of your favorite rock musicians and see what they
might be selling on their website.
Education too, is equally important in collecting your
autographs. You must know and learn what other collectors
are saying about how they collect autographs. There is much
to know about collecting. Saving both your time and
especially your money, will set you on a path to the fun and
reward of collectability. My suggestion is you subscribe to
at least a one year subscription to AUTOGRAPH MAGAZINE.
Currently a one year subscription will cost you $29.95. The
vast amount of knowledge you will learn from the various
writing contributors, stories (both horror and bliss) and
the leads each issue provides, is 1000% valuable. AM talks
about celebrity encounters, fraudulent signatures, book and
show signings, current and past events and gives you an
inside as to the fun and all aspects of autograph
collectability. They can be reached at
www.autographmagazine.com or call them at 714-557-2105.
I bring up education, because even though seemingly music
autographs in my opinion have less fake signatures than the
very infected world of motion picture autographing, and the
absolute poisoned world of sports autographs, music
signatures still have a very fair sad share of forgeries,
auto pen and secretary signatures, and/or always people
looking to fool you or flat out rip you off. I do not know
the statistics of how many signatures on Ebay are fake. I
have heard numbers greater that 75% and some that say even
90%, however based on the items I have been able to obtain
in person and when I compare them to what I see on Ebay, I
feel I do see a seemingly moderate share of very real
signatures. However, caution and education when buying on
Ebay, or ANY third party seller, must be done so very
carefully. I can however recommend the following autograph
dealers, who in my opinion, are the most reputable in the
country. They are each regarded as the most honest in
autograph selling and tops in their field:
TIP: make sure any dealer you are purchasing from is a
member of the UACC at www.uacc.org for your best protection
against fakes and frauds.
Many collectors will have no problem with you emailing them
a copy or a link of an autograph that you may have obtained,
or wish to obtain, and asking for their opinion on if they
think it is real. Further, there are many auction houses
across the country that run Rock and Roll memorabilia
auctions. Heritage Auctions www.ha.com and
www.rrauctions.com too are both very helpful and a source
for, be it usually upscale or high priced collectables,
should you choose to contact them.
Also, along the way and in searching the internet, you will
find other collectors like myself that collect purely for
the entertainment and joy that collectability brings.
Collecting to them is not their business; they have jobs
(real jobs). Collecting for them is a hobby. Bookmark these
collectors websites and visit them from time to time.
Collectors like to help out other collectors and understand
the beginning ropes of starting a collection. No need to
ever be shy when needing to email a collector. Not only will
you like what you see, you will read and learn much for
free.
Now it is time to get to what you really want, that coveted
in person autograph. Where does a Joe Schmo like you and I go
to get an in person autograph. Here is where you need to
stop, read carefully and listen. Go on your local radio
website and see if they are promoting any in station or in
town celebrity interview or guest appearances. If so, you
may need to take a day off work. Both AM and FM have quite a
lot of celebrity drop in’s and interviews depending on what
radio market you are in and listening to. Also, read your
local papers. Is anything going on in your town that would
too be a possible celebrity encounter? If so, again, you may
need to take a day off work. Is there a recording studio in
your town? If so, go on their website and see who might have
recorded there in the past. A trick of the trait is to look
at a musicians CD and see where they recorded their last few
projects. Chances are fair they may be there
recording/mixing their next CD there as well. Airports are
another source for an in person encounter. I received many
signatures on my white 4x6 index cards you see on this
website simply by hanging out on weekends at LAX.
TIP: Use a 4 x 6 white index card in lieu of a standard 3x5.
The reason being, the bigger the card the bigger perhaps the
celebrity signature will be. Also, remember, you are a fan.
Please be ready for that celebrity to want to inscribe it to
you. Much more room on a 4 x 6 index card.
Most celebrities stay at very plush hotels such as The Four
Seasons. This tends to be as much of a miss as it can be a
hit. Hotel security are paid (very well) to keep fans away
from bothering their guests. Also, you will probably
encounter paparazzi and autograph seekers hanging around
hotels, who are in the business of reselling the signatures
they obtain, and you will most likely be looked at as one of
them. This will seriously dampen any attempts you may have
of obtaining a signature and further, if you are not a
seasoned autograph collector, the paparazzi will eat you
alive and push you aside in their quest to earn a living.
