84
84
Billy Idol | Steve Stevens Custom Audio Electronics Rack Faceplate, Whiplash Smile Tour (1986-1987)
Currency:USD
Category:Memorabilia / Music Memorabilia
Start Price:100.00 USD
Estimated At:500.00 - 1,000.00 USD
CURRENT BID
0.00USD
ENTER YOUR MAXIMUM ABSENTEE BID![[?]](https://branded.liveauctiongroup.com/graphics/icons/help.png)
Live Online Auction Starts In
2026 Jun 06 @ 10:00 (UTC-07:00 : PDT/MST)
An original 2U rack system faceplate from the touring guitar rig of Steve Stevens, built by Bob Bradshaw of Custom Audio Electronics (Los Angeles) and bearing a period Whiplash Smile tour logo decal that anchors it to the 1986–1987 touring cycle. Acquired together with the Rebel Yell era pedalboard (Lot 83) from the same source.
Historical Context
Bob Bradshaw of Custom Audio Electronics (CAE) is widely regarded as one of the foremost guitar rig builders in rock history. Operating from Los Angeles throughout the 1980s and beyond, Bradshaw designed and built custom rack switching systems and signal routing rigs for many of the era's most prominent guitarists, including Eddie Van Halen, Steve Lukather, Larry Carlton, and numerous others. A CAE rack system represented the highest level of professional guitar rig integration available, offering custom-configured power distribution, effects switching, and signal routing beyond the capabilities of off-the-shelf equipment. Stevens' use of a Bradshaw-built rack during this period places him within the elite tier of touring guitarists who commissioned bespoke systems for major productions.
Whiplash Smile was Billy Idol's third studio album, released in 1986. The album and its supporting tour — during which Stevens continued to develop his signature approach to guitar effects and rack-integrated rigs — represented the continuation of the Idol/Stevens commercial peak following Rebel Yell. The tour logo decal on this faceplate, depicting the album's distinctive planet/cross graphic, serves as direct visual documentation of the piece's active use during that cycle.
Stage Use
This faceplate formed part of the system power supply section of Stevens' CAE rack rig during the Whiplash Smile touring cycle. It was included with the Rebel Yell pedalboard (Lot 83) by the seller, who described it as "a rack unit front plate from his Bob Bradshaw rack unit" bearing the Whiplash Smile sticker as provenance documentation.
Specifications
· Standard 2U aluminum rack faceplate
· Silver-tone brushed aluminum finish
· Center-mounted black label: "SYSTEM POWER SUPPLY / 1 AMP FUSE."
· Custom Audio Electronics manufacturer plate: "CUSTOM AUDIO ELECTRONICS / ROBERT C. BRADSHAW / LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA / (818) 763-8898."
· Whiplash Smile tour logo decal at right — planet/cross graphic in red
Condition
The faceplate exhibits surface wear, light oxidation, and handling marks consistent with sustained professional touring use. The Custom Audio Electronics plate and Whiplash Smile decal are both present and legible.
Provenance
Acquired together with the Steve Stevens Rebel Yell era pedalboard (Lot 83) from the same source, included as part of that transaction by the original seller.
Included Items
Original Billy Idol "World Tour 87–88" Access All Areas fabric backstage pass, signed by Billy Idol. Double-sided: the front face features a duo-tone black and white photographic image of Billy Idol and Steve Stevens with "WORLD TOUR 87-88" in a bordered panel and "ACCESS ALL AREAS" along the lower register, signed by Billy Idol in silver marker across the center; the reverse features a stylized black profile silhouette of Billy Idol on a pink ground with the "BILLY IDOL" logo in pink and blue. The pass is from the same Whiplash Smile World Tour 87–88 touring cycle as the rack faceplate.
Nostalgia Bandit Letter of Provenance
This lot will be accompanied by a Nostalgia Bandit Letter of Provenance — a document printed on official Nostalgia Bandit letterhead, signed by Nostalgia Bandit's principal, and affixed with the official Nostalgia Bandit embossed seal. The Letter of Provenance reproduces the complete final auction description for this lot in full, memorializing all provenance documentation, attribution, supporting evidence, and condition details as presented herein. It is designed to travel with the lot through all future ownership transfers as a permanent, platform-independent physical record of the item's documented history.
Shipping & Measurements
FIRST AND THIRD PARTY SHIPPING OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Contact Nostalgia Bandit for a shipping quote: shipping@nostalgiabandit.com
» Item: 19 x 3.5" · 0.88 lbs.
Auction Location:
14545 W Grand Ave STE 106 PMB 101, Surprise, Arizona, 85374, United States
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| AZ |
8.35% |
Arizona State Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
25% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Shipping, handling, and insurance are not included in the purchase price and will be invoiced separately. Most items are eligible for in-house shipping from Nostalgia Bandit — see the individual lot description. Items requiring third-party shipping will be noted in the lot description; recommended providers and contact information are available on the Shipping & Fulfillment page at nostalgiabandit.com. Buyers may also arrange their own licensed and insured shipper. All shipments require signature confirmation and full insurance coverage. Buyers are responsible for all duties, VAT, tariffs, and import costs. Local pickup available by appointment. For shipping quotes prior to bidding, email your address and lot number(s) to shipping@nostalgiabandit.com.
