I don’t typically write about individual eBay listings as a rule but I really wanted to share this with you all. Artists and songwriters from across the EMI family – from Coldplay to Katy Perry to Daft Punk – are raising funds to help the Red Cross support people impacted by last month’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan, through a worldwide auction of personal items and memorabilia on eBay.

EMI Group has committed to match all funds raised from the auction up to a maximum of one million euros.

The first phase of the auction begins today, April 5, and will run until April 15, with more than 200 exclusive items. A second phase of the auction will take place between April 11 – 21st.

You can view all the items at ebay.com/EMIfamily4Japan. I’ve already bid on the VIP tickets to Coachella and will continue to do so.

Cheers,
RBH

Here’s a snapshot of just some of the items available in the first phase…
30 Seconds to Mars – two tickets to a US show of their choice, a meet and greet with the band, a limited edition signed piece of merchandise, access to watch the show from the side of the stage, and a spot to join the band onstage during their performance of ‘Kings & Queens’
Aaron Neville – signed poetry book
Alice In Chains – a signed setlist, and 20 piece poster set
Angela Gheorghiu – her kimono costume from Madame Butterfly
B-52s – a dress worn by Kate Pierson, and a signed guitar
Bat For Lashes – costume worn by Natasha, and a signed letter
Beastie Boys – a Japanese gold record, a Japanese MTV award and a rare copy of their BAPE dolls, all signed.
Celtic Woman – original dress worn by Mairead Nesbitt in the ‘A Christmas Celebration Live’ DVD
The Chemical Brothers – pair of guest tickets for Coachella, a meet and greet with the band plus a signed set list
Coldplay – Chris Martin’s jacket from the Viva la Vida world tour 2010
Darius Rucker – signed guitar, signed football and signed CD
Depeche Mode – a limited edition lithographic print create to celebrate the release of the Tour of The Universe Barcelona DVD, signed by the band and framed.
Dierks Bentley – handwritten lyrics to ‘Beautiful World’, signed CD, signed photo, and a signed football
Eric Church – signed acoustic guitar
Family Force 5 – a private dinner with the band in Atlanta
Good Charlotte – a meet and greet with the band, a signed guitar, and free tickets to a live show
Herbert Grönemeyer – dinner with him in Berlin
Hot Chip – the original drawings for the ‘Coming On Strong’ album
Huey Lewis & The News – hand written, autographed & framed lyrics, plus a personalized certified gold album for Greatest Hits, and a VIP concert experience & personal phone call from Huey to the winner
Immodesty Blaize – 1940′s dress from major photoshoot
Jane Birkin – her own ‘Birkin’ handbag
Julien Clerc – signed platinum disc
Keith Urban – two tickets and a private meet & greet on his Closer tour
Keren Ann – a signed guitar
The Kooks – handwritten lyrics to ‘Ooh La’
Lady Antebellum – signed acoustic guitar
Little Big Town – signed acoustic guitar
Luke Bryan – a signed guitar
Melanie Chisholm – her Cavalli belt as worn on the Spice Girls’ world tour
Michael Franti – five nights at his Bali yoga retreat
Raphael – NRJ Award for Best Male Artist from 2006
Sick Puppies – a signed acoustic guitar
Simple Minds – spend a day on tour with the band
Tiziano Ferro – painting created for him by a top artist, inspired by his music
Vasco Rossi – a special black carpet, used at the launch of his new album