Dreams come true

Dreams come true. Now I know this with certainty. When in last August, I received information that my friend and owner of the world's largest collection of Metallica tickets, Christian aka Putzimet died I was very, very sad. Once, he is no longer with us, two, that meant I would not see his collection which has been one of my dreams as a collector. Putzimet last will was that his collection of tickets went to our mutual friend Mike, with whom I had the pleasure to meet in Vienna in 2007 just before Metallica concert. The opportunity to visit Mike and see his collection currently already appeared in September.My way back from late summer holiday ran near Mike home. With the help of my Austrian friend was able to arrange accommodation for me and my family. On a sunny afternoon, I knocked on the door, a flat in a charming village in Styria.

After the evening dinner with some delicious Puntigamer Beer (Prost Putzi) we went to Mike's house to see his collection. I felt like a kid who is planning a trip to the largest toy store.

Kids have fun (look at this beauty on the floor) 

 

On the floor was a huge framed poster of Metallica concert in Mannheim (Germany) in 1984, signed by the whole original Metallica lineup - one of the most fuckin nicest Metallica items. Framed flyers and posters hung on the walls. I, however, are increasingly looking at the shelf where it became next to each six binders. I knew from the pictures that once sent me Putzi what these folders contain. Around 1,200 Metallica tickets - my dark object of desire ;). Finally, Mike brought binders to the living room and I could begin a journey through the history of Metallica. Yes, literally felt like an explorer who discovers unknown territory. In these binders is the story of Metallica in its purest form, and that is why I was decided seven years ago to just collect the tickets.

I just started exploring "new territory"

Most of the tickets, say some 80% already've seen, because for many years run for the personal use the base of tickets scans. They come mainly from the Internet and from other collectors. But the remaining 20% were for me the absolute "newness". Especially binder with the oldest tickets made ​​a big impression on me. There were many evergreens. View many of them was a surprise to me because on the net they look completely different than live, mostly on the size, paper texture, color. I brought with me from Poland all my doubles tickets, so we could with Mike enlarge (each of us) our collections with a few new tickets. In fact I could sit there 2-3 more days and I would not be bored. Mike, as a collector of Metallica bootlegs has a very large collection of them, which certainly I as a boot layman I could not really appreciate it. But, believe me when Mike showed me his version of Franky and Cee Four in a set with t-shirt my heart beat faster. Mike, who previously seemed to me mainly as a bootlegs collector, is very knowledgeable about the tickets and I have no doubt that the Putzi collection went in good hands and the collection itself will still be increased. For me, I think also for Mike, for Putzi family and somewhere up there for Putzi - it's really important.

Mike with two of his favourite boots

 

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. The next day I had to deal with nearly 1000 km away so I could not spend all night poring over tickets. I could of course take more pictures, especially tickets, which I had never seen but it was a waste of time to me, and I preferred to talk to Mike. It was impossible to do everything.

I would like to thank Mike for the meeting and the opportunity to see his incredible collection. I would like to thank on behalf of myself and my family for arranging accommodation, shared a friendly dinner and for showing me Your Met-treasures. Thank You very much my Friend.