EMI Artist Auction Raises Nearly $1m For Japan
Items from the likes of Clapton, Maiden and U2 sell for big bucks
An auction of exclusive personal items and memorabilia donated by EMI's family of artists and songwriters has raised $940,000 in funds to help the Red Cross support people affected by last month's earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The charity auction, which launched on eBay's worldwide sites on 5 April, attracted bids totaling $470,000 from music fans around the world. All the money from winning bidders will be doubled through a donation by EMI.
Much sought-after items sold at the auction also included a Steinway grand piano used by artists including Bono and Eric Clapton ($14,878), a jacket worn by Chris Martin onstage during Coldplay's Viva La Vida world tour ($14,060), a private dinner with Herbert Grönemeyer ($10,792), signed copies of David Bowie's entire catalogue ($10,138), handwritten lyrics by Brian Wilson to 'God Only Knows' and a platinum album for the Beach Boys' 'Pet Sounds' ($7,643), a day on tour with Simple Minds ($6,891), an original handmade "ZERO" shirt worn by the Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan ($6,744), an original painting from Iron Maiden ($6,466), a cupcake trampoline used onstage on Katy Perry's current 'California Dreams' tour ($5,075), and a signed guitar offered by Japanese musician Miyavi ($8,992).