Piece of musical history stays in North East after Rothbury sale

An item of North-East rock and roll history went under the hammer on Monday at Rothbury Auction Mart.
Chris Cross and Rod Clements at the auction in Rothbury.Chris Cross and Rod Clements at the auction in Rothbury.
Chris Cross and Rod Clements at the auction in Rothbury.

And the piece, which relates to the much-loved Newcastle band Lindisfarne, will stay in the region as it was bought by Toon-based magician Chris Cross.

Rod Clements, one of the founding members of the legendary band was in attendance as his three-panel Victorian screen went on sale.

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The ornate découpage dressing screen was used as a backdrop on the picture sleeve for the band’s classic hit single Meet Me on the Corner, written by Clements.

Magician Chris Cross, who was the winning bidder, said: “Meet Me on the Corner is a classic track and the picture on the front of the LP cover is classic Lindisfarne too.

“Owning the actual backdrop that the sleeve’s photo was taken against is awesome – anyone who knows me understands my love of movies and music memorabilia.

“I simply had to have this piece in my ever-growing collection. I’m pleased I made the trip up to Rothbury to get it and, truth be known, I’d have paid double the price I paid for it.

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“It needs to be preserved and, most importantly, kept in the region. I’m pleased Rod Clements was at the auction too, it meant I could get him to sign it.”

Clements signed the screen, which was valued at £50 to £80 and sold for £150, with ‘Your dreams are all I believe’.

He said: “The screen has been in the family for years. I remember seeing it in the house when I was just a child.

“I’m pleased Chris was the winning bidder, he performed for us at our City Hall Christmas after-show parties and is a fan of the band.”

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“It’s good to see it going to a home where it’s appreciated for its history and I’ve no doubt it’ll be well looked after.”

Chris Cross is performing at The Tyne Theatre & Opera House tomorrow.