Roque Andres, Jr., a Saskatoon resident, leads a multifaceted life as a journeyman ironworker, a bassist in the Regina-based band Nox Umbra, and a lifesaver. However, his true passion lies in collecting memorabilia from live rock concerts. His extensive collection includes concert set lists, day sheets, itineraries, guitar picks, drum sticks, signed gig posters, and photos, which adorn every corner of his house. Andres considers his home a homage to live music, reflecting his love for attending concerts with friends.
With approximately 400-500 gig posters, 200 set lists, 300-400 guitar picks, and 100 drum sticks, Andres’ collection boasts around 1,000 signed items from renowned global performers and local acts. Notably, he possesses enough tour shirts to wear a different one daily for over a year. His cherished pieces include signed vinyl albums from Black Sabbath and a unique painting gifted by Bif Naked.
Andres’ collecting journey began after attending an Alice Cooper concert in the mid-1980s, where he was captivated by the live production. Starting with local club shows, he gradually amassed guitar picks, drum sticks, and other mementos from various performances. His strategy for acquiring guitar picks involves catching them mid-air or searching for them on the ground, resulting in a diverse collection that includes picks from Metallica, The Offspring, Slayer, and Bryan Adams.
Not just content with collecting items, Andres actively seeks autographs by showing up at venues early and engaging with artists. His dedication has led to memorable encounters, such as meeting KISS backstage during their 2019 tour in England. Over the years, he has attended over 1,200 rock concerts, including multiple shows by his favorite artists like Alice Cooper, Bif Naked, Iron Maiden, and The Tea Party.
As his collection continues to grow, Andres contemplates moving to a larger home to accommodate his expanding array of concert memorabilia. Despite challenges in acquiring souvenirs like set lists, he advises others to remain respectful and patient in their pursuit. Andres’ passion for live music and dedication to preserving concert memories through his collection exemplify his deep connection to the rock music scene.
