As a collector, I wish I would have gotten more group photos signed when I had the opportunities. Don't get me wrong, I 'm happy with what I have but I love photographs, especially when they are signed. There is always as challenge to getting them signed, making sure you get everyone is a big deal, then making sure everyone signs in the correct place with the correct color pen. It's a pain in the ass! Group photos signed by the band are virtually non-existent from the Cliff era. I consider myself lucky to have several. You can easily find photos signed by the band from the second era and I have seen a handful of genuine examples from the current band. Whatever you taste is, I have a nice selection to browse through.
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8x10 Photo Spotlight
If there ever was a Cadillac of signed Metallica pieces this is it. As the story goes (and there are always many of them) this piece was sent to the first 100 members of the Metallica fan club. I was recently going through some early Metallica items that I have and I found a postcard for the Metallica Metal Militia. For five bones you became a member and if you were one of the lucky 100 who signed up first you got a signed 8x10 photo. This is one of them! Signed by the original Four Horseman: Cliff Burton, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett. It doesn't get any better than this. A promotional photo for Megaforce Records captures the band as they embark on career that will see them sell an amazing 90 million records worldwide. Pure innocence would best describe the band as they pose in this photo. The year was 1983. It's 2008 and the band has been rocking for 25 years and in the process has become one of the most popular rock acts in the history of music. If you are a true Metallica fan and a collector of their memorabilia this is a must have. The only problem is finding one. Good luck, they are few and far between.
Signed Group Magazines
Some of my favorite pieces in my collection are signed magazines. From time to time the band has been featured on wide variety of covers. Obviously there are hundreds, I only have a few and most of the band members have signed them. I rarely if ever see a magazine cover signed pre 1987. While I'm pretty sure they exist, I would be shocked to see one. Most, if not all of my covers are from the 1990's. There is a nice variety, so enjoy the selection.
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Signed Group Posters
I have to admit, signed posters are just about my most favorite collectible. Of course the question arises, how do you show them off? If you don't have ample wall space, your screwed so you roll them up in tube and shove them in the back of the closet. That's what I do unfortunately. When I was getting all of my items out from my closet, I came across some items I forgot I had. I do have some nice signed posters, whether they are full size or mini posters that you were able to score in magazines like Hit Parader. Enjoy them, there is a nice variety from across the spectrum.
