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AC/DC/Bootleg "Whole lotta Bon"

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Expert: - 4/26/2010


Question
Hi Bill,
I recently found the above mentioned "Whole lotta Bon" Bootleg on Vinyl, that was recorded in July 1978 in Fresno, USA.
It is the LP-version in the octagonal, not the ordinary square Cover. The Cover has the imprint: "No matrix number". Now the (yellow) Vinyl of this one HAS matrix-numbers, but they are erased by hand.
My question is: Did I buy a fake (I kill the seller...) or are the matrix-numbers on all these bootlegs erased?
Many thanks!
Best regards
Thomas

Answer
Hello Thomas,

Thank you for your question. The octogonal sleeve version of this yellow vinyl bootleg was issued as an 'overstock' edition after the original version, and whoever was responsible for making it used the shaped sleeve instead of the standard one. The back of the sleeve would have indicated 'No Matrix Number' on it, so that would be typical of this edition of the release.
One rule when it comes to bootleg or pirate releases, however, is that those responsible for putting them into circulation need not to follow any certain guidelines or rules. So the term 'fake' bootleg record is likely not something easily verifiable, and if bootleggers do try counterfeiting other bootleg releases, all it will result in is deflating the value and collect-ability of not only the originals, but anything else that comes out in the future.

Best Regards,

Bill

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Bill V.

Expertise

I am an AC/DC history, discography and collectibles expert, and can answer any question about the band, it's members past and present, as well as questions related to bands that members were in previous to being in AC/DC. I am well versed in the bands history, album and single releases (vinyl, CD), and worldwide discography and collectibles/memorabilia, past and present AC/DC news, album sales, tour dates and tour history, and anything else about the band. I am also an AC/DC (Especially Bon Scott) autograph expert.

Experience

I have been a fan and collector of AC/DC for 30+ years and have written published articles about the band for Goldmine magazine, as well as several publications. I have interviewed past members of the band, and attended the bands Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction as a press guest. I possess one of the world's largest AC/DC collections, and plan to have my own publication about the band in the future. I was hired in 2008 by a marketing firm to help promote and market AC/DC's "BLACK ICE" release and the AC/DC "Rock Band" game in New York City. I also have participated in several other marketing and promotional campaigns for AC/DC. Most recently, I have contributed to a new book by Phil Sutcliffe "AC/DC: The Ultimate Illustrated History" as well as penning an AC/DC Collectibles article for Record Collector magazine (UK).

Organizations
I run the AC/DC fan & collector's site "Highway to Hell" and am the webmaster and designer. I am the official Sony/Columbia records AC/DC forum moderator for their record companies website, and content manager for acdc.com

Publications
GOLDMINE (Krause Publications)(USA) Daily Dirt (Germany) Record Collector (UK) Contributed to "AC/DC: The Ultimate Illustrated History", by Phil Sutcliffe (Voyageur Press, Oct. 15, 2010, Hardcover, 224 pages, 300+ illustrations)

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AC/DC Expert

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I have interviewed: Mark Evans (AC/DC Bassist 1975-77), Simon Wright (AC/DC Drummer 1983-1989), Dave Evans (AC/DC singer 1974), Noel Taylor (AC/DC Drummer 1974), Neil Smith (AC/DC Bassist 1974), Larry Van Kreidt (AC/DC bassist 1973-4), John Bissett (Fraternity (w/Bon Scott) keyboardist), Vincent Lovegrove (Valentines (w/Bon Scott) singer & former AC/DC manager), Bob Defrin (AC/DC Logo designer & album cover designer for Atlantic records), Mike Fraser (AC/DC Mixing engineer), Joshua Levy (AC/DC Black Ice album cover designer) and many others

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