Unique piece of Take That tourhistorysigned by all the band to be auctioned for Willow Foundation charity
Previously owned by Take That musical director Mike Stevens, a Nord Stage keyboard used on two world tours and signed by all members of Take That has been donated by Nord UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd to the Willow Foundation charity for auction at its upcoming fundraising ball.
The Willow Foundation is a national charity, established in 1999 by Arsenal legend Bob Wilson and his wife Megs in memory of their daughter, that provides special days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds. Every special day aims to provide beneficiaries and their loved ones with a break from the realities of their diagnosis and treatment. At a time of uncertainty, spending quality time with family and friends can help restore a sense of normality, boost confidence and create precious memories for the future.
This Saturday, 20th October, at the Willow Wonder Ball at London's Westminster Park Plaza a number of items will go under the hammer to raise money to fund the special days. Included is the Nord Stage.
Photos above: The Nord Stage keyboard used on two world tours signed by Take That
Photo above: MD Mike Stevens in rehearsals with the Nord Stage prior to it being signed.
Here is the catalogue entry:
A signed electronic Nord keyboard by one of – if not THE UK's most successful band, Take That. The keyboard is one of the instruments used on stage by musical director, Mike Stevens, for both the Circus Live and Progress Live Tours of 2010 and 2011 respectively and still has some of the original patches from the tours retained in its memory. It has also been signed by all five band members – Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams. Circus Live made history becoming the fastest selling tour in UK history, with the original 600,000 tickets selling out in just five hours and the tour DVD smashing all sales records in just one day.
Progress Live went on to break the record for the highest-grossing residency for eight nights at Wembley Stadium. Aside from the keyboard's history the Nord Stage keyboard would be a tremendous asset to any musician.
All Nord Keyboards are handmade in Stockholm, Sweden. Considered by many to be the pinnacle of performance keyboards, their distinctive red casing is easily recognised on stages and in studios in the hands of the world's best artists. With an RRP of close to £3,000 this Stage 88 model was the flagship of the range when new. It features an 88-note piano-weighted keybed and includes stunning realistic acoustic pianos, electric pianos and organs, together with an on-board synthesizer and effects.
Donated by Sound Technology Ltd. With special thanks to Mike Stevens.
The starting price at the auction will be £5000. Previous signed instruments donated by Sound Technology have fetched up to £20,000 for the Willow Foundation. If you or a company / organisation wishes to express an interest in placing a bid at the ball in excess of £5000 please contact the Willow Foundation via this form. We sincerely request only serious interested parties apply so that the time of the charity is not wasted, but if you are lucky enough to be able to place a significant bid to buy this unique piece of tour history the charity would love to hear from you.
