Photos by Jody Morris/© Tony Hawk Foundation 2015A variety of well-known music stars have personalized skateboard decks that are now up for bids as part of the third annual Boards + Bands auction, which benefits a charity founded by famous skateboarder Tony Hawk. Among the artists who took part in the fundraiser are Elton John and his longtime lyricist, Bernie Taupin, plus Tom Petty, U2 and Devo.
The Boards + Bands sale features skateboards donated by pro skaters, decorated with the lyrics of their favorite song that have been handwritten by the artist or artists who penned the tune.
John and Taupin embellished a deck contributed by skater Chris Cole, with Bernie writing some of the lyrics to “Candle in the Wind” and Elton simply adding his signature.
Petty autographed a board donated by skater Chaz Ortiz, and also wrote a snippet of lyrics from his song “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” as well as drawing a caricature of himself.
All four U2 members signed a deck that Hawk contributed, and Bono also added some lyrics from “Where the Streets Have No Name.”
Devo’s Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh autographed a board from skater Glen Raybourn, and Mark also painted on lyrics the tune “Uncontrollable Urge.”
Other stars who have contributed personalized skateboards to the auction include Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Tenacious D and Jay Z. You can bid on the decks at BoardsAndBands.org. Bidding is open until August 26.
Proceeds from the sale go to the Tony Hawk Foundation’s initiative to create and maintain skate parks in low-income areas around the U.S. Hawk launched the fundraiser in 2012 with musician Ben Harper.
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