Reference Number
ARC-0812
Level of description
collection
Title
Vicky Hamilton Collection on Guns N' Roses
Date
1985-1986
Size
0.07 (Linear feet)
Scope and Contents
The Vicky Hamilton Collection on Guns N' Roses contains a variety of materials relating to the early years of Guns N' Roses, including correspondence, photographs, promotional materials, financial materials, and artwork. The items in the collection date from the years 1985 and 1986. Some of the items predate the formation of Guns N' Roses, such as the photocopy of a photograph of Hollywood Rose, which was Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin's previous band. The copy of the Guns N' Roses logo artwork shows a couple of variations of the band's logo as a work in progress; the final logo can be seen on the promotional postcard in the collection. Vicky Hamilton's connection to Guns N' Roses is displayed throughout the collection; her name and phone number are given on the promo postcard, and the letter from Tom Zutaut of Geffen Records is addressed to Hamilton, thanking her for meeting with him and introducing him to the members of Guns N' Roses. Zutaut mentions seeing the band perform at the Troubadour the previous Friday, and a copy of the band's financial statement from the venue is included in the collection, showing their earnings and expenses. The other financial item in the collection is a check to the members of Guns N' Roses from Geffen Records, serving as a $37,500 advance. (The check is made out to all five members of the band, but Slash's name is misspelled as "Stash".) The dates on the materials in the collection give some sense of the timeframe in which the band achieved success, and the collection provides a snapshot of the band's career when it was first beginning to take off.
Biography / Administrative History
Vicky Hamilton works in the music industry as an agent, manager, consultant, and record label executive. Bands she has been associated with include Mötley Crüe, Stryper, Poison, and Hollywood Rose. In early 1984, she was contacted by Axl Rose, and booked his band, Hollywood Rose, after hearing their demo. She had also booked Slash’s band, Black Sheep, and introduced Slash to Axl Rose, eventually leading to the creation of Guns N’ Roses. Hamilton served as a manager for the band in their early years and played a crucial role in advocating for the band and promoting their career.
Notes
Acquisition Note: The Vicky Hamilton Collection on Guns N' Roses was received by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a gift from Vicky Hamilton on July 8, 2016.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Vicky Hamilton Collection on Guns N' Roses, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Language Note: Collection is in English.
Processing Information: Processed by Lily Korte, Volunteer. Completed June 27, 2019. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual. Collection processed through an Access to Historical Records grant from the NHPRC.
Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration Form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
Use
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
Associated Persons
Associated Subjects
Creator