Roque Andres, Jr., a journeyman ironworker based in Saskatoon, has a passion for collecting mementos from live rock concerts alongside his busy schedule. When he’s not working at a job site or performing with his melodic death metal band Nox Umbra, Andres is adding to his extensive collection of concert memorabilia, including set lists, itineraries, guitar picks, drum sticks, signed gig posters, and photos. His house serves as a unique storage unit, adorned with around 400 to 500 gig posters, 200 set lists, 300 to 400 guitar picks, and 100 drum sticks, with about 1,000 items autographed by performers.
Andres’ love for live music traces back to his first concert in the mid-1980s, headlined by Alice Cooper, whom he idolizes and even has tattoos of. His collecting journey began with local club shows, where he started amassing set lists and requesting guitar picks and drum sticks from musicians post-performance. Over time, his collection has grown to include items from globally renowned artists as well as local acts.
His collecting method for guitar picks involves catching them mid-air or scouting for them on the ground, considering it a “fine art.” Notable picks in his collection include those from James Hetfield of Metallica, Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman of The Offspring, Kerry King of Slayer, and Bryan Adams. Andres also cherishes an abstract painting gifted to him by Bif Naked, vinyl albums signed by Black Sabbath members, and various rare pieces acquired over decades of attending shows.
Whether securing autographs or interacting with artists, Andres’ dedication to music memorabilia shines through. His collection reflects his passion for live rock music, with memories and experiences from over 1,200 concerts. As his collection continues to expand, Andres is contemplating moving to a larger home to accommodate his ever-growing array of concert souvenirs, a testament to his lifelong love for live music.
