The Signature Library’s Top Ten Best & Worst Signers of 2011

2011 saw some rare occurrences in the world of collecting signatures. From Madonna stopping to sign for hundreds of fans, to reclusive artists like Sade and Axl Rose going back on the road and giving some autograph collectors the long awaited opportunity to meet these legendary entertainers. However, for every shockingly good moments, there comes a shockingly bad moment in autograph collecting; like witnessing a young and ungrateful Justin Bieber blowing off just a few fans backstage at the Grammy awards who asked for his autograph. Watching the Kings of Leon rolling with a security detail like President Obama. For the most part, the trend stays the same when it comes to collecting autographs; the entertainers who have been around and made a real impact with real talent seem to understand the “game” autograph collecting has become. Whereas the newcomers, overnight stars like “the Biebs” have a hard time adjusting to the ever demanding effort to sign an autograph.

The Signature Library’s Top Ten Best Autograph Signers list of 2011

1. Johnny Depp

Not only is Johnny Depp a unique actor and talent, but his generosity and consistently accommodating personality in public is truly unique in this day and age of Celebrity worship. Depp always has gone out of his way to sign autographs and take photos with whomever asks, no matter how large the size of a crowd, or if you are lucky enough to meet Johnny alone, he treats everyone with respect and as an individual; which clearly puts Johnny Depp at the top of my list.

2. Bono

Rock Stars are on a different level of adoration from their fans, and there is no bigger Rock Star in the world than Bono. Wherever Bono goes (and he does go EVERYWHERE) he loves to meet his fans and take the time to give them a moment of happiness, whether it’s fulfilling an autograph request or a hug from a gushing girl, Bono is there playing the Rock Star. This year I witnessed Bono practically standing on his SUV a la MJ signing a plethora of autographs. Bono has worn this Rock Star good guy crown his entire career and let’s hope he never relinquishes it.

3. Lady Gaga

She may be young in terms of her “stardom” but Lady Gaga has an old soul, and in my opinion comes from another era of the likes of anti establishment acts from the likes of Elton John and Alice Cooper to Iggy Pop. Gaga’s appeal has quickly become universal and her treks around the world have exposed her to rabid fan adoration. Her fan base is as loyal to Gaga as she is to them, consistently going out of her way like Muhammad Ali (the greatest signer of all time!) to make sure every fan has the opportunity to meet her. The day after this years past Grammy awards, Lady Gaga was taping the Jay Leno show. When she arrived at the NBC studio gates there were approx 50 fans hoping to just see Gaga as she drives past security. Well, Gaga made there day as she stopped her car, got out and signed autographs and took pictures with every single person. Then she did it again on her way out, this time for a crowd of approx 100 people. There were no cameras or media there, this was Gaga being herself, grateful, appreciative and respectful. What a revelation.

4. Roger Waters

The Pink Floyd frontman has been back on the road with his epic Wall tour that has already covered the globe once and Roger is having such a good time that he’s gonna give us classic rock fans an encore this summer at iconic baseball stadiums across the USA. On the road is where Roger has in his words been “besieged” by autograph collectors and dealers. Yet, this hasn’t stopped him from signing for his fans, it’s just made Roger care even more about autographs it seems. He genuinely is an easy going guy when it comes to signing autographs. Roger has always been incredibly accommodating to his autograph suitors be they fans, collectors or dealers. It’s not surprising that Roger wrote a diatribe about autograph requests on his current tour diary on Facebook. What is surprising is that he cares enough to explain himself and to let those untactful autograph suitors know how he feels. Thank you RW.

5. Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie

It’s hard to imagine a famous star couple like Brad and Angelina having energy left over after eluding the paparazzi to make time for their adoring fans; however they seem to always make a point of signing an outrageous amount of autographs when out in public. What makes this such a feat that puts Pitt and Jolie at #5 on this list is that they don’t just look at the paparazzi and autograph collectors as the same “annoying” legion of street zombies out to get them. Brad and Angelina clearly see the autograph collectors as supporters and have really gone out of their way to sign as much as they can when they can, to make it easier on themselves and their fans. This is the right way of handling the autograph/fan requests. Biebs and other “overnight sensations” take note.

6. Clint Eastwood

With Marlon Brando and Paul Newman gone, it is the legendary and iconic filmmaker and actor Clint Eastwood who holds the title of the “King of Hollywood.” Clint has been at the top of his game in the last decade, achieving recognition amongst his peers and audiences that he never really had until the early 90′s. Clint Eastwood’s torrid pace of filmmaking over the last decade has made Clint Eastwood more accessible to autograph collectors and Clint has consistently obliged the many suitors with his distinguished signature.

7. Derek Jeter

It’s unquestionably an aberration for me to put a professional athlete in the Top Ten Signers list, especially under the current climate of today’s sports stars who are spoiled, ignorant, rude and disrespectful. I’m not just making a generalization here, I can form this opinion based on my in person experiences with these so called “professional” athletes. However, my experiences with the Yankee Captain Derek Jeter have been quite contrary to the majority of the aforementioned athletes of today. Derek Jeter understands what it means to represent the Yankee pinstripes and despite some extra curricular autograph signings, Derek does good by his title as Yankee Captain and Yankee legend. This year Derek took the time to listen to my request on behalf of young boy who really could use a pick me up, and a signature from Derek would do wonders, but DJ went above and beyond and took the time to deliver a personal message to the boy. Could you see Lebron James doing that? Of course not. It’s good to see, there’s still some good guys left in the world of Sports.

