Sib Hashian's personal briefcase used while touring with Boston during the band’s rise to international stardom in the mid-to-late 1970’s, measuring 16.75″ x 11.75″ x 4″, containing an abundance of material deriving from Boston’s first two whirlwind tours. The briefcase features three affixed backstage passes, as well as a large “Rock Around the World” sticker to bottom. Highlights include:
Glossy 8 x 10 silver gelatin photo of Hashian wearing a tuxedo, signed in the lower border in blue felt tip.
Glossy 10 x 7 silver gelatin photo of Hashian backstage with Epic Records A&R legend Lennie Petze.
CBS Records mailing envelope designed to look like a miniature version of Boston’s self-titled debut album, with ‘More Than a Feeling’ insert.
Typed affirmation by Hashian: “Refuse to be intimidated by others. Prove your ability to lead by simply taking charge. Your diplomacy and wisdom will bring others together again. Prospect for travel and permanent change of scenery on low side.”
Western Union telegram dated October 16, 1976, from Charlie Bruce to Hashian: "This is nothing like the joints in Lynn or Chelsea, Congratulations.”
Balance sheet for a Boston tour dated December 31, 1976, which amounts to $74, 379.45 of total assets.
Western Union telegram from Steve McDevitt of CBS records, dated November 17, 1976: “Just incredible. Just fantastic. An Epic event. Love it. Love it. Love it. Congratulations on going platinum. Keep it coming. We’re with you all the way.”
Letter from Jay Cooper of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, dated March 1977, forwarding Hashian a plaque “in recognition of your nomination in the recent 1976 ‘Grammy’ Awards.”
Letter from Ames & Ben-Meir, dated August 25, 1977, notifying the band that the first Boston poster has been issued and that sales are excellent.
Western Union telegram from Epic Records dated September 6, 1978: “Congratulations. You have the number one album in Billboard next week.”
Poster for a Boston concert at the Plattsburgh State University Fieldhouse on November 16, 1978.
Letter from Larry Stessel, director of East Coast Product Management for CBS Records, dated May 11, 1979, forwarding Hashian a packet of various press releases and promotional snippets from their Don’t Look Back Tour.
Program for a concert featuring Boston, Outlaws, Todd Rundgren & Utopia, and Poco at Giants Stadium on June 17, 1979.
Other notable items include: handwritten notes from Styx frontman Tommy Shaw and Epic Records’ Lennie Petze; a program for a Boston concert at the University of Virginia; handbills for a Tom Scholz appearance at Record Theatre Golden Gate, and for charity basketball games between Boston and various radio station staff; a concert list and itinerary for Boston’s Don’t Look Back 1978 Fall Tour; and sundry materials related to Boston's 1979 Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan.
Additionally, the briefcase contained a wide array of ephemera, such as: backstage passes for Boston concerts, newspaper and magazine clippings, flight itinerary and boarding passes, postcards, photographs, and tickets, invitations and business cards, a Bio-Rhythm card, a shoe cleaner towel from Loews Warwick in New York, an intricate metal necklace, and issues of publications from Music Market (1977), UFO (1977), the Boston Sunday Globe’s New England (1977), and Q102’s Buddy, ‘The Original Texas Music Magazine,’ (1979). In overall very good to fine condition, with inner arm of briefcase no longer working.
Provenance: From the Sib Hashian Collection, and accompanied by a letter of authenticity from the Hashian family. Proceeds to benefit The Sib Hashian Scholarship Fund.