You may decide to actually check in to the hotel that may
give you access that the autograph seekers on the street
will not then have. However, this too may have its
limitations and can be quite costly.
TIP: If you see a mass of paparazzi at a certain restaurant
or hotel, obviously someone of fame is there. If you wish to
be a “lookie-loo”, then by all means have some fun and hang
about. If you happen to know who is there and want to obtain
a signature, be prepared for a slim chance encounter, or
being grouped into ” being part of the paparazzi pack”,
simply by being with them. I learned the hard way (very hard
way actually) that even though I knew I was a fan, and even
though I knew I was not selling my autographs, being with
that group at such a time gave the celebrity the impression,
I was part of that pack. The paparazzi is both a blessing
and a curse, for most celebrities. New York and L.A. are
home to some of the world’s best and most respected
paparazzi. New York and especially L.A. are also home to
some of the rudest, aggressive, at times mistakenly
dangerous, and those that just not break a few written laws,
but break many laws of simple common decency. Be cautious if
your quest for autographs brings you in contact with the
paparazzi. You can learn many tips and even get a few leads
by listening to them, but equally they may ruin your quest
for a personal signature encounter.
Typical night out with the Hollywood paparazzi
Let’s stop for a minute and review and remind of what I said
back at the beginning. These rock musicians are not gods,
they are people. As people, you and I as a fan must treat
them like people. They may be with their spouses and family,
who are not the celebrity. When you seek out that encounter,
ask yourself if you see them with their family, if this
really is the time and the place. If they say “no”, then
perhaps you really need to listen. Like anything, learn to
read body language. If you and the celebrity make eye
contact and they look away, or give you that “not today”
look, you need to understand that not today really means not
today. If they smile at you and maybe give you a nod, then
that is a green light to approach. As much as you and I love
and protect our children, a celebrity must understandably
protect their children from not just photographers looking
for any kind of photograph, but also always be aware of all
the very creepy crawlers that sadly are found everywhere and
in every community. Take a wider look when approaching a
celebrity should they be with their family, then put
yourself in the celebrities shoes, ten-fold.
TIP: How you look and how you dress does not only say much
about you, but will give or not give that celebrity a sense
of either being comfortable or uneasiness as you approach.
Take off your sunglasses and baseball cap. Let them see your
face and eyes. Also, keep your hands in very plain sight.
Let them see your hands. Approach them slowly and don’t
invade their personal space (leave room). Smile, smile
smile, and when you are done smiling, smile again. That
celebrity has already formed an opinion of you within the
first 3 seconds of seeing you. Something obviously very
important to think about.
If you are able to encounter a celebrity at a restaurant and
you are there first, perhaps wait until they have finished
ordering and before their meal arrives and politely ask for
a signature. I have seen people ask for autographs when the
celebrity has just taken a bite of food (that is no bueno!)
You and I don’t like it when the waiter always seems to ask
us how everything is, just about the time we shoved a
spoonful of spaghetti in our mouths, so don’t then do that
to a celebrity either. Use common sense. If you arrive at a
restaurant after the celebrity, then wait until either you
must leave or the celebrity is leaving. If you happen to not
be dining and a celebrity is, then very patiently wait
outside in very plain view for them to finish and leave and
wait for what may then be a possible encounter.
TIP: Whatever you do, do not, and I mean DO NOT ask for an
autograph when the celebrity is in the bathroom. This should
require no further explanation.
Nightclubs, The House of Blues, and other celebrity hot
spots are an ideal place to try and get an in person
autograph. Remember, celebrities attract other celebrities.
Read up and know who might be in town or who hangs with whom
and while you might be trying to obtain one persons
signature, you may be surprised as to who might else show
up. In 1989, Ron Wood was displaying his art work at a
gallery on Robertson Bl. While at this premiere, besides
Mick Jagger and Bill Wyman showing up, so did Eric Clapton.
I knew he was in town because it was announced (again,
reading the papers) that he would be joining the Rolling
Stones on stage here in L.A. for a song during the Steel
Wheels tour. I was ready and Eric signed 4 things for me
that night.
