Did you know that to date, the most expensive record ever sold is by Wu-Tang Clan?
And did you also know that there was only one single copy EVER made and it was released on vinyl, which sold at auction for $2million or roughly £1,315,789.
The 2015 album. Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was encased in a high-security silver box and the idea being that this individual release was to challenge the Spotify culture. As Spotify is still going strong I’m guessing this wasn’t the biggest challenge Spotify has faced…
The stipulations of the sale were simple, they were that the buyer may listen to it as often as they want but they must not attempt to sell or make money from the record for 100 years, although the owner may release the album for free should they wish to and lose all exclusivity…
Well, that single copy was bought by what turns out to be the internet’s favourite person to hate on, Martin Shkreli (Google him and cast your own verdict) which in itself is a bit sucky, but, due to some not so legal shenanigans, Martin ended up having his assets seized, including one hell of an expensive record by the Wu-tang Clan. So now, the worlds most expensive record, as far as is known is currently sat in an FBI vault somewhere.
And, as if this wasn’t all crazy enough, the band have the last laugh as the original contract states;
“The buying party also agrees that at any time during the stipulated 88 year period, the seller may legally plan and attempt to execute one (1) heist or caper to steal back Once Upon A Time In Shaolin, which, if successful, would return all ownership rights to the seller. Said heist or caper can only be undertaken by currently active members of the Wu-Tang Clan and/or actor Bill Murray, with no legal repercussions”
So there you have it, a single vinyl record, worth $2million is currently sat in a vault somewhere waiting for Bill Murray to get off his ass and steal it…