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Permalink Reply by Jimbo on February 28, 2022 at 4:32am

Very nice genuine signature. 

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Permalink Reply by Jimbo on February 28, 2022 at 4:35am

Did the collection come from a Swiss seller? 

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Permalink Reply by a pug called eva on February 28, 2022 at 4:37am

Yes. The autograph above was obtained after Queen played in Zurich on 30 April 1978. I'll write more in due course.

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Permalink Reply by Jimbo on February 28, 2022 at 4:39am

Intriguing :).  Look forward to the narrative. 

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Permalink Reply by Forgers Sump on February 28, 2022 at 7:00am

Wow...!  Congrats!!

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Permalink Reply by a pug called eva on February 28, 2022 at 10:37pm

Here is the narrative...

The archive (I prefer that word to collection for reasons that should become clear) was built up by a very devoted Swiss Queen fan. He was a member of the international fan club for a number of years and attended Queen's Swiss concerts in 1977 (Basel), 1978 (Zurich) and 1979 (Zurich). Aside from autographs, the archive includes fan club material from the mid 70s to the early 80s; concert programmes and posters for the above Swiss concerts; magazine posters; magazine and newspaper clippings; and four early vinyl bootlegs. The package I received weighed an impressive 8.7 kg.

All but one of the autographs in the archive were obtained at a "party" after the 1978 concert. I use inverted commas as it was apparently a very subdued affair with heavy bodyguard presence. Around five fan club members were invited to attend the event at the 5-star Hotel Atlantis, where Queen were staying. I don't know how the fans were selected but "my" fan certainly took full advantage from an autograph-gathering perspective. He got a number of plain cards and posters signed and was apparently ejected for a while for being a bit too persistent. Roger Taylor brought him back in on his way back from the WC! The event went on past midnight as is evidenced by this card signed by Brian May in the early hours of 1 May:

I'd be interested to know if this kind of fan club attendance at post-gig "parties" was normal in those days, at least for Queen. I cannot imagine it happening today, where ridiculous sums are asked for "one selfie only" or "one question only" meet and greets. The most bizarre one I remember seeing was a meet and greet with some "rock star's" boots! I think they were asking about $500 for the privilege.

I will try to post at least one autograph or set of autographs a day over the next few days. 

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Permalink Reply by Innuendo on February 28, 2022 at 10:48pm

Not unheard of, but not all that common, either. More common was the band using the fc to recruit fans for music video sets like We Are The Champions and Radio GaGa. Fans would go and of course the band would sign anything and just about everything they asked. A few paper suits from the Gaga video fully signed are in circulation from time to time. 

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Permalink Reply by Stepeanut on February 28, 2022 at 11:08pm

I can’t speak for Queen — never was a fan — but I was invited backstage at several David Bowie gigs over the years.  It was not the norm, but it would happen on occasion, for select fans who were known to David and his crew.

When Bowie played a small, invite-only promotional gig at the HQ Club, Dublin, in October 1999, several of us attended the aftershow party in the basement bar.  David signed his personal copy of the setlist for me; unfortunately, that one was destroyed in flood waters, in 2005.  However, I do still have my laminate from that night:

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 1, 2022 at 12:21am

I remember the loss of so many fine Bowie's in that flood. :(

Backstage. I was invited backstage by Marilyn Manson who was sitting next to me at a Radiohead concert at the newly refurbished Hammerstein Ballroom. Like a dope I said no.

I did get invited to observe a Radiohead gig from the lighting booth, which had more smoke in it than was on stage. That is the night I got Thom Yorke's autograph.

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Permalink Reply by Jimbo on March 1, 2022 at 12:52am

Sounds like you got a brilliant haul there Eva.  Well done.  I’ve bought a couple of Queen collections in the past but I must have been looking in the wrong place to miss this one :).

Queen often did mini parties mid tour but usually it was when they had the following day off.

I met May and Taylor backstage at separate solo gigs.  I didn’t ask them for autographs or even a photograph as just appreciated being there chatting with them.  

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Permalink Reply by Forgers Sump on March 1, 2022 at 1:32am

Same here, Jimbo --about the "wrong places". I think I'm not knocking on the correct doors, Lol!! Anyway, I'm glad for Pug called Eva, honestly. Congratulations!! :)

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Permalink Reply by Jimbo on March 1, 2022 at 1:37am

A dash of seething jealousy, a pinch of green envy but a general feeling of excitement that a little trove will see the light of day are the emotions at the moment :) :). 

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