Sporting events and other concerts are a fantastic place for
an in person encounter. Many rock musicians are fans of (for
example) the Lakers, or will attend some of the bigger
sporting events (prize fights, Superbowl, speed races) or
other musician’s concerts. If you arrive early and are
discrete about hanging around the VIP entrance or side
entrances to many of these venues, or where the limo’s are
dropping off a celebrity, than you too may have a great
chance at snagging that quick in person autograph. Keep in
mind that many celebrities arrive at sporting events just
before game time, or call ahead and know when a concert is
actually going to begin and time it to the starting time.
Being at the right place at that time at such events has
gotten me many signatures for my collection.
Another in person chance for an autograph is the actual
venue where the artist is performing. Many many rock artists
that were huge during the 1970’s and 1980’s are now
performing at smaller clubs, state fairs and casinos. These
are fantastic opportunities to obtain an autograph as to
when they arrive and or as they are leaving. Further, many
musicians stay long after the show has concluded signing for
the fans in attendance. You can check out the website
www.pollstar.com for any artist, any venue in any city,
worldwide, and their complete concert schedule. These
artists seeing you at their shows knowing you paid for a
ticket (or usually two), perhaps dinner as well, are happy
to sign for you, because you have supported them by
attending their concert.
Even Bruce Springsteen on his recent trip through Los
Angeles on the “Working On A Dream” tour stopped before and
after both shows at the L.A. Sport Arena and signed down the
line for the fans that were waiting just outside the venue.
How cool is that!!!
TIP: Never go to a concert of anyone, anywhere, without a
blue sharpie and a few index cards. Also, purchase a program
for the event as soon as you arrive. Instead of wasting
$10.00 and 30 minutes in line for a beer, cruise the crowd
and walk the venue looking for celebrities. Should you see
one, again remember the 3 R’s: Respect, Respect and Respect
and quietly without drawing attention, ask that celebrity
for a signature on your program or index card. If you think
I am crazy, check out the Alex Van Halen signature I
received at a RUSH concert. Alex wrote, “Yes, I was there”.
http://www.rockandrollcollection.com/catalog/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=2418
We talked earlier about Ebay. Though Ebay may not be the
best source for obtaining and building your autograph
collection, it is in my opinion the best source at building
your rock memorabilia collection. Please check out the
following link from my website and tribute to Bruce
Springsteen’s “The Rising” album:
http://www.therisingcollection.com/the_collection.html
Just about all the items on this collection page that were
not purchased at the 4 concerts I attended during this tour
were later purchased on Ebay.
There are many very rare, hard to find, and awesome rock
memorabilia for sale on Ebay. The following is what I always
say when I see something I like: “That item would look
better in my collection, than in yours”. Prices vary and
items range for all budgets, on Ebay. If you are looking to
start your memorabilia collection or like me always in
search to enhance it, then you too should be in touch with
and know the purchasing in’s and out’s of Ebay.
TIP: Always get your signatures signed with a blue sharpie.
The quality and trueness of the ink is pure, and has greater
resistance to fading, and will hold up best in light. Black
tends to turn yellow and fade much faster.
Lastly, requesting autographs through the mail is a source,
but I am talking about it last as that is exactly where I
place it on the priority list of success. Though I am sure
some artists do sign in the mail, I talk much more in PART
II of this story, on why rock musicians and how rock
musicians could and should utilize the mail, much more often
than most of them do. Should you choose to write to a
celebrity, please package your item well (especially if it
is an LP), be precise and to the point on your
correspondence trying not to ramble on telling them how much
you love them, (just be sincere). Always include a SASE so
they can mail your item back. Don’t send ANYTHING that might
be of any sentimental or monetary value, as you might not
get it back. Indicate your full name, address and phone
number, as many of these artists and celebrities index all
fan mail incase that one in the bunch turns out to be a
wacko. Since you are writing because you are a fan, you
really have nothing much to hide. If you do not receive a
response, my suggestion is wait 12 months and re-write
again. If you do receive a signature in the mail and perhaps
want another, my suggestion is to wait 2-3 years and
re-write again. Be patient and not greedy if you receive an
autograph in the mail: Let the next fan have their turn.
