'One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.' King of Reggae, Nesta Robert ‘Bob’ Marley (1945 - 1981) had a great influence on music history, politics and Rastafarianism. Almost four decades after his death, his music, quotes and lyrics still inspire people all over the world. But would you believe that something the Reggae legend himself owned could be worth up to €1.5 million? Read on to discover what that item was as we bring you the 5 most expensive Bob Marley memorabilia ever sold.
5. Rasta Hat - €17,062
This hat was worn and owned by the Jamaican star in the video for 'Is This Love' - a single released by Bob Marley and The Wailers in 1978. The red, yellow and green stripes of this beanie hat reflect Marley's rasta roots. It's fitted with a thin elastic band around the inside of the hat and it fitted nicely onto Marley's head. It was sold at auction in 2017.
Image source: Verdict
4. Rubik Rebel Music - €22,734
This image of Bob Marley & the Wailers’ Rebel Music album cover is completely made out of Rubik’s Cubes. The art piece was made in 2010 by Invader, a French urban artist who prefers to remain incognito and thus always appears behind a mask. Much of his work is composed of squares, inspired by the pixelation of vintage video games. ‘Rubik Rebel Music’ was auctioned in Hong Kong in 2016 and fetched €22,734.
Image source: Artnet
3. ‘Bronx Jam’ Audio Cassette Tape - €25,602
Before he became the King of Reggae, Bob Marley aspired to be an American-style rhythm and blues (R&B) singer. How that sounded can be heard on this audio tape, recorded in 1968 in the Bronx, New York. The homemade recording consists of the raw material for eight songs that Marley produced with Jimmy Norman, songwriter and future member of R&B group The Coasters. Fun fact: all songs from the ‘Bronx Jam’ would be altered and released by Marley later in his career.
Image source: NPO Radio 2
2. Notebook With Hand-Written Lyrics - €54,031
The second most expensive Bob Marley item is this notebook that belonged to Neville Garrick, art director for Bob Marley and The Wailers. It includes set lists, lyrics and notes written by Garrick and Bob Marley himself. In 2006 it sold for almost €55,000!
Image source: The City Review
1. Washburn 22 series Hawk Guitar - €1.5 Million
After Marley's untimely death, the Jamaican government took ownership of the majority of the singer's belongings having declared them to be national assets. And the most expensive of all of them? One of Marley's just seven guitars: this custom made Washburn 22 series Hawk. Will it ever be sold and possibly grow in value in the future? Perhaps, one day.
Image source: The Telegraph
Are you a reggae fan as well? Take a look at our weekly Records/Vinyl auctions to find a beautiful collection of Bob Marley music and memorabilia. Are you looking to sell your Marley memorabilia, or that of another artist? At Catawiki you can easily sell special objects online. Just register a seller and offer them up for auction. There's no cost to offer up your objects for auction and our experts are always eager to see what's out there!
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