Roque Andres, Jr., a Saskatoon resident, divides his time between working as a journeyman ironworker, playing bass in a melodic death metal band called Nox Umbra, and collecting memorabilia from live rock concerts. His house is a treasure trove of concert set lists, day sheets, itineraries, guitar picks, drum sticks, signed gig posters, and photos signed by performers. With an estimated 400-500 gig posters, around 200 set lists, 300-400 guitar picks, and 100 drum sticks, Andres’s collection also includes about 1,000 signed souvenirs from artists globally and locally.
His passion for live music started with an Alice Cooper concert in the mid-1980s, and he has since accumulated items from numerous shows, including picks from renowned musicians like James Hetfield, Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman, Kerry King, and Bryan Adams. Andres cherishes unique pieces like an abstract painting gifted by Bif Naked and vinyl albums signed by all Black Sabbath band members.
His method of collecting guitar picks involves catching them mid-air or scouting the ground for them, with memorable encounters like Hetfield handing him his first pick in 1989. Andres also values drum sticks received from artists like Paul Geary, Bryan Adams, Iron Maiden, and Skid Row. His autograph-seeking tactics include showing up early at venues and taking his own photos, often resulting in positive interactions with performers.
Despite having attended over 1,200 rock concerts, Andres faces challenges in acquiring set lists due to increasing competition from other collectors. His advice for fellow enthusiasts is to remain calm and courteous in their pursuit. Considering expanding his collection, Andres contemplates moving to a larger home to accommodate his ever-growing memorabilia display, currently split between his house and storage.
With a keen eye for concert souvenirs and a deep appreciation for live music experiences, Roque Andres, Jr. embodies a dedicated collector passionate about preserving memories from his favorite shows.
