If the popularity of a musician is measured by the number of bootleg items they have on eBay, then Phil might just be getting the recognition he deserves.

I've seen the term "bootleg" used in a variety of ways, but for this article, I'll define it as any unauthorized recording being sold by unauthorized sellers (we could also use "counterfeit"). This is nothing new. Ever since the advent of portable recording equipment (audio or video), there have been people willing to copy and sell their recordings to make a few bucks.

So what's wrong with that? A number of things. First, artists (and/or their record companies) have a right to control the performance and distribution of their songs. If you copy a CD and sell it, you take away that right. Second, you take away from any profits the artists, record companies and distributors might make on a legal sale.

Way Back Home...
One of the most prominent and misleading bootlegs appearing on eBay lately is the sale of the original 1986 version of Way Back Home on CD. I've seen this go for as much as $215! But, the ad is misleading for two reasons. First, this album was NEVER released on CD in it's original form (the 1994 version is very different) and what they are selling is a copy made from an LP or tape. Second, not only are you not getting CD quality sound you expected, but you aren't supporting the artist and encouraging the bootlegger to do even more. It should be noted that selling CD-Rs (recordable CDs) is not allowed by eBay unless you are the artist.

Live Recordings...
I've also seen "rare live concert recordings" appear on ebay. Phil only has three live recordings available, How the West Was Won (with 2nd Chapter of Acts), Glass Harp Live at Carnegie Hall and Glass Harp Strings Attached. The only two videos available are his Electric Guitar Style and Acoustic Guitar Style videos. Anything else is a bootleg and should be reported. Two of the bootlegs I've seen are the Creation East 2000 concert (free to watch at www.hob.com) and the Glass Harp WMMS video from 1972. Do NOT purchase these!

Getting Picky...
Also on eBay, though not a bootleg, are Phil Keaggy signature guitar picks. They have gone for as much as $18 per pick! But they can be purchased at any Phil Keaggy concert in packages of 5 for $3.

Getting "Rare"er By The Minute...
Sellers will also use words like "rare" and "out of print" to grab your attention and get more bids. Be careful! Know which CDs are or aren't rare and out of print. See what other online retailers are selling, and for fan club releases, check out www.philkeaggy.com. If you have a question, you are welcome to ask me. One of the most common CDs that people pay too much for is the 6 song EP Revelator. A friend of mine paid $25 used on eBay. I bought mine brand new around the same time for $2.99. I bought another copy a year ago for $3.99!

Some items on eBay are rare and (dare I say it) deserve their high price tag. Others do not. Whatever you do, make sure you know what something is worth before placing a bid. If you're not sure, just !

Here is how you inform eBay of a bootleg item being sold.

One more thing.... In this article, I've tackled people selling items. The issue of trading "boots", whether you agree with it or not, is another issue entirely and beyond the scope of this article.

-- Steph Bargenquast
Page Last Updated: April 19, 2002