Island Records is partnering with Omega Auctions with an exclusive charity sale, “One Love COVID-19 Relief Auction.” Image: courtesy of Island Records via AFP Relaxnews
The British-Jamaican label has announced its own charity initiative, “One Love COVID-19 Relief Auction,” whose proceeds will benefit NHS Charities Together and Feeding America.
The auction will take place online from 6 p.m. British Summer Time on May 21 via Omega Auctions and Island’s YouTube channel, with award-winning actor and playwright Billy Porter on hosting duties.
“One Love COVID-19 Relief Auction” will feature memorabilia donated by veteran and new artists signed to Island Records, as well as by “friends of the label.”
Among them are a pair of Jonathan Kelsey stilettos from the personal collection of Amy Winehouse, a guitar signed by Shawn Mendes, handwritten lyrics by Annie Lennox for The Eurythmics’ 1983 classic “Sweet Dreams,” and a rare Mr. Brainwash/Bob Marley print signed by Ziggy Marley.
Also up for grabs is a box set of U2’s “The Joshua Tree” signed by the band’s members Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr., which will be accompanied by handwritten lyrics for their 1987 hit “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking for.”
Meanwhile, the winner of the complete back catalog of the late Nick Drake will receive a card penned by his sister Gabrielle.
“One Love COVID-19 Relief Auction” will also include experiential lots, such as tickets to see Grace Jones headline Meltdown Festival in 2021 and a virtual one-on-one banjo lesson with Winston Marshall of Mumford & Sons.
Portishead’s Adrian Utley is auctioning online guitar and synth classes, while Dermot Kennedy and Jamie Cullum are offering fans a chance to enjoy private virtual concerts from their respective homes.
Additionally, Island Records founder Chris Blackwell is donating a three-night stay at his five-star hotel, Strawberry Hill, in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.
Potential buyers must register in advance with Island’s partner Omega Auctions to bid on the lots, which are currently able to view via an online catalog. CL /ra
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