8. Axl Rose

Seeing the name Axl Rose on any Top Ten list in 2011 may come as a surprise, but Axl is back and delivering the GnR classics on a rare World Tour from his long awaited release of Chinese Democracy. Axl Rose has long been regarded amongst autograph collectors and fans as somewhat of a recluse, rarely making a public appearance over the last 15 years. Often labeled incorrectly by the press, and deemed an “#%#hole” by people in the industry, Axl has taken on an almost mythical legend. On tour, Axl is rarely seen in public until the last minute at 11pm when he takes the stage with his current GnR bandmates. What people don’t see is how cool a dude Axl can be if you are lucky enough to catch up to him in person. This year, I was fortunate to meet Axl and though it can be incredibly difficult to see Axl in person, he didn’t disappoint on stage and off.

9. Sade

Much like Axl Rose, Sade has been regarded as one of musics royal recluses. Sade rarely goes on tour and is seen very little in public. Therefore, when Sade announced she would be touring again in 2011, the long awaited opportunity was afforded to those autograph collectors and fans to hopefully meet the legendary singer. Just like Axl Rose on tour, Sade was very difficult to meet in person, not being seen in public until taking the stage. When I finally met Sade in person, the moment was as precious as her voice and her quiet politeness was every bit as soothing as her music.

10. Madonna

Another surprising name to see grace the Top Ten Best Signers list this year, but when Madonna attended the Toronto Film Festival in 2011 she for whatever reason (self serving promotion or to spite the media or to recover from a bad publicity mistake over receiving the wrong type of flowers from a fan at the Venice film festival) decided to stun a crowd of hundreds at her red carpet premiere by stopping to sign for hundreds of fans and autograph collectors. This rare occurrence in the autograph world is the equivalent of a lunar eclipse.

The Signature Library’s Top Ten Worst Autograph Signers list of 2011

1. Justin Bieber

How can this be? The Biebs doesn’t sign autographs ? When you think of Justin Bieber you can love him or hate him, but you probably can’t imagine him ignoring his “Beliebers” for an autograph request? Well, having been in Justin’s presence backstage at The Grammy’s in 2011, I witnessed Justin turning down a fan one on one. What stood out was that Barbara Streisand stopped to sign an autograph in front of me just after JB had said no. There’s something wrong with this picture.

2. Kings of Leon

The band that consists of brothers and a cousin had a quick rise to commercial popularity; which is a difficult feat for any rock band these days since Rock radio is practically extinct. Given the success these Okies have had, one would think they are a humbled bunch of guys . Not the case with these self proclaimed “kings” , although their entourage and security detail is fit for a “King” these brothers and cousin are more like the aforementioned professional athletes of today.

3. Lebron James

Speaking of the Athletes of today, there is none more vilified than Lebron James. Deservedly so, as Lebron has brought the villain role on himself. Everyone has seen his ignorance and disrespect illustrated by his most pathetic “television event” to announce his signing with the Miami Heat. What you see on the tele is what you get in person. Lebron has followed in the footsteps of many other basketball players who seem to be the “worst” of the four major sports when it comes to signing autographs.

4. Mick Jagger

Over the last few years Mick Jagger has practically introduced a no signing policy in public. Once an avid signer, Mick has had a change of heart about being approached in public for an autograph. Whether you are a fan or an autograph entrepreneur Mick doesn’t seem to care. Perhaps Mick, who is a savvy businessman sees his signature as a commodity and doesn’t want to give it away anymore.

5. Arcade Fire

This is a case of a young band still adjusting to their massive success in a relatively short span. Arcade Fire has been on the road non stop since over their first few years of their young and promising career. However, since their recent Grammy award garnered them commercial appeal, their fans have grown and their faces are now recognizable to many.

6. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold didn’t have a year to remember and subsequently has become increasingly less accommodating to autograph suitors. Arnold is a politician so maybe he needs to rethink his position towards those asking him for a simple autograph.

7. The Black Keys

Another young rock band that has had a quick rise in commercial popularity and seem to resent those who ask for signatures as a statement that they are indeed “Popular.” Is it too Hipster to sign autographs? or is it just an Akron, Ohio thing? (Lebron James also comes from Akron, Ohio)

8. Prince

This should come as no surprise as the man in purple, remains a complete non signer year after year throughout his long and storied career. Prince just doesn’t acknowledge autographs or those asking for one. This has been his long standing approach which has actually deterred practically 100 % of all autograph collectors. Even inside a private party, saying hello to Prince is considered a “no no” by Prince and his security. Does this surprise you?

9. Gene Simmons

There aren’t many celebrities that have an ego the size of Gene. It’s apparent that Gene uses all his love for himself, therefore he has none left for anyone else. Not only is Gene anti signing autographs but he proudly acts like a rude and obnoxious Boss that you wanted to take down. The irony is nobody really cares about Gene Simmons autograph.

10. Ringo Starr

Really Ringo should be #1 on this list every year from 2008 when he proclaimed he would no longer sign autographs when asked from here on out. Ringo has stuck to his words and has not wavered. Since Ringo is the first celebrity that I have ever heard of holding a press conference to announce he “no longer signs autographs” , as Ringo explains in this video.