A pair of stilettos worn by Amy Winehouse and handwritten lyrics by Bono are among the most eye-catching items in an auction being run by Island Records. The auction is to aid charities amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Funds raised by the One Love Covid-19 Relief Auction – named after a song by one of the labels most famous signings, Bob Marley – will go to NHS Charities Together in the UK and Feeding America in the US.
Island Records was co-founded by Chris Blackwell in 1959, and went on to sign artists such as U2, Roxy Music and Ariana Grande. One of the lots on auction is a stay at Blackwells five-star hotel, Strawberry Hill, in Jamaicas Blue Mountains.
Bono will sign lyrics to Where the Streets Have No Name for the winner of a signed Joshua Tree box set, while Annie Lennox will handwrite and frame lyrics to Eurythmics Sweet Dreams. Portisheads Beth Gibbons will handwrite lyrics of the winners choice. The late Nick Drakes sister, Gabrielle, will write a card to the winner of his complete back catalogue releases.
Mumford & Sons are offering a one-on-one banjo lesson with signed banjo, while Portisheads Adrian Utley is offering online guitar and synth classes. Other Portishead swag includes a gold disc, and Geoff Barrows Technics decks from the time of the bands landmark debut album, Dummy.
Abbey Road Studios are offering a private tour, and street artist Mr Brainwash is giving a print of Bob Marley.
The auction takes place online from 6pm BST on Thursday 21 May, and will be hosted by Broadway and Pose star Billy Porter.
