Special Collections: KISS Collection Rocks On at University of South Carolina Libraries

From the University of South Carolina Libraries:

The University of South Carolina Libraries will be home to a one-of-a-kind collection of memorabilia from the rock band KISS.

The collection is a gift from John Upshaw Downs, Jr., a Charleston businessman, and his wife, Margaret Norris Downs, who have a deep interest in music and art. The Downs offered the collection to the University Libraries earlier this year after they read about the Libraries’ acquisition of the Gary Lee Watson Comic Book Collection.

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The Downs’ remarkable collection, which includes 26 guitars played by the band and handcrafted guitar cases, offers a backstage look at the legendary band whose hits include Detroit Rock City, I Was Made for Lovin’ You, Shout It Out Loud, Tears Are Falling, and Rock and Roll All Night.

The collection is comprised of approximately 400 items, including:

• 26 guitars, originally owned and signed by members of the band
• Concert photographs by Len DeLessio
• Early black-and-white signed photographs
• Original artwork by Paul Stanley, KISS guitarist and a founding member of the band
• Concert memorabilia, including backstage passes

Learn More, Read the Complete Announcement

See Also: Ohio Man Donates More Than 140,000 Comic Books Worth $2.5m to U. of South Carolina Library (via The State; May 2, 2019)

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