Once you receive your autograph, any autograph, it is time
to protect that signature. Be careful of placing your
signature or signed item in direct sunlight. Fading
signatures makes all the effort for naught. Also, placing your
item in the direct light of a household lamp is too not a
very good idea. There is no greater feeling of
disappointment and anger than seeing your autograph slowly
disappear over time, because you did not protect the
integrity of the signature. Next time you are at the Hard
Rock Café, take a close look at some of their signed items.
Exposed to light, even though they use UV friendly lighting,
the air, the grease and the transferring of items from one HRC to another, takes a heavy and sad toll on some of the
signed items they have. I have seen many of their guitars
with now very faint signatures. Explore and look at
www.bagsunlimited.com and see the very reasonably priced
plastic bags they have in all sizes, acrylic cases, and
sleeves for all your memorabilia protection. If you decide
to matt and frame your items, inquire that your framing
company uses acid free matting, and UV protective glass.
Store your items in an area that does not exceed 85 degrees
(60 – 70 degrees is ideal) and though it is a pain (trust
me, my wife and I do this once a month to all my autographs
that are not in boxes) you must dust your items.
I hope I can save you both time and money in your quest for
Rock and Roll signatures and items of memorabilia. Any
mistakes you have made, or will make, have most likely been
made by collectors before you. My final advice is never get
caught up or act like the paparazzi, or much worse, those
autograph seekers. You are a fan. Treat yourself and treat
those celebrities you may come in contact with, with equal
respect. Be proud of the means that you collect, and you
will then be proud of your collection.
Part II: How the Celebrity Wins
There are all kinds of celebrity fans. Sadly too, there are
those that are fanatics. For the purposes of this article, I
want to talk about the relationship of the true fan,
especially versus the paparazzi and autograph seekers, and
how rock musicians and celebrities in general can not only
co-exist with respect to autograph collecting, but how both
sides can VERY EASILY win/win. Simply put and the simple
truth of the matter: fans love autographs. For some, it is a
pure chance one time only encounter, some like myself
memorabilia has become a hobby, others use it as a means to
support and raise money for their charitable organizations,
and lastly, for others still, it has become big business.
The want equaling the system, is very simple to understand.
The FAN wants an autograph. He lives in Bend, Oregon (for
example) and knows he has no chance ever, for a celebrity
encounter. He then must contacts a DEALER who has a signed
LP or photograph. The dealer sells the item to that
requesting fan. The dealer seeing this demand for a certain
artist then contacts his AUTOGRAPH SEEKER(S) who in turn,
chase down the celebrity next time around to sell more stock
to the dealer. This cycle continues, continues and
continues. Hopefully, that autograph was at least real.
YOU DECIDE;
however enough is enough with FAKE autographs.
I have a better idea, and some thoughts to think about as to
how this cycle can probable be on a road to somewhat
elimination. Now before I upset some of my friends who are
in the autograph dealing business by thinking I am trying to
cut off their knee caps, you all know as well as I, that
there is much vintage memorabilia, stage props and
instruments, signatures already in circulation, and very
classic and rare memorabilia inventory built up over the
last 50 years of rock and roll that still leaves huge
profits of lasting gravy, for all of you. What I am talking
about here is supplying autographs for the simple and honest
fan in today’s world. Truth also which is no secret to
anyone, there are so many fake autographs being sold today
as you are reading this. If all of us do not come up with a
system to cleanse this cancer of bogus autographs, fans are
going to continue to simply be ripped off.
I have learned much over the 25+ years of collecting. The
most lasting impression I have learned is that true fans
want, but are not greedy. Autograph seekers are the greedy
ones, because their quest is driven solely by the resale and
profitability of each autograph obtained. The concept of
supplying the demand directly by the celebrity to the true
fan, would purge the need for all these autograph seekers
who chase you down, follow your cars, jump out of bushes,
stalk you and your family’s and bother you to no end. The
idea seems easy, but can that be achieved? I do not know. I
honestly do not know. But I do know the following. Please
let me now offer my thoughts and suggestions:
I think it is wonderful how Bruce Springsteen is offering
many items of memorabilia from his current and past recent
tours. It’s convenient for the fans and profitable for him
as the artist.
http://brucespringsteen.fanfire.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Store.woa/wa/artist?artistName=Bruce+Springsteen&sourceCode=BSPWEB
So many artists do the very same thing. Why not take it a
step further. How about offering pre-signed tour books, CD’s
and LP’s and/or a few other items of memorabilia signed by
the artist (not his secretary, ghost signer or ridiculous
auto pen), for a set profitable price to sell on your web
sites. If 1000 people bought
a signed piece of memorabilia and if just 10% of these
people were people that buy Bruce’s signature from dealers
previously mentioned in PART I of this article or from the
hundreds of other dealers across this country, that is 100
less requests that these autograph seekers who stalk out
these celebrities would receive. In other words, fans would
not have to contact these dealers who in turn commission
these celebrity stalkers.
