Appeal to bring piece of 2-Tone history back to Coventry Music Museum
ORIGINAL HANDWRITTEN LYRICS ARE SET TO BE AUCTIONED OFF THIS WEEK
A GOFUNDME appeal has been launched to bring back original handwritten lyrics to Coventry Music Museum. Written by The Specials musician Jerry Dammers, they are the lyrics for the song Gangsters.
The handwritten lyrics are from 1979 and were written in black ink on a piece of paper affixed to a blank postcard, with some red ballpoint annotations. However, the relic is being auctioned off in London on May 24 with bids between £800£1,000.
The lyrics hold a historic significance to Coventry as they were part of The Specials’ debut album. It was released in October 1979, with Gangsters being the band’s first single release in May 1979.
So far, the page has raised £85 of its £1,000 goal. Writing on the Gofundme page, organiser Jonathan Hunter said: “We recently visited the Coventry Music Museum and enjoyed the history of the music held within. The guys showing us around were awesome and knew their stuff, (they’ve lived and breathed it all their lives I expect) as well as some family members of some of the artists that put time into the museum regularly.
He added: “Anyway the reason for this Go Fund Me is this. I, being a nosey git, followed a link to the Bonhams music and movie memorabilia auction to be held in a few days’ time and was browsing through the lots gulping at the prices, but in awe of the kind of collectible items available, when hidden amongst some of the gems I spot a lot for some handwritten lyrics for a Specials song, Gangsters.
“For those that don’t know, this is the first single released by the Specials in 1979, that rocketed them to fame. Handwritten lyrics by Jerry Dammers. It estimated at £800-£1000 - I emailed the museum to see if it was something they would like in the collection, only a short answer came back. ‘Many thanks, but it’s beyond our means. Regards Pete.’
“I wish I had the monies available or I would have been on this to donate it to the museum to put it somewhere it belongs for all to see. Not on some private collector’s wall or at worst a drawer! Anyway, if anyone should feel generous enough and with an interest in this subject as the auction is on the 24th May 2023 in Knightsbridge.” “Share share share and maybe we’ll hit someone with a soft spot!”
To help raise funds to bring back a piece of Coventry history, you can donate via the Gofundme page.
If anyone should feel generous enough and with an interest in this subject as the auction is on the 24th May 2023 in Knightsbridge