Julien’s Auctions, the world’s premier entertainment auction house, is proud to announce the December 4th and 5th auction of Property from The Collection of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach. The once-in-a-lifetime collection curated by Ringo and Barbara, features items from their London estate, Beverly Hills and Monaco residences. The couple, who met in 1980 on the movie set of Caveman, when Ringo first met the beautiful actress and former Bond girl Barbara, married in 1981 and have enjoyed an enduring love since. Comprised of musical instruments including drums and guitars, career memorabilia from the Beatles era and Ringo’s solo career including his All-Starr Band, fine antiques, custom-made eclectic furnishings, fine art and personal items, this auction will be a unique and historic event.
The auction of The Property From The Collection of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach includes the most important drum kit to ever hit the auction block. Among the seven of Starr’s personal drum kits in the auction is the iconic musician’s first 1963 Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl three-piece drum kit. The kit was used by Starr in more than 200 performances between May of 1963 and February of 1964 and used to record some of The Beatles biggest hits including: “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “She Loves You,” “All My Loving,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Money,” and “I Wanna Be Your Man,” and many others. Paul McCartney also used the Oyster Black Pearl kit on his first solo album, McCartney. This specific drum kit has not been seen in public for more than 50 years (Est. $300,000 – $500,000).
“I am not sure I can find the right words to describe how remarkable this auction is,” said Darren Julien, Founder & CEO of Julien’s Auctions. “To be able to say you are representing such music royalty as that of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach is not only an honor but one of the greatest privileges of my life and professional career.
Beyond the Beatles and his solo music career, Starr also made his way into film and appeared in over 25 productions which included children’s programming, comedy and dramas. Included in the auction are Starr’s personal scripts from the film Help! (Titled Beatles Two at the time) (Estimate: $2,000-$4,000) and a script from the made for television movie Ringo (Estimate $1,000-$2,000).
Stage worn and personal clothing from the wardrobes of both Barbara Bach and Ringo Starr are also among the many highlights and include Bach’s wardrobe pieces from famed designers: Zandra Rhodes, Stella McCartney, Prada, Libertine, Issey Miyake, Elizabeth Emmanuel and a spectacular Warhol inspired Versace suit. A gown of the same Warhol-inspired print silk can be seen in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Starr’s personal and stage worn clothing by designers Richard Tyler, Dusenbery, Armani, Gucci, John Varvatos and Nigel Curtiss and tour jackets personalized for both Bach and Starr are also included. The tuxedo worn by Ringo when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the Beatles is included as well as the gown that Barbara wore that same night. (Estimates: Various).
The musical instruments, personal memorabilia, souvenirs, photographs, furniture, wardrobe and other items offered in this sale will undoubtedly be the subject of one of the most historical auctions to take place in decades.
Portions of the auction proceeds of the Property from the Life and Careers of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach will benefit The Lotus Foundation U.S., a charity founded by Starr and Bach. The Lotus Foundation is an organization which assists with a wide range of worthy causes around the world, focusing primarily on family and child welfare, women’s issues, addiction recovery and education. The Lotus Foundation is based in the United States and London. (www.lotusfoundation.com)
