Backstage Auctions is is presenting the Rock Gods And Metal Monsters Auction, an unprecedented hard rock and heavy metal online auction event. "Almost every item being offered in the auction is "iconic memorabilia" and is easily identifiable to a specific artist or band," explains Backstage Auctions founder Jacques van Gool.

The auction, which is scheduled to go live on Halloween, features amazing pieces direct from the private collections of

Rudy Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE, DIO), Graham Bonnet (RAINBOW, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ALCATRAZZ, IMPELLITTERI), Scott Rockenfield (QUEENSRŸCHE), Kip Winger (WINGER), Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Bobby Rondinelli (BLACK SABBATH, AEROSMITH), Andy LaRocque (MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND) John 5 (ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON) and Al Jourgensen (MINISTRY) just to name a few. "When we designed the hard rock and heavy metal themed auction, we really tried to build an event that was not only unique but give fans and collectors access to pieces of rock history that were equally rare and one of kind and we have definitely achieved that goal," says Jacques. The auction catalog features over 50 Gold and Platinum records awards, guitars, stage props, artist stage worn apparel, master recordings, rare concert posters, original artwork, photos and the list goes on and on.

"It's not an every day event that you can stand behind and grab on to Al Jourgensen's infamous "skull and bones" microphone stand which he used extensively on many Ministry shows and rehearsals. The historical relevance of that one piece in the rock community is well documented," says Jacques.

Equally impressive is the private collection of Concrete Management co-founder, Walter O'Brien which features a jaw dropping collection of RIAA record awards presented to him while managing Pantera and White Zombie. On a more personal level, Sarzo and Bonnet have both offered up vintage "rocker apparel" that they wore on stage, during photo shoots and really cool music videos.

The auction wouldn't be complete without a few guitars, drum kits, stage props and handwritten lyrics. Amazing pieces that Scott Rockenfield of Queensrÿche, John 5 of Rob Zombie and Kip Winger have pulled out of their personal collections are sure to get quite a bit of activity during the auction.

"While this is a stellar line-up of artists, we are still adding headliners to the event, which is exciting. It will be interesting to see who makes the final cut," says van Gool.

The event, aptly titled the Rock Gods And Metal Monsters Auction, is a not-to-miss opportunity for fans and collectors around the world to own an authentic piece of one of the most significant genres of music history.

The auction, which will be held on-line at Backstageauctions.com starts on October 31st and will run through November 7th. A special preview of the entire auction catalog will be available to view beginning Sunday, October 24.