Rare Radiohead demo tape sells for $3,178 with Omega Auctions

A rare and early demo tape by Radiohead has sold with a 33% increase on estimate as part of Omega Auctions' September 13-14 Music Memorabilia and Rare & Collectable Vinyl auction in Stockport, UK.

Radiohead demo tape On A Friday
Radiohead are beginning to show potential as a collectible band of the future



The tape, which is apparently the only copy known to exist, features nine tracks recorded by the band in 1986. It sold for £2,000 ($3,178), comfortably rising past its £1,500 high estimate thanks to an eager US collector.

Six of the nine songs have never been heard on any official Radiohead release, making this an extremely exciting opportunity for fans of the band. They include: Fragile Friend, Girl (In the Purple Dress), Everybody Knows, Mountains (On the Move), Lemming Trail and Lock the Door.

Remixes of the tracks Fragile Friend, Lemming Trail and Lock the Door complete the track list. Some of these have since been leaked online.

Omega Auctions' Paul Fairweather explained the tape's provenance: "It has come directly from an old friend of the band who was at school with them at Abingdon School. We have copies of his school yearbook from 85/86 showing him and all four members of the band."

A highly-respected and long serving band, Radiohead are beginning to show collectible potential. In July, an original artwork by lead singer Thom York sold for £5,000 ($7,532) at Bonhams.

See the fantastic range of rare music memorabilia for sale at Paul Fraser Collectibles.

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