The Welsh band Badfinger has the distinction of being the first band signed to The Beatles' label Apple Records, though they were still called "The Iveys" at that time. The band changed their name a few months into their time at Apple, in December 1969 prior to the release of their single "Come and Get It." Offered are five "Petty Cash" vouchers, each one signed by a member of the band and one signed by their manager Bill Collins. Joey Molland, Pete Ham Mike Gibbins and Tom Evans have each signed the band-related expense documents in either 1972 or 1973. Tragically two members of the band died by their own hands, Pete Ham in 1975 and Tom Evans in 1983. Their signatures are exceedingly rare.
Also included is an interesting concert handbill with the band lineup for "Tonight's Programme" from a gig in "New Castle City Hall" on July 3, 1969. The band is listed as "The Iveys" because the though they were already with Apple, the name doesn't change until later that year.
The band was actually signed to Apple after Collins convinced Beatles road manager Mal Evans to see the band live in 1968. (Mal Evans signature is also available in this auction.) Evans lobbied all four Beatles to sign the band. Badfinger had four consecutive worldwide hits from 1970 to 1972: "Come and Get It" (written and produced by Paul McCartney, 1970), "No Matter What" (produced by Mal Evans, 1970), "Day After Day" (produced by George Harrison, 1971), and "Baby Blue" (produced by Todd Rundgren, 1972). But between the collapse of Apple records, their own internal strife, and their eventual label Warner Bros. suing them out of existence, the band was ultimately dissolved. Adding insult to injury, they were essentially fleeced by their own management team. The massive financial malfeasance on the part of their business manager Stan Polley, to which manager Bill Collins (whose signature is included here) was at least aware if not actually a party to, left the band with persistent money problems.
The offered quintet of signed band-related vouchers provides an perfect opportunity to acquire an instant set of Badfinger autographs. The group is accompanied by an auction letter from Beckett Authentic. Also included with the lot is an 8 x 10 promotional photo of the band. The vouchers each measure 5 x 3 inches and presents with little wear. Near Mint condition.