AXS TV puts the spotlight on an eclectic array of passionate collectors and the incredible music items they hold dear in the all-new music memorabilia series Rock My Collection—premiering Sunday, August 15 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Rock My Collection is produced by Critical Content, with executive producers Jenny Daly, Tom Forman, R. Greg Johnston, Ahmet Zappa and Matt Pickel.
Hosted by Ahmet Zappa—the best-selling author, producer, musician, and head of the iconic Frank Zappa Estate—Rock My Collection is a celebration of some of the world’s most legendary music artifacts connected to an impressive roster of industry trailblazers. Collectors are invited into the studio each week, joining both in-person and zooming in from their private collection spaces, to showcase their prized memorabilia, share their personal acquisition stories, learn more about the history behind each piece, and ultimately find out its potential value. Ranging from weird and rare to deeply personal and possibly even priceless, the series highlights notable items including a copy of Yoko Ono’s book, Grapefruit, signed by Ono and John Lennon on the day he died; Stevie Nicks’ stage-used microphone from Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours tour complete with remnants of her lipstick; Tom Petty’s scooter; an Italian roadmap signed by guitar great Jimi Hendrix; handwritten lyrics signed by late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton; a zombie suit from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video; a cymbal signed and played by Nirvana; Bob Marley’s first 45, released as “Bobby Martel;” Brian Wilson’s 1983 driver’s license; love letters written by Axl Rose; and a pair of Elvis Presley oddities that truly must be seen to be believed, among many others.
“Collecting memorabilia is often an emotional experience for fans and a way for them to connect with their musical heroes on a much greater level,” Zappa said. “Some of the collector’s priceless pieces on the show are truly moments of rock and roll history that you can hold in your hand, they have the power to teleport appreciators back in time with an all access pass, right into the lives and careers of some of the worlds most legendary musicians. Each piece has a tale to tell, and I’m excited to be joining forces with AXS TV to discover how these rare items became part of their current owners collection and unearth the stories behind these rocking artifacts for everyone to enjoy.”
Joining Zappa on this entertaining musical odyssey is Stephen M.H. Braitman of MusicAppraisals.com, an accredited senior appraiser affiliated with the American Society of Appraisers, who specializes in music archives and memorabilia and has worked directly with many notable artists and estates. Using his encyclopedic knowledge and unparalleled expertise, Braitman delivers a unique perspective on the origins of each item and is on-hand to provide a detailed estimate.
After appraisal, collectors will have the opportunity to keep their items or put them up for auction. In addition, AXS TV has partnered with auction powerhouse Gotta Have Rock And Roll, a popular online auction house that specializes in music memorabilia, presenting an exciting interactive component that allows viewers to get in on the action and own a part of music history. Viewers may bid on select items by visiting AXS.TV/RockMyCollection with new auctions going live following each premiere episode.
“It’s a real privilege to be able to get up close and personal with these items, many of whom have played important roles in the legacies of some of music’s biggest names,” Braitman said. “It’s also great to share in the passion and excitement of these fellow music enthusiasts, and help give them a more complete picture of the items they possess. There are so many iconic pieces to show and stories to tell, and we look forward to sharing them with our viewers when Rock My Collection premieres on August 15.”
Rock My Collection also features all-access segments highlighting field trips to music landmarks and “instant memorabilia” signings where iconic musicians zoom into the studio to share their own collectible stories, and sign a personal item live on the show. Participants include shock rock pioneer Alice Cooper, beloved Heart founder Nancy Wilson, 4 Non Blondes founder Linda Perry, alt-rock hero Gavin Rossdale, metal guitarist and Korn co-founder James “Munkey” Shaffer, and rock renaissance man Todd Rundgren. Viewers will again be able to bid on these pieces via the Rock My Collection site, with proceeds from the celebrity items going to the National Independent Venues Foundation (NIVF), benefiting the invaluable small music venues and personnel who have been impacted by COVID. Additionally, field trip destinations include tours of the Grammy Museum, with a preview of their upcoming Dave Matthews exhibit; as well as Rockaway Records, home to a world-famous wall of rare Beatles memorabilia, the “cage” at Gotta Have Rock and Roll with items belonging to Prince, Michael Jackson, Drake, and more; and an exclusive look inside the Zappa Estate, honoring the enduring life and legacy of music mastermind and our host’s father Frank Zappa.
“Rock My Collection is an all-out celebration of music artifacts and the passionate collectors who love them. These storytellers provide a unique glimpse into the origins of these rare and unique pieces that represent unforgettable moments in music history,” said Sarah Weidman, Head of Original Programming, Development and Multi-Platform Content for AXS TV. “Ahmet and Stephen are true music lovers with extensive knowledge of music history and memorabilia. Their undeniable chemistry and personable charm adds a fresh and fun perspective. Additionally, AXS TV is excited to partner with Gotta Have Rock And Roll, to give viewers a chance to take some of these incredible pieces home to add to—or even start—collections of their own.”
About Critical Content
Critical Content is a leading global independent content studio. Launched in October of 2015, the company focuses on unscripted and scripted programming for broadcast, cable and digital platforms. Critical Content currently has more than 50 projects in production for more than 30 different networks. Recent series include “Catfish” (MTV), “Get Organized” (Netflix), “World’s Greatest Vacation Rentals” (Netflix), “Black Woman OWN the Conversation” (OWN), “Ginny & Georgia” (Netflix) “Very Cavallari” (E!) “Celebrity Game Face” (E!), “The Blended Bunch” (TLC), “Extreme Unboxing” (A&E), “The Great Food Truck Race” (Food Network), “Disney’s Fairytale Weddings” (Freeform), “Racing Wives” (CMT), HOME FREE (FOX), “American Spring Live” (PBS), “Portals To Hell” (Travel), “Hanging With The Hendersons” (Animal Plant), “StartUp” (Crackle, Amazon), and “Limitless” (CBS).
About AXS TV
AXS TV is a leading music, entertainment, and lifestyle television network and digital media company controlled by Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. AXS TV’s programming broadly appeals to a diverse and impassioned fanbase, offering eclectic content that includes concerts and music performances, celebrity interviews, documentaries, wrestling, MMA, special events, and pop culture series. The Network’s signature programs include Dan Rather’s “The Big Interview”, “Music’s Greatest Mysteries,” “The Top Ten Revealed,” and “A Year in Music” and concert events such as CMA Fest and Farm Aid. The channel is also the home of IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s largest entertainment properties and Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion. The Network is available nationally in the United States and parts of Canada and the Caribbean. A full list of providers and territories can be found on axs.tv/subscribe. For more information, visit www.axs.tv and its social media channels YouTube, Facebook, In
I have the Harmonica that Bruce Springsteen played at the Hollywood Bowl in 1981. I got lucky and got backstage after the concert. I walked by Bruce’s dressing room and he was standing there playing his harmonica and there wasn’t anybody there. I thought what the heck and I started talking to him. I just decided that all he could say was no so I ask him “what would he take for his harmonica? He smiled and said “do you really want it? I said that it would mean the world to me and he put it back in the box and said here you go. I then said would you please sign the box for me and he did. That was 40 years ago. Thank you Bruce. Sadly times have got really tough and I am looking to sell it. If you are interested please call me 423 283-7770. It was a great concert.