National Album Day to host 'white label' vinyl auction to raise money for BRIT Trust

The auction will see over 300 'white label' test pressings up for auction, including classics from David Bowie (Decca), Sex Pistols (Never Mind The Bollocks and others), Eric Clapton (Slowhand), Dusty Springfield (Dusty in Memphis), and The Specials (The Specials – signed).

Alongside the classics, there will also be more recent records up for grabs, including a signed copy of Ed Sheeran's No.6 Collaborations Project, Liam Gallagher (As You Were), Coldplay (The Butterfly Package – signed), Paul Weller (Stanley Road), Biffy Clyro (Balance Not Symmetry), Arctic Monkeys (Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino), Kylie Minogue (Step Back in Time), Foals (Everything Lost Will Not Be Saved Part 1), Anna Calvi (Hunter), and more.

The 'white label' test pressings are used for artists and management to review the sound quality, and are extremely sought after by collectors and fans.

Johnny Chandler, Catalogue A&R Director at UMC, who came up with the auction idea, says, "It’ll be wonderful if, by auctioning these rarities, we can raise funds to support the amazing work of The BRIT Trust, whilst celebrating the ‘art of the album’ through National Album Day. If all goes to plan I hope as long as interest in vinyl continues, the industry can make this auction a regular event."

Funds from the auction will be donated to the BRIT Trust, which promotes education and wellbeing through music.