Damon Minchella (Ocean Colour Scene) & Marco Nelson (Pau...

Hammer

£7,200

Damon Minchella (Ocean Colour Scene) & Marco Nelson (Paul Weller, Young Disciples, Primal Scream) - Studio used and Paul McCartney Autographed 1970s Hofner 500/1 violin bass guitar, made in Germany, within original Selmer hard case bearing Small Faces AAA VIP Guest Pass to the inner case lid and a Paul Weller Onstage Guest Pass for the inner side

*Purchased by the vendor from Sir David Sykes, who acquired the bass in 2003 from Damon Minchella, former bassist of Ocean Colour Scene and Paul Weller’s band. Sold with a letter of provenance from Minchella, detailing the instrument’s history.

Although the letter states that Minchella purchased the bass from Paul Weller, he has confirmed with us directly that he actually acquired it from Marco Nelson, bassist of the Young Disciples, who also played for Paul Weller. Nelson is also credited on recordings by The Style Council and Primal Scream. According to the letter, the bass was used on the Young Disciples’ album Road to Freedom and appeared on The Wogan Show.

The letter further notes that Marco Nelson can be seen playing it in Weller’s “Sunflower” video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeiB9x5XT_0 and that it is the instrument Paul Weller is holding on the cover of his Wildflower album (unverified).

After Minchella acquired the bass, he used it on Ocean Colour Scene albums Moseley Shoals and Marchin’ Already, and in the video for “The Circle”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hYgc0fTONc (Please note: in this video the bass appears to be fitted with a different set of pickups)

In 1995, Minchella used the bass while recording with Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher and Steve Craddock at Abbey Road for the charity album Help! under the name The Smokin’ Mojo Filters. They recorded a cover of Lennon’s Come Together, in which Minchella can be seen playing the bass https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK0sMC5ntpc. A CD copy of the single is included in the sale.

During these sessions, Paul McCartney signed the bass on the treble side, inscribing: “Paul McCartney Woz Ere.”