Payment Details:
Payment is due within 5 calendar days of invoice.
Nostalgia Bandit accepts major credit cards and may accept alternative payment methods upon request.
Invoices may be paid using the credit card on file or by contacting us directly to arrange payment.
Shipping, handling, and insurance are invoiced separately unless otherwise noted.
Please contact us promptly with any questions regarding your invoice or payment arrangements.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- AMEX
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Wire Transfer
- Multiple Credit Cards
- ACH
Nostalgia Bandit LLC
Buyer Terms & Conditions
These Buyer Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all sales conducted by Nostalgia Bandit LLC (“NB,” “we,” or “us”). By registering to bid or placing a bid, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
1. Contract Formation
NB acts solely as agent for the consignor. NB is not the seller. Placing a bid constitutes an irrevocable offer to purchase. The contract is formed upon acceptance of the winning bid by the auctioneer or platform at the close of the auction.
2. Online-Only Auctions
All bidding is conducted online only. Some auctions may include a live-streamed auctioneer and some may not. The same bidding rules apply to all auctions. NB reserves the right to withdraw any lot, refuse any bid, resolve bidding disputes, and regulate the conduct of the auction in its sole discretion. Certain lots may be offered subject to a confidential reserve. If a reserve is not met, the lot will remain unsold. Any reserve, if applicable, will not exceed the published low pre-sale estimate.
3. Buyer’s Premium & Fees
A 25% Buyer’s Premium is added to the hammer price of all lots. This premium includes all standard online bidding platform and payment processing costs. No additional online or credit card surcharges will be applied.
4. Sales Tax
Applicable sales tax will be added to the purchase price as required by law based on the delivery location and the nature of the transaction.
5. As-Is / No Reliance
All property is sold AS IS, WHERE IS, with all faults. Descriptions, estimates, and opinions are statements of judgment, not guarantees. Buyers are responsible for their own inspection and evaluation. No warranty or representation is made as to condition, authenticity, provenance, completeness, or operability except as expressly stated. Electronic items are sold as-is, untested unless otherwise stated, and may not include power supplies, accessories, or cables unless specifically described and shown in photographs. Certain electronic items may originate from other countries and may require voltage converters, adapters, or other modifications for use. Any testing, compatibility verification, or modification is at the buyer’s sole risk.
6. Payment & Default
Payment is due within 5 calendar days of invoice unless otherwise stated. Failure to pay may result in cancellation of the sale, resale of the property, forfeiture of payments, and recovery of costs. NB reserves the right to charge the buyer’s registered payment method, assess late fees, and/or pursue legal remedies for non-payment. NB may reject future bids from any buyer who fails to complete a transaction. Title to the property does not pass until full payment has been received and cleared. By registering to bid, buyers agree not to initiate chargebacks or payment reversals without first contacting NB to resolve any issue in good faith.
7. Shipping & Risk of Loss
Risk of loss passes to the buyer upon release of the property. Shipping, insurance, handling, customs, and related costs are the buyer’s responsibility. All packages shipped by NB will require signature confirmation upon delivery. Buyers are responsible for arranging shipment within a reasonable time after payment.
8. Shipping Options & Third-Party Handling
Shipping, handling, and insurance are not included in the Hammer Price or Buyer’s Premium.
All shipping and fulfillment costs are assessed separately and are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
Certain lots may require third-party shipping due to size, weight, fragility, or special handling requirements. Where applicable, this will be noted in the lot description.
For such lots, NB may provide contact information for one or more third-party shipping providers. Buyers may elect to use one of these providers or arrange shipping through a third-party shipper of their own choosing.
For items eligible for in-house shipping, NB may provide a shipping quote upon request. Buyers may alternatively use recommended third-party providers or their own shipper.
All shipping arrangements, costs, insurance, and risk of loss remain the responsibility of the buyer.
Local pickup is available where applicable. Buyers should note that applicable sales tax may apply to transactions involving local pickup.
9. Returns & Claims
All sales are final unless expressly stated otherwise in writing. Any claim must be submitted in writing within seven (7) days of receipt of the property.
10. Platform Disclaimer
NB is not responsible for errors, interruptions, delays, or failures of third-party bidding platforms or internet services.
11. Limitation of Liability
NB’s liability to a buyer shall not exceed the purchase price actually paid. NB shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
12. Force Majeure
NB shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control.
13. Governing Law & Venue
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Arizona. Venue is exclusively in Maricopa County, Arizona.
14. Claims & Concerns
Information regarding good-faith inquiries concerning ownership or title may be directed to us via the Contact page.