The collectibles markets for music memorabilia are traditionally dominated by stalwarts like Elvis, Madonna and The Beatles...
But this hasn't stopped the cream of the current pop crop doing their bit to help CharityBuzz. Country star Taylor Swift (pictured top right), Katy Perry and Coldplay are each auctioning memorabilia to help tackle global hunger. Online bids will close on November 30.
Taylor Swift memorabilia in the sale includes a particularly eye-catching 6-string Baby Taylor acoustic guitar (TTSBTXXXX model) marked with her signature and some exclusive designs daubed in felt tip.
Country star Taylor Swift |
The guitar is modelled as "perfect for beginners" with a classic dreadnought style that is a bit smaller and easier to handle for first-timers. Although, given that its value is estimated at $2,500, the guitar's new owner might want to keep it away from newbies...
Also up for sale is a pink satin tour jacket signed by a US star who is celebrated as much for her outsized behaviour and outrageous fashion as her music.
This jacket is from Katy Perry's 2011 California Dreams tour, and has been vividly autographed by the "I Kissed A Girl" and "Teenage Dream" singer. Having attracted 15 bids so far (at the time or writing) this jacket is estimated at $500.
It's great to see today's pop stars getting involved in the collectibles markets - and see Taylor Swift memorabilia sell in aid of a good cause.
However, if you're looking for a bankable collectible with potential future value then you're better of hunting for memorabilia linked to pop stars whose future legacies are assured.
Like the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, who is battling a new generation of pop competition from the likes of Lady Gaga and others. In fact, Madonna's 2008 "Sticky & Sweet" tour remains the highest-grossing tour ever by a solo artist.
Thanks to the mammoth scale of Madonna's shows, her concert collectibles are among the most desirable out there - and the most valued on today's markets.
Examples we've handled at Paul Fraser Collectibles include this basque worn by Madonna during her legendary The Girlie Show World Tour in 1993. It is currently for sale priced at £15,000.
Meanwhile, other coveted items in CharityBuzz's sale include a keyboard stool signed by each of the four members of stadium-filling rock band Coldplay. Like the Katy Perry jacket, the stool is also estimated at $500.
CharityBuzz has made a wise choice including Coldplay memorabilia in its sale.
Former auction successes for the band include the sale of a jacket worn by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin during the group's blockbuster 2009 Viva La Vida tour.
The jacket sold for $23,040 at an auction held by Julien's in Macau, Asia's gambling mecca - and actually outsold an acoustic guitar signed by Elvis Presley. Elvis's guitar brought $20,480 in the same sale.
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Contemporary pop collectibles are proving especially popular among Asia's collectors - many of whom will likely take part in CharityBuzz's sale.
All proceeds from CharityBuzz's Taylor Swift memorabilia sale will go towards the annual Hungerthon auction organised by the WhyHunger foundation. The foundation raises money to provide food for impoverished families around the world.