Sold For: $54,206
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Bob Neuwirth's personally-owned custom outfit by Nudie's Rodeo Tailors of North Hollywood, California, worn on stage for the 'Night of the Hurricane II' benefit concert at the Houston Astrodome on January 25, 1976, bridging the two legs of Bob Dylan's iconic Rolling Thunder Revue concert tour. Dylan purchased these unique suits for his band prior to the show; a 1977 Rolling Stone article remarked: 'The revue got outfitted in country-glitter suits at Nudie’s; Dylan picked up that $15,000 bill.'
The dazzling all-black suit features a jacket with a rhinestone-studded collar, rhinestone-lined silver-embroidered horseshoes on the front, and shimmering gold-embroidered horse designs on the back, front, and sleeves, their eyes and nostrils dotted with red rhinestones. The sleeves boast further rhinestone designs, with the outline of a house on each wrist. The jacket is lined in colorful psychedelic paisley-patterned silk, with the "Nudie's Rodeo Tailors" label sewn to an inner pocket. The matching bootcut pants are similarly decorated, with decorative rhinestones on each belt loop and the same golden horse motif embroidered at the ankles. The handsome suit remains in fine to very fine condition.
Night of the Hurricane II was a benefit concert held on January 25, 1976, at the Houston Astrodome, organized by Bob Dylan to support the legal defense of boxer Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter. The event came in between legs of Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue tour and featured performances by Dylan with his Rolling Thunder band—including Bob Neuwirth, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Roger McGuinn, and Mick Ronson—plus special guests including Stevie Wonder, Isaac Hayes, Ringo Starr, Stephen Stills, Richie Havens, and Carlos Santana. It followed a similar concert at Madison Square Garden the previous month, both aimed at raising awareness of Carter’s wrongful conviction. Despite a lower turnout than expected, the concert was a powerful statement against racial injustice and wrongful imprisonment, raising further awareness for Hurricane Carter's cause on the national stage.
The majority of auction proceeds from the Neuwirth archives will support the completion of 'Untitled: Bob Neuwirth Project' documentary, exploring the life of music and art creative catalyst, Bob Neuwirth.