It takes no time at all to sign items and post them on your
websites for resale. Any celebrity can literally set aside 1
day (1 day out of the 365 in a year) and with a little bit
of help from an assistant or two knock out 1000 various
signatures. Musicians tour and continue to make music for
various reasons. One of which quite obviously is to make
money. Most rock musician websites do offer a shopping cart
as the link I have posted above offers. This means of
offering real signed items through your websites may not
eliminate autograph seekers or even real fans from still
asking you for autographs on the streets, but please
consider this: If it reduces the current demand by just 25%,
1 out of every 4 times you are out on the street or in a
restaurant, the chances are now 25% less that you will be
bothered for an autograph and especially bothered by those
pesky autograph seekers because their demand is now less.
That might be something worth considering.
Consider also, that your real fans who want your autograph,
now too have a fantastic way to obtain your signature on
their own. You as an artist continue to make money, and your
fans are happy at owning a real signature from you the rock
artist.
Consider this too. I have seen a trend over the last several
years, especially with the closing of Tower Records,
http://www.rockandrollcollection.com/tower_records.html
and Virgin Records and so many other record stores, artists
selling their CD’s at the concert venue. That is a great way
to push the sales of their music. How about selling signed
copies of the CD? On October 3rd, 2009 I was at Giants
Stadium for what was a breath taking concert of Bruce
Springsteen and the E Street Band performing the entire
“Born In The USA” album. The merchandisers were selling both
the “Magic” CD and the current “Working on a Dream” CD. I
saw t-shirts, pins, programs all being bought like hot cakes
from I-Hop. Out of curiosity, I asked 3 different vendors at
3 different booths, how the CD’s were selling. One gal told
me, the CD’s were selling the least (if at all). On July 24,
2005, I asked the same thing at a Robert Plant concert at The
Greek Theatre where he was selling his “Dreamland” CD. The
response was just about the same. While everything else was
selling fast, the CD was hardly moving.
How long would it have possibly taken for Bruce, Robert or
anyone else, to have signed 100, 200 or so copies of these
CD’s and placed them for sale with the merchandisers.
Perhaps a 100 or so signed tour books as well. I do not know
how many of you rock artists ever get a chance to see what
it is like at these vendor booths, but believe me when I
say, it is a frenzy. Fans, remember these are your true fans
were are talking about, are pulling hundred dollar bills and
their credit cards and charging up some big bucks, without
even blinking an eye. I have seen people bitch over a $7.00
beer, yet spend an easy hundred fast as lightning at the
concession stand. Last week at Giants Stadium I would have
bought at least one signed tour book and at least one signed
CD. I would like to guess with much certainty, others would
of too. This is yet another example of win/win. You as an
artist continue to profit, and the fan gets a real
autograph, and the autograph seeker and dealer sees his
demand dwindle.
Another example of win/win, for both the artist and
celebrity, is for the artist to take part in more in store
signings. Elton John did two different signings at Tower
Records on Sunset, for the release of his “Made In England”
CD and “El Dorado”. He offered to sign any personal item of
memorabilia, provided you purchased the CD he was promoting.
Between those two signings (and a few other times I have
been able to obtain his signature), I have more than enough
Elton John signatures that I as a collector would ever need.
I do not ever need to waste his time or mine, trying to
obtain him on the streets again. Remember, I am a collector,
but unless Elton John is walking down the street I live on,
or perhaps at another in store style signing, I as a fan am
fully satisfied with what I have. Again, the autograph
seeker and dealer sees his demand dwindle.
