A remarkable collection of some of the world's rarest vinyl records has achieved record-breaking prices at an auction in Wiltshire. The highly anticipated sale, held last Friday at Wessex Auction Rooms, featured items from the personal collection of the late Tony Calder, a prominent figure in the UK music scene known for his work with legendary artists including The Beatles and Rod Stewart.
Among the standout items was a 1968 copy of Billy Nicholls' album 'Would You Believe', which sold for an unprecedented £8,060. This figure represents the highest recorded price ever paid for a copy of the album, underscoring its rarity and desirability among collectors. Similarly, an unplayed copy of The Who's 1967 album 'The Who Sell Out', complete with its original poster, fetched a record £1,984, setting a new benchmark for that particular release.
The auction also saw significant interest in a 1971 promotional pack for The Rolling Stones' iconic album 'Sticky Fingers', which commanded a price of £4,464. Another notable sale was a seven-inch single for The Fleur De Lys' track 'Circles', which achieved a record-breaking £868. These sales highlight the enduring appeal and increasing value of scarce musical artefacts.
The collection was amassed during Tony Calder's tenure at Immediate Records, an independent music label he co-founded. Although the label itself faced financial difficulties and was relatively short-lived, it was instrumental in launching the careers of several significant artists. Calder, who passed away in 2018, is also credited with playing a crucial role in The Beatles' early success and later collaborated with acts such as Fleetwood Mac, PP Arnold, and the Small Faces.
Auctioneer director Martin Hughes expressed his honour at handling such a prestigious collection, acknowledging Calder's profound influence on the British music industry. Hughes, a vinyl specialist, had eagerly seized the opportunity to curate the rare items, recognising their historical significance and appeal to dedicated music enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.