AboutBill V. Expertise I am an AC/DC history 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 26 years and have written published articles about the band for Goldmine magazine, as well as several AC/DC fan magazines. 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.
Organizations I run the AC/DC fan & collector's site "Highway to Hell" and am the webmaster and designer.
I am the official Sony/Epic records AC/DC forum moderator for their record companies website.
Past/Present clients 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), and many others
Expert: Bill V. Date: 12/6/2007 Subject: Bon Signature
Question QUESTION: Hi Bill. I was hoping that you could look at a picture and tell me whether or not the signatures look authentic, especially the Bon. How can I get a picture to you?
ANSWER: Hello Mike,
Thank you for your question.
Sure please email me a picture of the autographs to:
Bonfire at optonline dot net.
Best Regards,
Bill
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Bill,
I sent out an e-mail with pictures to this address: bonfire@optonline.net on 11/30/07. Just wanted to see if you had received this e-mail so you can look at the signatures and give me your professional opinion on their authenticity.
ANSWER: Hello Mike,
I received your image, however I am uncertain as to claim it to be legit or not. It is difficult to tell with this piece, so unfortunately I cannot confirm 100% that it is authentic.
Best Regards,
Bill
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks Bill,
Is there some way that I can be sure like taking it to a forensic handwriting examiner? Curious what made it difficult for you like are they close to real or are the pictures to blurry? I purchased on e-bay with a COA. This womans Husband had died so she is selling all of his stuff. I bought it for $100 and her son is flipping out that it sold for so little, he wrote me and wants 1st bid when I sell it. I have seen the obvious fakes on ebay and can't believe what people are getting for them like this one: Ebay Item number: 120192047750. You tell me if that one is real. Thanks again for looking at the signatures. Mike
Answer Hi Mike,
It could either be real or a good attempt at a fake. If you can send a much clearer & closer image of only the Bon signature perhaps I can distinguish the difference then.
You can also search through AC/DC collector sites such as this one: http://acdccollector.proboards2.com/index.cgi
to discuss with other AC/DC collectors and find their opinions about autographs. There is also an Ebay seller "Blacklist" available on that site with known sellers on Ebay who continue to sell fraudulent autographs.
The Ebay item you mentioned is certainly fake, and it is a shame that Ebay allows such items to be sold regardless even to when they have been reported as fraudulent through their system. General rule of thumb, on Ebay (and other similar auction sites) finding an authentic Bon Scott signature for sale is probably 1 in 1000.
