Culture
Marc Bolan ‘street sign’ goes up for auction
Bellmans has announced this week they are to offer an important piece of rock and roll memorabilia…
Going under the hammer is the original ‘Gipsy Lane’ road sign from Barnes in south-west London, where one of rock’s greatest, Marc Bolan, tragically died in a fatal car accident in 1977. The sign is estimated to fetch £1,000 – 1,500 and is included in the Fine Works of Art auction on Tuesday, 25th March 2025.
This historic street sign is replete with tributes written by fans in shock at his sudden death on 16th September 1977. This graffiti elevates an ordinary street sign into the extraordinary, reminding us of Bolan’s impact and legacy that defied his young years.
Marc Bolan on his Granada TV series in the 70s / Granada PR
Fans from across the world still visit the site of the accident on Gipsy Lane, now a dedicated Marc Bolan memorial site, making it a powerful reminder of his talent.
Bolan played with rock and roll greats, including John Lennon, Elton John, Ringo Starr, The Electric Light Orchestra and David Bowie. The latter was a great friend of Bolan’s and he mentioned Marc’s band T-Rex in his song All The Young Dudes, and it is believed that Bowie’s Lady Stardust, originally recorded under the title, ‘He was alright (A song for Marc), was written in Bolan’s memory.
His music influenced generations of musicians and genres and has been covered by the likes of The Smiths, Siouxsie and the Banshies, Boy George, Guns & Roses, Placebo, Nick Cave, Violent Femmes, Duran Duran’s The Power Station and Adam Ant; even Oasis have drawn inspiration from his music.
Marc Bolan on his Granada TV series in the 70s / Granada PR
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a genuine piece of rock and roll history that is a direct connection to one of the most influential musicians of the 1970s, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the instigator of glam rock.
This iconic rock memorabilia could end up in a private collection, a museum or a music themed venue – the Gypsy Lane sign will forever stand as a tribute to a musical genius.
