Elvis’ crypt, other rock, sports items to be sold

LOS ANGELES — The crypt in which Elvis Presley’s body was first laid to rest before being moved to the grounds of his Graceland mansion is set to be auctioned off in June along with other memorabilia from rock music and sports stars.

Julien’s Auctions Sports Legends and Music Icons sale will feature items from Rolling Stone guitarist Keith Richards and the late singer Amy Winehouse to basketball superstar Michael Jordan, the auctioneer said in a statement on Monday.

But the original Elvis crypt is likely to gain a lot of attention. Elvis, among the best known rock ‘n’ rollers of all time, died in 1977 and following his funeral at Graceland, his body was temporarily entombed in the crypt of a private mausoleum at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee.

After about two months, both his body and that of his mother were moved to a permanent site in the meditation garden on the grounds of Graceland. Beverly Hills-based Julien’s said the lot for sale includes the crypt, opening and closing of the vault for burial, memorial inscription and use of a small chapel for a memorial service.

The two-day sale on June 23 and 24 also includes a ripped t-shirt with “Hell” scrawled across it Keith Richards once wore while playing for the Stones.

A robe that Amy Winehouse used in her video for smash hit “Rehab” will be sold, as will memorabilia and clothing owned by David Bowie, John Lennon and Michael Jackson. — AFP