In 1992 I joined more than 65,000 other rabid U2 fans at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin for an unforgettable 2-hour concert. I will never forget trying to scrape up enough money to purchase the bleacher seat that gave me an incredible view of Bono, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen, and The Edge. If I had enough money now I’d take part in an auction the famous guitarist is headlining.
Okay, he’s not actually performing at the auction, but The Edge (whose real name is David Evans) is donating his favorite instrument to aid a charity he co-founded to replace musical equipment lost or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
The Edge’s guitar will soon be going to the highest bidder—experts estimate that it will likely fetch between $60,000 to $80,000. (See I told you I couldn’t afford it.) In my opinion it’s worth every cent. According to The Edge, he’s logged thousands of hours of stage and studio time on the 1975 Gibson Les Paul. In addition, the instrument is the same one he has used on tour throughout his years with U2. (To think it may have been the one I saw him strum in Madison.)
“I wanted to give something really significant that would really mean a lot for me to give. It deserved something that I would miss,” The Edge told reporters during a recent interview.
The auction (aptly named The Icons of Music Auction) also features 196 other rock-related items, including a saxophone signed by former President Clinton, a guitar that belonged to Jimi Hendrix and an original Elvis Presley recording contract. The Edge’s bandmates also gave from the heart by donating some of their favorite personal items. According to the auction’s website, Adam Clayton donated a bass guitar, Larry Mullen gave a pair of tom-tom drums and Bono donated a pair of Emporio Armani sunglasses.
If you would like to place a bid on one of the legendary rockers’ personal items I would suggest visiting the auction’s website. Otherwise, an exhibit of auction items is set to travel from Los Angeles to Dublin, Ireland, and London before the sale ends April 21st with a blowout bash at Manhattan’s Hard Rock Cafe. (You can place a bid online or in person.)
The Irish rocker said he felt compelled to lend a hand after hurricanes Katrina and Rita so he created Music Rising in 2005 with record producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson chairman Henry Juszkiewicz. All proceeds from the auction will aid local music programs.
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