18th Feb, 2025 10:00
The Billy Albert Collection Of Smiths Vinyl and Memorabilia
THE SMITHS - STILL ILL 7"- ORIGINAL UK 1984 TEST PRESSING OF DEMO SINGLE (R DJ 61)
THE SMITHS - STILL ILL 7"- ORIGINAL UK 1984 TEST PRESSING OF DEMO SINGLE (R DJ 61). Exceedingly rare original 1984 UK 7" 'green' label test pressing of the demo 'Still Ill' single. To promote the band's debut album Rough Trade pressed a demo promotional single (see next listing) with 'Still Ill' on the A-side and 'You've Got Everything Now' on the B-side. Scott Piering (Rough Trade Plugger) was so keen to send this out to DJ Gary Crowley at Capital Radio, that he sent him the test pressing before the demo single had gone into full manufacture. This is confirmed by the fact that he photocopied an early proof of the demo single's labels (slightly different to the final labels) and attached them to a standard single black sleeve. This was originally obtained from Gary Crowley's producer. Only a handful of these test pressings were pressed, there was no need to press any more due the finished demo single becoming the vehicle for promotion of their first album. The A side is in Ex condition with a few paper (not feelable) marks, the B side is presented in very clean Ex+ condition with few marks. A-side Matrix Etching - R DJ 61 A-1U-1-1-1. B-side Matrix Etching - R DJ 61 B-1U-1-1-1
Sold for £2,200
Hammer Price
THE SMITHS - STILL ILL 7"- ORIGINAL UK 1984 TEST PRESSING OF DEMO SINGLE (R DJ 61). Exceedingly rare original 1984 UK 7" 'green' label test pressing of the demo 'Still Ill' single. To promote the band's debut album Rough Trade pressed a demo promotional single (see next listing) with 'Still Ill' on the A-side and 'You've Got Everything Now' on the B-side. Scott Piering (Rough Trade Plugger) was so keen to send this out to DJ Gary Crowley at Capital Radio, that he sent him the test pressing before the demo single had gone into full manufacture. This is confirmed by the fact that he photocopied an early proof of the demo single's labels (slightly different to the final labels) and attached them to a standard single black sleeve. This was originally obtained from Gary Crowley's producer. Only a handful of these test pressings were pressed, there was no need to press any more due the finished demo single becoming the vehicle for promotion of their first album. The A side is in Ex condition with a few paper (not feelable) marks, the B side is presented in very clean Ex+ condition with few marks. A-side Matrix Etching - R DJ 61 A-1U-1-1-1. B-side Matrix Etching - R DJ 61 B-1U-1-1-1
Auction: The Billy Albert Collection Of Smiths Vinyl and Memorabilia, 18th Feb, 2025
A few words from Billy Albert himself..
"The time has come to finally let go of my Smiths treasures, a wealth of treats for the casual Smiths collector and the hardcore completist. Yes it's an old cliché, I've enjoyed collecting and owning all of this, but it's now time for other collectors to enjoy these items.
I've long battled with the pros and cons of whether to sell this collection off piecemeal over time (like a small pension), or whether to let it all go in one sale with all the limitations that can possibly go with that alternative. My vanity ultimately won over to let it all go for the spectacle that you see before you.
Please fill your boots, you are unlikely to see another collection go up for sale like this for a long time until another hardcore collector either sadly passes on or has the bank manager knocking at their door. Thankfully neither of these circumstances have caused this sale. I am just too selfish to let my next of kin enjoy the proceeds of all of this after I am gone, when I can spend it on myself instead!"
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Viewing by appointment 17th February
