DUBLIN.- Whyte’s will make history this month on Sunday 24 March with Ireland’s first ever dedicated Pop & Rock Memorabilia auction. This sale will not only celebrate Ireland’s rich music heritage but also international stars. From The Beatles to Buddy Holly, The Rolling Stones to Rory Gallagher this sale has something for every taste and every generation. It is guaranteed to be an exciting event and the lots on offer will have music fans everywhere “All Shook Up” and “Dancing In The Street” !

THE BIRTH OF ROCK AND ROLL – PRICE €50,000+ !
On 5 July 1954 a young and unknown Elvis Presley walked into the offices of Sun Records and the Memphis Recording Service in Memphis, Tennessee, owned by Sam Phillips. Here he sang a fast version of ‘That’s All Right (Mama)’ by Arthur Crudup which Philips recorded on an acetate record and sent to a local radio station disc jockey who agreed to play it. For the very first time Elvis had hit the airwaves and the station was inundated with phone calls and reportedly had to play it over 14 times during the course of the show. Presley had started on the road to fame and the rest is music history. Now this historic and unique original acetate recording is being sold in Dublin at Whyte’s (lot 62, estimate €50,000-€70,000). It is one of the most important foundation stones of Rock and Roll and is sure to garner international attention. The sale also includes other important and scarce pieces of Elvis memorabilia including a watch gifted by Elvis to his manager Colonel Parker (lot 88, estimate €8,000-€10,000), one of Presley’s famous “Taking Care of Business” pendants gifted only to those in his close circle (lot 85, estimate €5,000-€7,000) and a customised Mathey-Tissot watch which Elvis gifted to family and friends and gave them a privileged level of access to Presley, his concerts and tours.

BEATLEMANIA RETURNS TO DUBLIN
This November marks the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles only appearance in Dublin at the Adelphi Cinema and lot 8 (estimate €3,000-€5,000) is a scarce set of autographs directly relating to that trip. Signed on the back of an Aer Lingus 'Golden Shamrock Service' dinner menu they were acquired directly from the band by a crew member who worked on the Dublin to London route. The auction also boasts a large number of other items relating to the world’s most famous band. Lot 12 (estimate €200-€300) is a ticket for The Beatles concert at Cleveland Stadium on Sunday 14 August 1966. Part of their final U.S. tour the concert had to be suspended for 30 minutes when 2,500 fans crashed through a security fence and the band was forced to flee from the stage. Lot 11 (estimate €500-700) is a colourful 1965 American cinema poster promoting the release of the movie Help!, while other interesting sets of autographs, posters, tickets, concert programmes and memorabilia complete The Fab Four’s section in the sale.

THE ROLLING STONES
Last year The Rolling Stones marked the amazing achievement of 50 years performing. The band are still as popular as they have ever been and a number of lots in this auction are sure to attract the attention of fans of the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.” Lot 124 is an impressive Fender Stratocaster Squier guitar (estimate €3,000-€5,000) signed by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood and Mick Taylor. Lot 125 (estimate €300-€500) shows an interesting Irish connection to the band’s early years. A complete set of autographs, it was acquired at their 1965 Dublin performance in the Adelphi Cinema and is accompanied by the corresponding concert ticket. Other items relating to the band include an early autographed photograph (lot 130 €800-€1000) and autographed ‘No. 2’ album sleeve (lot 129 €1,000-€1,500)

IRISH TALENT ON SHOW
Aside from Elvis, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones there is a great selection of memorabilia relating to all genres at this sale and Irish talent is of course well represented. U2 fans will have the opportunity to acquire original platinum presentation discs (lot 155 and 157) or even an original copy of their first press mention in March 1978 which is accompanied by a signed photo (lot 151, €500-700). Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy items include autographs, concert tickets, original photographs (lots 142-149), a scarce set of Van Morrison handwritten lyrics is offered as lot 160 (estimate €1,500-€2,000) while desirable items relating to Rory Gallagher, Christy Moore, Clannad and The Corrs are also included.

MARILYN MONROE TO IMELDA MAY
A scarce Marilyn Monroe signature on a legal agreement (lot 114) is expected to make in excess of €1,000, Dusty Springfield autographed album (lot 60) is valued at only €60 to €80 but will surely get more, and a set of rare photographs of Sinéad O’Connor are estimated at €100 to €150. A chair designed by Stephen Colgan for Imelda May (lot 188) and signed by the hugely successful Dublin singer is offered on behalf of the Irish Parkinson’s Disease charity, estimate €800 to €1,000. Other customised chairs are signed by Nick Seymour, James Morrisey, Michael Flatley and Daniel O’Donnell to raise much needed funds for this worthy cause.