matthewjaaz

Search

Product Brand/Tag

👕🔥🔍Heat Check returns with eBay's Highest

Saddened to hear about the passing of my pal and b $Saddened to hear about the passing of my pal and biz partner Mark Doerk. I met him through eBay in 2005 after noticing he listed deadstock rock tees from the 1980s. I sent him a message asking where it was all coming from, and he said, "My House in Texas! I was a tour merch manager." He revealed that many items were bootlegs he had confiscated in the 80s outside concert venues all over the U.S. He also had a massive stash of licensed items that were overstock. Some were gifted to him, and others he would buy at a fraction of the cost at the end of a tour. It was every artist and every product. Prince, MJ, Jovi, Springsteen, you name it, he was there selling tees, jackets, pins, concert programs, and banners. He even manned the booth at the legendary Fresh Fest. After chatting with him on the phone, I proposed partnering up. I would sell the stuff via eBay, and we'd split the profits. He was In Like Flynn and immediately sent me a huge box once a month, keeping me busy for a few years. In the 1990s, he went on to work for Brockum during its heyday. His former co-workers often refer to their group as "The Boys of Brockum." So, as we started working through the stash, he sent me a supply from the early 90s too—piles of GNR tees and others. I met him twice in the late 2000s because he still took the occasional merch gig. He comped my wife and tickets when Elton John and Joe Walsh were in Toronto. He always got me an autograph from the band he was on tour with. He was such a friendly guy, and he had a ton of crazy stories about various musicians. I often suggested that he write a book, but he said, "No way, James, that's private stuff." Sometimes, the vintage gods shine down on you. In this case, the tees were a blessing, but I kept in touch with Mark long after his supply was dry. We had a trusting relationship right from the start, no contracts required. He was invited to my wedding but was caring for his mother at the time and couldn't make it. Sadly, we lost touch once the pandemic hit. He ended up in a healthcare facility, and I had no way to reach him; inquiries on his FB page were unanswered. RIP Mark, thanks for everything.$

More... Follow Us

Defunkd

Defunkd

Nirvana Sliver Tee

Shirt Search

Tag Search

Archive Categories

Instagram

Sponsors