Special Note: Equally fair, I must compliment and respect
those autograph dealers that do everything possible within
their expertise to only sell real autographs, at a very fair
price. The question still remains, what is a fair price and
how can they be fully certain that such signatures are
authentic. Please read on:
Also, the demand by fans for a rock celebrities autograph
can be used in so many ways that perhaps will benefit food
banks, charities, and people of need. For example, bands and
rock artists often have days off during a tour. Bruce
Springsteen had 4 days off between the 3rd and 4th shows
that week at Giants Stadium. An idea perhaps during just one
of these days off, would be to rent a venue and for a
ticketed price, fans can queue and bring an item or two of
memorabilia and get it signed. Portions of the proceeds can
then be sent to the artist’s charitable cause of choice.
That would be a fantastic win/win and win for the artist,
the fan and a charity of need. Now before you say and think
that an artist cannot possible sign 1000 or more
signatures at a set signing, I invite anyone who reads this
to be a fly on the wall and attend a Star Trek convention and
witness first hand William Shatner and/or Leonard Nimoy
knock out an easy line of over 750-1000 people+ in just a
matter of a couple hours. It is simply mind boggling.
Further, you will see they are charging $75.00 or more, per signature. I
watched for 30 minutes at the Star Trek convention in 2006
at the Las Vegas Hilton and the average fan had 5 items in
hand. Some fans had a dozen items to sign. Shatner and Nimoy
blew through that line, signing autographs at what amounted
to warp speed. Even separately, they made an absolute
financial killing.
With that type of availability and the fact that William
Shatner offers pre-signed photographs off his website
http://shatner-store.stores.yahoo.net/autmer.html unless he
too is walking down my street, I have no need to ever obtain
his autograph off the streets. Another example of yet again
a possible way of fans to obtain a signature, and the demand
for autograph seeker to dwindle.
If I was going to organize a public signing on behalf of any
celebrity, I would contact that town’s local food bank and
require each fan to, in addition to the other conditions
already set forth, bring one can of food as a prerequisite
to obtaining an autograph. With volunteers from a local food
bank there to collect food for the needy, rock musicians and
fans can collectively support these always needed charitable
organizations. Something also very very dear to my heart,
would be a contribution to Little League Baseball especially
the Western Region Umpires Alumni Association
http://www.eteamz.com/llbwest/news/index.cfm?cat=266693
Let’s assume that public signings are not of your interest.
Yet fans still want that item they own signed. There is
still a way for both parties to win/win. As I have stated
before in this article, fans (your fans) are a patient
bunch. We really are. Hear me out on this one: Offer an
address where fans can mail in their item of choice, and you
will sign it and mail it back. Sounds ridiculous……not at
all……here is my system. As stated previous, the schedule and
lifestyle of a rock artist is a complete 180 from what a fan
lives. Your lives are understandably incredibly busy.
However, here is how we meet at the fence. On your website
you must lay the “Autograph Ground Rules":
All requests for autographs must be postmarked between
the dates of X to X. All other dated requests will be marked
“return to sender”.
All requests must clearly be marked on the envelope
“autograph request”.
All requests must contain a non refundable fee of a U.S.
postal money order of $25.00 to cover all postage and
handling.
All requests must fit in a standard size USPS priority
mail cardboard size box (12.5 x 15.5 x 3) or smaller.
All requests to be mailed back to U.S. addresses only.
All requests may take up to ONE YEAR to be mailed back.
No liability whatsoever is assumed to any and all items
sent for autographing, including any damage to any item in
any way. You send/you receive at your own risk.
Fee of $100.00 per autograph requested, made payable on a
U.S. postal money order only.
All requests for inscriptions will be attempted, but may
not be guaranteed.
You can even add one more condition should you choose to:
Receipt or copy of canceled check for $10.00 from any U.S.
charity must accompany your request.
Certainly, any rock artist can set aside a day or two out of
an entire year to attend to what would probably be anywhere
from a bunch of autographs, to a shit load of requests. By
being very specific on all the rules, conditions and terms
of such a system designed as to how the celebrity wants such
conditions, and the fact (keeping in mind) that true fans
are a patient bunch, such a system may very well work. At
the very least, it is worth a try at least once.
The above is simply a template of a system that might work.
I have no idea if it would; as such an idea has never been
put to the test. However, such a system would be profitable
to the artist, the patient fans gets their autograph, the
post offices makes a few extra bucks, or even a charity if
condition #10 is opted profits, and perhaps, just perhaps,
everybody wins.
