This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2024
Chuck Berry Signed Epiphone Guitar.
Chuck Berry has signed this Epiphone Guitar in a gold sharpie, adding his signature smiley face drawing.
The story of how the guitar was signed is as follows, per our consignor: “Chuck Berry was one of my least favorite people. I loved his music and appreciated him as one of the founders of Rock and Roll, but he was difficult to get along with. When Chuck went on tour, he didn’t take a band with him. To save money, he would get local musicians to be his backup band. One of my good friends was in his backup band anytime he played within a distance close enough to drive to within about a 500 mile area. Chuck was playing locally and I asked my friend if he could get a guitar signed for me. He told me he would put me on the list to get into the show and get me backstage passes. It was a very embarrassing and humiliating experience (which I understand was similar to the experience anyone getting his signature went through.) I asked Chuck a few times if he would please sign the guitar and he disappeared. I was so frustrated, I finally asked my friend if he would ask him. I was in the dressing room with my friend when Chuck walked in. My friend grabbed the guitar and a Sharpie and stuck it in Chuck’s hands and he signed it. Chuck was not a friendly or nice guy. I was happy to get away from him - but the signed guitar is really nice.”
Provenance: From the collection of a former Music Executive. Lots 76 to 100 and Lots 499 to 803 in this auction are consigned by one vendor, who worked with and met various artists from 1985-1992. All the items were personally obtained by the vendor. This is the best in-person collection we have ever handled as an auction company.
Good condition.
Authentication: Roger Epperson (REAL) Letter of Authenticity and a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.