BBC Antiques Roadshow left viewers stunned after Sunday’s episode, as many visitors had their prized possessions evaluated by a team of experts at Belfast’s Botanic Gardens.
One lucky guest was astounded during the show, as expert Raj Bisram shared the value of her unique collectable. As the lady brought in an intriguing collection of items for appraisal, Raj was further impressed with the haul.
The guest brought out a selection of papers, filled with authentic signatures that music lovers could only dream of acquiring, reports Devon Live.
The collection captivated the audience gathered round the pair, as Raj explained the autographs belonged to legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, the iconic trio known as the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
He expressed: “The three of them were the Jimi Hendrix Experience. I mean, Jimi was one of the greatest musicians that ever lived. You know, he was from Seattle originally. They met up in 1966.”
Raj was eager to uncover how the lady managed to be in possession of such sought-after signatures, as she shared an endearing anecdote, explaining her friend’s admiration for Jimi Hendrix.
She recalled: “She (her friend) had a friend who managed to get us not only tickets but backstage press passes for the concert. It was part of Queen’s University Festival in Belfast. We were up at the front, it was very loud! But it was a great concert.”
The woman explained how the iconic artist performed his usual setlist, and then started playing his guitar with his teeth. Raj was quick to point out that this particular concert was extremely unique as it took place on Jimi’s birthday.
The guest confirmed it was his 25th birthday, saying: “The organisers at the festival have arranged to have a birthday cake for him, and they presented it to him backstage.
“Because we had press passes, we were allowed to go backstage. So he was there, and the cake was on a table; I don’t think he was eating the cake from what I can remember! He was drinking a bottle of whiskey.”
She told Raj, since they didn’t have an autograph book, Jimi, Mitch and Noel signed the back of their tickets instead. Raj could not believe the condition of the autographs, saying: “To have them all these years! To keep them in such good condition!” She explained that she’d stored them in an envelope for safekeeping.
He added: “I mean, people do that but then they forget where they put the envelope! So to actually remember it and to keep these is absolutely lovely.
“Of course, unfortunately, he died very young, which makes some of these memorabilia that he’s left behind even more valuable.”
Whilst evaluating the item’s value, Raj gave his professional judgement on the potential auction price of some items, acknowledging that while Jimi’s would fetch a higher value individually, the collection’s worth was enhanced by having all three together.
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He then revealed to the guest: “If these went into auction, they would make somewhere between £5,000 and £7,000.”
She was extremely overwhelmed with the price, and excitedly expressed: “What? ! You’re joking! That’s crazy, crazy, crazy.”
As Raj confirmed the estimated accuracy, the crowd joined in on the excitement, bursting into applause.
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