Another suggestion is if you are an artist who is currently
playing the smaller venues, casinos or indoor clubs, may I
suggest that you stay after the show and sign for fans that
attended. The fan must present their ticket (and someone
standing next to you marks that ticket so the fans can’t
cheat and get back in line or have them damn autograph
seekers come in off the street and hop in line) and you sign
1 or 2 items as per your choice all the while sitting down
after you have rested after the show. This way, you know
that each and every fan that is staying after the show, is a
real fan. Now this doesn’t mean that the fan still might not
sell the signed item at a later date. If for example 25%
does sell their autographed item, (which it probably
wouldn’t be) than that still means that 75% of everyone who
stayed for the autographing is keeping their signature.
Those are great odds and should make any celebrity feel very
happy know that real fans bought a ticket, cheered during
the show, bought some merchandise, and left home with a
personal autograph.
Why should anyone else be making a profit on a celebrity
signature, unless the celebrity is making it first? If I buy
an autographed Crosby, Stills and Nash LP from their website
(for example), and sell it at a later date, than that simply
is the essence of business in America. Simple capitalism.
However, If David, Stephen and Graham all sign an LP for who
they perceive to be fan, only to have that LP end up on Ebay
or in the hands of a dealer who is now selling it for
$350.00+, then there seems to be an element of fraud and
misrepresentation or at the very least CS&N got duped.
Either way, as a fan and a collector I don’t like it. It
hurts my collectability and friends of mine that I have meet
over the years who collect that are not lucky enough to live
in a market that houses so many rock artists or where so
many rock celebrities visit. David Crosby especially has
told me “no” twice, when I was the only person present prior
to a show at The Coach House venue, in San Juan Capistrano,
Ca., because he perceived me to be an autograph seeker and
has had bad run-in’s with them before. Thankfully, on both
shows, he signed for the audience after the show and I was
able to then get an autograph on his terms.
I am not at all saying or trying to represent that
collecting of rock and roll signatures and/or memorabilia
should be easy. Like all collections, if it was that easy,
everyone would be collecting it. Coins are rare, butterflies
are hard to find, lladros are in limited quantity, Barbie
Dolls are dated and go out of production and collecting Rock
and Roll autographs should equally as well not be an easy
gift. However, the points I have suggested
herein are to make it just a bit easier, and bring back
the fun in collecting, while offering some way to rid this fast
growing amount of fakes that are getting out of hand.
Further, as I always tell people and as I stated in PART I
of this article, no celebrity is under any obligation,
whatsoever, to sign anything at any time for any one ever.
If by chance it does make you feel good seeing real fans
receive your autograph, these suggestions offer both a few
possible systems and to show you the celebrity that there is
immense profitability for you as well.
I ask all celebrities, especially those that are rock and
rollers, that if any of you
are having your signatures signed by secretaries, ghost
signers or any second party autographers, that you please
immediately stop. It is better to not send a fan an
autograph at all, then to fool the fan into believing they
are receiving a real signature, no matter how good your intentions are. True fans will clearly respect the fact
due to your busy schedule or your choosing, that you just
cannot attend to your fan mail.
For those artist and musicians that do sign real signatures
and adhere to as much fan mail as possible, and/or attend
shows and public signings, god bless you. You are truly part
of the solution. I have seen many artists over the years
show up at many record stores to participate at autographing
for their fans and attendees. By doing this, you are
offering real fans the chance to obtain a direct signature,
and thus discouraging the need to ever pay an autograph
seeker to chase you down. If by you attending such in person
signings, cuts down the demand by just 20-30%, that equals
one quarter less of a chance of you being bothered on the
public streets for your autograph. Please don’t worry that
autograph seekers who sell to dealers may attend as well.
When more real autographs are put in the hands of requesting
fans, the market for autograph seekers will subside.
Hopefully everyone who reads both parts of this story can
see that my intent by offering these suggestions is simply
four fold:
Profitability for the artist – after all, it is your
music.
Security for every celebrity – nobody wants to see
another event like the death of John Lennon.
Autographs for real fans – fans want to enjoy the fun of
collectability and autograph ownership.
