Aerosmith legend Steve Tyler auctions signed Guitar Hero axe for charity

 

You'd think that a bona-fide rocker like Aerosmith's Steve Tyler would feel some antipathy towards Guitar Hero, the video game in which players can mimic the guitar acrobatics of rock history's greatest musicians by pushing a few buttons...

Plastic axe to grind... The Tyler-
signed game controller

But, as well as bringing royalties and exposure to the Aerosmith camp, Guitar Hero has also offered Tyler (pictured top right) a chance to do his bit for charity. The singer and American Idol TV judge has donated a vintage vinyl and Guitar Hero electronic guitar, each bearing his signature, to charity.

Each will be sold via eBay as part of the Grammy Charity "Back To School" Auction. Both were signed by Tyler at the MusiCares MAP Fund Benefit Concert, and funds will benefit MusiCares and the Grammy Foundation.

The signed vinyl is a vintage copy of Aerosmith's 1977 album, Draw The Line, recorded in a rented abandoned convent in New York City where the band alleviated their boredom by doing drugs and shooting guns.

Of course, Tyler has mellowed a lot since then. As well as acting as a judge for the hit talent series American Idol, the singer - whose hits include Under The Bridge - is also no stranger to the collectibles markets.

Back in 2009, Tyler had his own auction at Julien's in the US, offering his stage-worn outfits, t-shirts, guitars, signed photos and "even my skivvies" alongside autographed memorabilia from other rock luminaries including Sir Paul McCartney.

Tyler's own memorabilia offered some bargains for fans, including a celestial t-shirt once worn by the singer which sold for $1,120. Devoted fans and collectors placed their bids at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, New York City.


Also for sale is this signed vinyl copy of Aerosmith's 1977 album,
Draw The Line


Meanwhile, Aerosmith are currently holed-up in a studio with veteran producer Jack Douglas, the impresario behind the group's previous classic albums including 1974's Get Your Wings and 1975's Toys In The Attic.

Remarkably, Aerosmith's new album, their fourteenth, will be the group's first new set of material since 2001. The album is sure to have plenty of marketing clout behind it, and will probably expose the band to a new generation of fans.

Considering that Aerosmith's music has influenced everyone from Metallica to Nirvana, an extra kick to the band's impressive legacy means their collectibles may be worth your attention in the future - and the fan who bought Tyler's $1,120 celestial t-shirt in 2009 could have a profit on their hands.

 

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