Published in the winter 2011 issue of MyLIFE magazine
“If you have an original Steadman, it’s been stolen,” claims famed gonzo artist Ralph Steadman, who doesn’t sell his original paintings.
Steadman, a longtime friend of Nils and Amy Lofgren, is renowned for his political and social caricatures. He’s best known for his work with American author Hunter S. Thompson.
It was in 1982, on a plane over Newcastle, England, when Nils Lofgren first met Steadman. “I was up stretching my legs,” Lofgren recalled. “This guy came up to me, and we chatted for a while before he introduced himself as Ralph Steadman. I was so surprised that he was English. I had assumed he was American. I’ve always been a big fan of Hunter S. Thompson and, in turn, Ralph’s art. Ralph’s such a great guy. We have been friends ever since. He’s even done two album covers for me.”
Lofgren’s wife, Amy, reached out to Steadman and asked him to paint a Fender Stratocaster guitar that Nils and Amy will auction off for a local charity—Concerned Citizens for Community Health (CCCH) and Vista del Camino social services.
Vista del Camino is a community center in Scottsdale, Ariz., that provides a variety of services to Scottsdale residents to prevent homelessness, meet the basic needs of individuals and families in crisis, relieve economic and emotional stress and assist individuals in their quest to maintain self-sufficiency.
“This is a local, hands-on group that Amy has been helping,” Lofgren explained. “They are wonderful people who help others in need, on so many levels. I admire Amy’s passion and commitment. I have been happy to honor that commitment and lend a hand whenever asked.”
A seasoned professional cook, Amy Lofgren organized a food and music charity event last year at The Pasta Bar in Phoenix. Everyone involved donated their time, skills and supplies, including Nils, who stood on a crate and played several songs. “No one would have seen me otherwise,” joked the 5’ 3” Lofgren. Every bit of the money raised went to Vista del Camino. “Sometimes artists do benefits and end up spending almost all they make on the event itself. That’s not what we want. It’s very simple; Amy and I want to help people, especially people in our community.
As for the unique Steadman guitar, Lofgren is using his website, nilslofgren.com, to initiate what he calls “a global Internet auction.”
“We’d love for CCCH to get six figures for such a great piece of musical art. Aren’t Johnny Depp and Jack Nicholson big Hunter S. Thompson/Steadman fans?” Lofgren baited. “I bet they’d buy it. If we get six figures, I’ll even come by their house and tune it for them, along with a crash course in blues guitar. Anything for a great cause like this.”
THE STEADMAN GUITAR
This beautiful Fender Strat with original art by Ralph Steadman is being put up for auction. Lofgren is hoping for a huge bid from a philanthropic Hunter S. Thompson or Ralph Steadman art lover/collector. All money will go directly to local Arizona Food Bank charities. For more information, visit nilslofgren.com/CharityAuction.html.
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