It's only Rock 'n' Roll (But I like it)

In this season’s edition of It's only Rock 'n' Roll, we once again connect with Klubb Filips, which was previously highlighted through Bjärne Möller’s Stratocaster, sold during the Rock Auction 2024. This time, the club is once again in the spotlight thanks to the poster created by Piero Tartagni for the legendary psych club’s opening night. Performing on stage were Hansson & Karlsson, with Bjärne Möller acting as the third, unofficial member. The club’s name, Filips, was a natural choice, as the venue at Regeringsgatan 27–29 had previously housed the royal patisserie of the same name. Although the club was short-lived – lasting just under a year – its influence endured, and its reputation became international.

The auction also features a number of pieces showcasing Steve Ripley’s “Stereo Guitars.” With a solid background as a musician in his own band The Tractors, as a studio musician, and recording engineer, Ripley also produced albums for artists including Bob Dylan. In 1982, he founded Ripley Guitars and later continued his instrument-making work for Kramer Guitars. Ripley built guitars for the likes of Eddie Van Halen, Ry Cooder, and J.J. Cale. With advanced technology for controlling and amplifying individual strings, and precisely tuned effects such as tremolo and distortion, his guitars became engineering marvels – akin to spacecrafts.

In addition to the items mentioned above, the auction includes spectacular photographs, such as Elliott Landy’s 1968 shot of The Who performing at Fillmore East, and Håkan Ludwigsson’s photo of The Jimi Hendrix Experience at Liseberg in 1967. There are also various posters, including works by Wes Wilson and the promotional poster Some Product – Carri on Sex Pistols from 1979.