John Brennan had many interactions with the members of the Rolling Stones over his years of autograph collecting, especially in New York City. Trying to keep the same hours as the hard-working – and sometimes hard-living – rock n’ roll band proved challenging sometimes. John recalls, “They’d be in the studio until dawn. We’d be waiting outside.”
One favorite story of John’s happened in 1986, during the “Dirty Work” album era. It was on 48th St., NYC; the Stones were recording in the studio and Mick Jagger came out.
“We saw him frequently so he wasn’t uptight around us. He tried but couldn’t hail a cab, so we offered him a ride home in my white IROC Camaro. I drove; he sat in the front seat.” Brennan also revealed his diehard devotion: “I once waited outside Mick’s apartment for 18 hours in 1984.”
The steadfast autograph seeker also “met Keith at least 150 times,” and possesses dozens of candid pictures as mementos.
It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll, But I Like It
Some of John’s favorite Rolling Stones auction items include:
Lot 7001: Fully signed Strat
Fantastic dark red-bodied Fender Squier Stratocaster electric guitar, signed by Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Mick Taylor, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman. A rather unusual example as it boasts the autographs of both Mick Taylor and his replacement, Ronnie Wood.
Lot 7002: Album signed by band and session musicians
“Exile on Main St.” album, signed by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts and Mick Taylor; also signed on the back cover by Billy Preston, Bobby Keys and Dr. John.
Lot 7007: Signed promo photo of Mick Jagger
Glossy 8 x 10 Columbia Records publicity photo of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.
Lot 7006: Telecaster signed by Keith
Cherry sunburst finish Yamaha Pacifica Deluxe Tele 302S electric guitar, signed “Keith Richards, ’97.” A particularly attractive guitar boasting a large, bold signature from the legendary Stones guitarist.
