Ernie Ball Auctions Keith Richards' Autographed Guitar for Charity

Business Wire, July 11, 2002

Entertainment Editors & Music Writers

A Music Man Silhouette guitar, autographed by the legendary Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, is up for auction by Ernie Ball on Ebay, starting 3 p.m. PST on July 11. Guitarist-Vocalist Keith Richards has paved the way for generations of aspiring rock and roll guitarists. Richards, a.k.a. Mr. Rock and Roll, used a similar silhouette guitar on the "Steel Wheels" album and tour. Features include:

-- StingRay bass signed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

-- Silhouette baritone bass signed by the Eagles

-- Axis signed by Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young

100% of the auction proceeds benefit the Casey Lee Ball Foundation. This non-profit organization works for the advancement of pediatric kidney research. Casey Lee Ball, third son of Sterling Ball, was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease at age two. At age five, while Casey and Sterling were recuperating from kidney transplant surgery, they decided to create the Casey Lee Ball Foundation. As a result of their tireless efforts over the last six years, several new medicines have made it to market in record time and are helping to reduce the side effects of kidney transplant medications.

In the near future, Ernie Ball will also be auctioning a:

-- StingRay bass signed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

-- Silhouette baritone bass signed by the Eagles

-- Axis signed by Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young

To check out any of these collectible guitars, go to the Casey Lee Ball Foundation website.

Ernie Ball, Inc. is a leading innovator of guitar strings. The company was the first to offer rock strings with the introduction of Slinkys, and further revolutionized the market by offering guitarists Custom-Gauge(R) single strings. Ernie Ball also produces Music Man(R) guitars and basses, volume pedals and other accessories. Strings and accessories are available in more than 5,500 music stores throughout the U.S. The company also exports to 75 countries. For more information, contact the Ernie Ball Company at 805/544-7726, or visit their website at www.ernieball.com.