A system that can begin to purge the amount of fake
autographs that are today ripping off fans – after all, it
is our very hard earned money being spent.
In brief, let me talk about autographs, in quantity. There
are times that a celebrity has made comments and even got
upset at me in my quest to build my collection, because they
see that I have a quantity of items to be signed. This is a
realistic perceived two way street and a lesson I learned
the hard way. From a fans point of view, you have to get
while the getting is good, because your first encounter may
always be your last. From the artists point of few, when is
and isn’t enough more than enough? Sometimes it is a hard
decision from a fans view. Do I try and get Robert Plant on
a Led Zeppelin item, or a solo item? Once I decide, then on
what item? Might he be willing to sign a few more today, or
is he in a hurry where he may not have time to sign
multiples. Will there be a crowd, or might I be the only
requester? I never wanted to be looked upon as greedy, but
Robert has put out 10 Led Zeppelin albums and about 8 solo
albums, not counting tour books and other items of
memorabilia. Obviously one can’t expect to get everything
signed spanning an artists career, but trying to reasonably
get a cross section on one’s career isn’t really an
unreasonable quest.
My advice to fans and collectors, is don’t show up with too
much of anything, and never with too much of the same thing.
Also, do your research, learn what album means a little more
to the artist than some of their others. Robert Plant might
be happier and willing to sign a latest release, than a 30
year old Led Zeppelin album. Roger Waters was very pleased
when I got his autograph in 2008 here in L.A., to see his
solo items I was wanting signed, then some old Pink Floyd
stuff. Especially, when I was able to ask him some questions
regarding his solo material, knowingly that I actually knew
what I was talking about.
Lastly, one very important point that needs to be discussed,
is inscribing ones name to an autograph. True fans like
myself have no issue whatsoever with a celebrity inscribing
an autograph (with one exception). Quite actually, I prefer
it. Most of my autographs are requested to be signed to
myself, and/or to myself and my wife. The exception being
and the problem sometimes, and celebrities need to please
keep in mind, is, is there actually room on the product for
an inscription? For example, there are 5 members of the band
Eagles on the “Hotel California” lineup. If all 5 wrote, “To
Stephen”, then signed their name, we now have 10 names on an
album that is 12 x 12 inches. It tends to become much of a
mess. Keeping with the “Hotel California” LP, the bottom
half of that album is dark, and thus obscures a signature
unless one chooses to use a silver or gold paint pen (which
are wet and takes time to dry).
My advice to other collectors and to fans that ask, is the
“trend” with celebrities is to inscribe all signature
requests. Personally speaking, I feel in the long run that
inscription will mean more to you as a collector, because it
shows a more personal quality to that autograph. Plus, if
offers the celebrity a more secure feeling that the
recipient is an actual fan. However, if a fans product
requires more than just 1 or 2 signatures to “complete” it,
or if the item (keeping with the “Hotel California” LP) is
already inscribed by Randy Meisner and/or Don Felder, does
Don Henley and Joe Walsh really need to inscribe it too? I
think there is an element of common sense for both the fan
(pick your items carefully) and the celebrity when signing.
I would be happy to relocate, go on tour, help oversee an in
store signing or take part in any of the suggestions that I
have hereby suggested. If anyone wants to contact me
personally about further and more detailed information that
I might offer on bridging the requests that fans want for a
rock celebrities autographs, simply please contact me via my
contact page at
http://www.rockandrollcollection.com/contact_me.html
Anything that I can contribute to the mutual enjoyment of
both the rock artist and the fans when it comes to
collectability, I am only so happy to do so. Anything I can
contribute to purge the amount of fake autographs being sold
today so they do not end up in the hands of fans, I am
equally only so happy to do so. Nothing is going to change
overnight. When I started collecting autographed memorabilia
over 20 years ago, it seems that collections such as the one
I dreamed of were just in their infancy. This is no longer
at all the case. Collections are growing, demand is
increasing fast, big business autographs is at an all time
high, and forgeries are unfortunately prevalent. However if
we all work together, and if we all want what is right for
those that want an autograph equally with those that want to
sign, we can protect the entire integrity of autograph and
memorabilia collectability.
This entire website and this entire article is about being a
fan’s fan. Please enjoy my collection.
