A Themed Auction Featuring Rarities from the Rock 'n' Roll Scene
It's only Rock n´ Roll (But I like it)
Bukowskis is proud to present a curated themed auction featuring items of fine provenance from the rock 'n' roll scene. Here you will find rare and unusual guitars from two of the foremost American manufacturers, Gibson and Fender, as well as signed records, photographs, autographs, and other memorable items with exciting stories from the world of rock.
One of the highlights of the themed auction is a rare 1956 Gibson "Les Paul" Gold Top with provenance from Chico Schnelzer. Chico was a productive musician at youth centers in Västerås during the 1950s and 1960s, and in the spring of 1957, he found his faithful companion, "Les Paul." Over time, Chico became both the lead singer and guitarist for the Norrköping band "The Tigers," and together they toured across Europe. The band was formed in 1962, and the following year, their Finnish manager, Tom Hertell, arranged a memorable performance at the Friedrichstadt Palast Weltstadtvariete in Berlin, then East Berlin. It was a tremendous success and marked the first time a Western rock 'n' roll band played in East Berlin.
Chico and The Tigers became a sensational attraction, touring across Europe in the following years. Between 1963 and 1971, Chico also played with the "Eddy Kazassian Showband." During a tour stop in Helsinki in 1970, Chico met his lifelong love, and they are still married to this day. Since 1973 the guitar has remained untouched in its original case.
› Chico Schnelzer with his Gibson 'Les Paul' in Västerås during the late 1950s.
› Chico Schnelzer together with the auction's Gibson "Les Paul" at various concert occasions.
We are pleased to present another gem in the world of music – a 1962 Gibson Les Paul Custom, Ebony Block. The guitar's ebony block makes it a rare musical treasure, with likely only 20 to 25 examples ever manufactured. It is constructed with a mahogany neck and body, complete with an elegant and unique ebony fretboard. The tuning pegs are gold-plated, and the bridge and tremolo arm are still in their original condition with gold plating. The guitar was purchased in the late 1960s and has remained untouched since 1975, making it a unique model for collectors and enthusiasts.
The themed auction also includes a Fender "Esquier," the American brand's first variant of an electric guitar ever. With a maple neck, ash body, and rosewood fretboard, this craftsmanship dates back to 1962. The classic design is in perfect condition and carries the legacy of an era that defined rock 'n' roll. The guitar was purchased in the 1980s from a music store in Buffalo, USA, and has not been played in the past 40 years.
Among the photographs are several works by Torbjörn Calvero (1949–2016), one of Sweden's most prominent rock photographers. Calvero has documented an impressive array of rock icons over the years, including ABBA, David Bowie, Patti Smith, Emmylou Harris, Lou Reed, Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. In the auction, his captured moments from the Rolling Stones concert at the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm on April 3, 1966, and from Led Zeppelin's concert at Earl's Court in London on May 23, 1975, can be found.
The American photographer Edward Finell (1956–) has, like Torbjörn Calvero, followed several of rock 'n' roll's most significant artists. We are proud to present some of his works, including a photograph of Bob Dylan and Rick Danko during the "Blood on the Tracks Tour" in Los Angeles on February 14, 1974.
› From left on stage: Brian Jones, Ian Stewart (pianist during the group's early years), Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, and Bill Wyman
Among the auction's vinyl records are some rare samples, including Johnny Cash's LP "With His Hot And Blue Guitar" from 1957, with the artist's signature on the front cover. The record comes from the collection of photographer Torbjörn Calvero, who also photographed Johnny Cash during his career. Another highlight is the signed LP "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen from 1975. This record not only achieved great commercial success but also reached third place on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart.
In addition to the vinyl records, the auction includes a range of interesting memorabilia, such as a jacket from the Jerry Lee Lewis fan club from the 1970s made of red satin and originating from Torbjörn Calvero. Furthermore, platinum record "2 Steps from Paradise" by Håkan Hellström from 2010 and gold record "Cruel Town" by Broder Daniel from 2004 are represented among the items.
The themed auction It's only Rock n´ Roll (But I like it) is online 28 mars – 7 april.
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Jonatan Jahn
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