'That's All Right' WHBQ Actetate sold for US$84,500. Rock and roll museums around the world, including the Graceland, were expected to bid for the acetate that kick-started Elvis' career almost six decades ago. It went to an internet bidder, the auctioneer said. Lot 62, a 1954 acetate of 'That's All Right', was the highlight of the pop and rock memorabilia sale.
Anctioneer Ian Whyte said: "I am delighted, the sale went extremely well. There was huge interest. It is the first ever pop and rock sale in Ireland and I hope it won't be the last." The 78rpm was recorded on July 5, 1954, by a young and unknown Presley, who had walked into the offices of Sun Records and the Memphis Recording Service, owned by Sam Phillips.
It is the only known surviving promotional copy of his first commercial recording and is considered to be one of the most important foundation stones of rock and roll. Mr Whyte said it was the first time Presley had hit the airwaves and the station was inundated with phone calls and reportedly had to play it over 14 times during the course of the show. The original track was played in the RDS sales room as the auction was broadcast live on the internet for international bids for the unique recording.
Other highlights in the sale included a watch gifted by Elvis to his manager, one of his famous Taking Care of Business pendants and autographs from The Beatles on an Aer Lingus menu as they flew from their only appearance in Dublin. A pair of U2 platinum discs sold for 1,300 euro.