Punk Goes Pop Culture

In a move that might just make Sid Vicious roll over in his grave, Christie’s Auction house in New York City is gearing up to host its first punk-themed auction Nov. 24.

The sale will feature more than 120 records, memorabilia, photos and promotional items from bands including Sex Pistols, The Clash, Velvet Underground, Patti Smith, The Ramones and Blondie.

Select offerings include a complete press kit signed during the Pistols’ 1977-78 U.S. tour, likely to bring in $5,000 to $6,000, a 1976 poster for the Ramones appearing at Roundhouse that could fetch upwards of $2,000 and a signed Mick Rock photographic print of Lou Reed that could go for more than $2,000.

“This type of memorabilia has no investment potential,” Christie’s pop-culture chief Simeon Lipman told Reuters. “It’s the nostalgia that drives these sales.”

Most items in the punk lot are expected to sell in the $300 to $6,000 range.

Other high-priced rock items will also be available during the auction, including a bass guitar played by Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain and a Vox Continental portable organ used by John Lennon at the Beatles’ historic Shea Stadium concert.