A Genesis superfan is parting with a hat autographed by members of the pioneering progressive rock band more than 40 years ago.
Between 1980 and 1982 – when the band was at its commercial peak – the vendor went to 13 concerts with his trusty khaki hat. Along the way he obtained the signatures of drummer/singer Phil Collins, bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford, guitarist Daryl Stuermer, keyboardist Tony Banks and drummer Chester Thompson.
He vendor said: “It was my concert hat. Phil Collins actually referred to my hat when he was being interviewed for Genesis: A History (Video 1991). He said, ‘A guy with a hat, a fishing hat, would say sign this’. I always had that hat on, hence I knew Phil was talking about me. I used to ask him to sign various items, some of which I still own.”
The seller was such a big fan he ending up working with Genesis on tour and spent many hours tracking down the band’s stars to complete his set of signatures.
He said: I worked with the merchandise team at some concerts, which helped me to gain the autographs.”
The atmosphere of those heady days are captured in 21 concert photos included in the lot. They show the band on stage and backstage, fans and the tour manager.
Demand for music memorabilia moves with the times and many people, perhaps now in their 50s or 60s, will look back at Genesis with great fondness – and nostalgia fuels demand. It’s estimated the band, which formed at Charterhouse School, Godalming, Surrey, in 1967, sold between 100 and 150 million albums worldwide.
If you’re a Genesis fan, the hat is lot 16 in Hansons’ March 6 Music and Film Memorabilia Auction, estimate £300-£400. Catalogue: www.hansonslive.co.uk. To arrange a music/film valuation, email Claire Howell: [email protected]
