I first heard Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” at nine-years-old, and my mind was blown by what at the time was the scariest, heaviest and most aggressive song that had ever wrapped its tentacles around my young brain. Sure, my uncle – ten years my senior and into the most aggressive music to be found in punk and metal’s dingy underground – had exposed me to Slayer, Kreator and Obituary by this time, but the opening track from Metallica’s monstrous “Black Album” was the first heavy song I’d discovered on my own. Though it sold millions, it felt like it was mine. Though he’d since moved on from Metallica to the dangerous depths of death and black metal, I was just getting started.
Fast-forward thirty years, and you can imagine my excitement at the prospect of auctioning memorabilia from the band that started it all for me. Well, fellow fans of heavy metal and hard rock, check out these pieces offered in our April 16th Music Memorabilia auction:
Metallica “Robot God” Head Prop from the “Spit Out the Bone” Music Video (2016)
Comprised of a Styrofoam head painted black with attached twine dreadlocks and a face constructed from a skull-themed tactical mask, this ominous creation was used as the menacing “Robot God” in Metallica’s 2016 music video for “Spit Out the Bone.” Directed by Phil Mucci, the video is a bleak epic of transhumanism, centered around a post-apocalyptic future in which the last remnants of humanity attempt to fight the mechanized ruling class. Included with the prop is a signed LOA from director Phil Mucci stating the sinister head is indeed the one used in the music video. “Spit Out the Bone,” the fifth single from the LP Hardwired… to Self-Destruct, is a fan-favorite from the band’s modern era. The song is a sprawling, venomous example of thrash from the masters, and has been referred to by lead guitarist Kirk Hammett as the album’s “Mount Everest.” Head measures 11″ x 7″, hair measures approximately 40″. In Fine condition, exhibiting minor handling wear. LOA from Phil Mucci. COA from Heritage Auctions.
Metallica Kill ‘Em All 60″ Square Painting Made and Signed by George Mead.
A large original painting that features an amazing replication of the Bay Area thrash legends’ debut LP made on acrylic on PVC with vinyl. Made by artist George Mead (who signed on the verso in black ink). Measures 60″ square. Has backing attached on verso for displaying. In Very Good Plus condition with minor wear, smudges, and pin holes on the verso. COA from Heritage Auctions.
Metallica . . . And Justice for All 60″ Square Painting Made and Signed by George Mead.
A large original painting that features a flawless replication of Metallica’s fourth LP made on acrylic on PVC with vinyl. Made by artist George Mead (who signed on the verso in black ink). Measures 60″ square. Has backing attached on verso for displaying. In Very Good Plus condition with wear, smudges, and pin holes on the verso. COA from Heritage Auctions.
Not to be outdone, our Vintage Guitars & Musical Instruments department is offering this incredible guitar owned and signed by Metallica lead guitarist Kirk Hammett in their April 3rd auction!
Metallica – Kirk Hammett Owned and Signed 1988 Gibson Flying V Black Solid Body Electric Guitar.
Kirk Hammett was known for playing Flying V’s in his early days of Metallica, as well as his time in Exodus — and this is one of them. An all-original Gibson Flying V from 1988 with modest playwear. This is a staple guitar from the early days of thrash metal. No changes or repairs. Kirk Hammett signed his full name is signed in silver ink. His later signatures tend to be just KH. Gibson later issued a KH special edition Flying V based on this model. Accompanied by a framed Certificate of Authenticity that is also signed by Hammett. Also included with this guitar is Too Much Horror Business-The Kirk Hammett Collection. Original hard case included. Condition: Very Good.
Alright you metal maniacs, Ride the Lightning on over to these auctions and outbid ‘em all!