David J’s new album, “Estranged” was released on September 9, 2003 by Heyday records. But it wouldn’t have been possible without his fans and eBay.  

Here is a press release detailing how this took place:

As Townes Van Zandt said, “make a little money, buy a little mercy.”

David J’s Estranged would not exist without the assistance of all the bidders on eBay who purchased various items of memorabilia in two marathon sales following the sold-out “Bauhaus Resurrection” world tour in 1998. 
 
David J (Bauhaus/Love and Rockets) had an inspired vision for his latest solo album. What he did not have, however, was the funding to bring those 14 songs to life. So, David gathered his memorabilia -- from a Love and Rocket’s paper weight to the original lyrics to some of his songs -- and offered a  ‘plea de coeur’ to his fans: 

"I have the songs, fourteen in all. I have the players, ( you’d be surprised or maybe not! ) What I do not have, and, as I do not intend to go the usual tiresome route of ‘demo/submission/acceptance subject to committee approval i.e. “Go back in and do it over but this time with more hooks and sugar coating!” what I am unlikely to have in the near future, is the filthy lucre to make all of the above an ‘in stores now’ reality. Sooooooooooooo, and this is where you come in dear patron, other methods of funding for the arts are in need of employment!"

All items were signed (and personally dedicated upon request) and the successful bidders are thanked in the liner notes of Estanged. David is actually delighted the biggest bidder never came through. Someone offered $6,000 for his one-of-a-kind custom coffin-shaped bass guitar -- but the bidder never appeared. The biggest seller was the original lyrics to Bauhaus' big hit ‘Bela Lugosi's Dead,’ written by David J. The lyrics sold for $4,000 to a record store in Philadelphia.

Here is a sampling of personal notes to David J:

“Thanks again for the opportunity to bid on these unique items. I would have never suspected that one day I would be sitting here in my office writing out a check to David J. This whole thing has been very surreal.” 

“This is so cool…” – Feedback page on eBay.

“Words cannot express how lucky I feel about winning the Chauffeur lyrics. The reason being it was my girlfriends favorite song and about the happiest point in my life.” -- Knoxville, TN

“It’s an honor to now own two important pieces of the Crocodile Tears puzzle. That album has sustained me for years and I’ll continually return to it until I die – hopefully not before your Spring Tour!” -- Lawrence, KS

Preview and purchase music from David J