by Brooke Kennedy
In the very birthplace of the Ramones, longtime fans and collectors alike gathered for a one-of-a-kind exhibition honoring the punk rock legends.
On June 15th, RR Auction’s vice president Bobby Livingston took a trip to New York City for an exclusive Ramones exhibition at Metropolis Vintage prior to the Marvels of Modern Music auction. Rehearsal-used pieces like Johnny Ramone’s blue Mosrite guitar and stage-worn items like Joey Ramone’s stage-worn leather jacket were on display for fans to get an up-close look at the artifacts that defined their extensive career.
“The Ramones were the pioneers, they were the Johnny Appleseeds of punk rock,” Livingston told WBZ, “If you went and saw the Ramones, you saw this jacket on Dee Dee or on the other bass player CJ.”
The jacket Livingston is referring to is a stage-worn jacket originally worn by Dee Dee Ramone for several years before exiting the band in 1989 – leaving the jacket behind in the band’s wardrobe case. After CJ Ramone was hired as Ramones’ new bassist, he was issued Dee Dee’s jacket by Johnny Ramone – creating powerful riffs and touring the continents in it until the band’s final show in 1996. This jacket – among other lots – comes straight from the treasure trove of longtime fan and friend of the Ramones, Andrew D Gore.
Gore’s endless collection is filled with rarities that you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere but RR Auction. A hand-painted stage backdrop from the Ramones Adios Amigos farewell tour is just one of several items that you can find in the punk rock archives of Andy Gore. Ramones art director Arturo Vega painted this simple brick backdrop with vibrant red lettering as a surprise reveal for audiences worldwide – making it the final goodbye for their last farewell shows. See if you can spot Johnny Ramone’s signature hidden in the red lettering!
Attendees were also treated to Gore’s presentation of his latest work from his newfound passion. A t-shirt printer turned stained glass artist, Gore has been inspired to honor his favorite moments of punk rock history through his new project – the Church of Punk Rock. His latest project boasts artwork honoring motifs that define the energetic and unique personalities of bands like Nirvana and The Clash.
Adding their own unique stories to the mix were secret special guests Danny Fields and Monte Melnick. Fields first discovered the Ramones in 1975 at New York City’s CBGB music club, launching them to stardom as their manager. Melnick – the Ramones tour manager – shared some more tales from his times on the road with the band back in the day.
Prince also made a special appearance with items that call back to his beginnings as an artist and his iconic eras. His 1976 demo tape, a black album acetate pressing, and purple rain tour lace glove are all expected to go for tens of thousands of dollars.
“People emotionally connect to these items and they put value on them,” said Livingston, “not just money, but memories.”
All of these pieces are currently available in RR Auction’s Marvels of Modern Music auction closing June 22nd, 2023, so don’t miss out on your chance to own a piece from the punk rock pioneers! And if you think you’ve got a historical rock n’ roll rarity – consider giving us a call at 800-937-3880 or hit the consign button down below to fill out our form! Our next Marvels of Modern Music auction is November, and we’d like to see you in the lineup. You can also register for our upcoming July auctions – our Fine Autographs and Artifacts Featuring Revolutionary War auction and our Olympic Memorabilia auction.
We’re seeking music consignments!
Find out what RR Auction can offer you.
