While the Beastie Boys are widely celebrated for their exceptional music taste, their choices in cars have often been overlooked. In the 1980s, during the peak of their success, one of the band members made a unique car purchase that perfectly complemented their musical endeavors.
Adam Yauch, also known as MCA, decided to immerse himself in the vibrant car culture of Los Angeles by acquiring an early-70s Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. This vintage beauty served as more than just a mode of transportation. Yauch transformed the car into a mobile sound system hub, complete with a cutting-edge Digital Audio Tape (DAT) player. His bandmate, Michael Diamond (Mike D), reminisced about this extraordinary purchase, sharing that they would cruise around in the colossal Cadillac while blasting their latest mixes with the bass turned up high during the recording of their iconic album, Paul’s Boutique.
Although the Cadillac made its appearance in their music, featuring in the lyrics of the track “Shadrach,” and was briefly mentioned in an interview, there are unfortunately scarce photographs capturing the band members driving this remarkable vehicle. Eventually, in 1999, the car was auctioned off, with the proceeds contributing to the Milarepa Fund, a charity supporting the Tibetan independence movement.
While the Beastie Boys’ Cadillac may not have received as much recognition as it deserved, its unique history and association with the band make it a truly special find for any car enthusiast. Despite its relatively modest starting price of $12,000 at auction (equivalent to $22,600 today), the car undoubtedly carries an incredibly cool backstory. In comparison, Elvis Presley’s private jet fetched a hefty price tag of $320,000 at auction, but required an additional investment of $6 million for restoration.
The Beastie Boys, known for their musical prowess, have left behind a lesser-known automobile legacy that adds to their iconic status. Their choice to integrate car culture into their artistic process showcases their innovative spirit and willingness to explore diverse avenues of creative expression beyond music.
FAQ
Q: What car did Adam Yauch, also known as MCA, purchase?
A: Adam Yauch purchased an early-70s Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham.
Q: How did Yauch transform the car?
A: Yauch transformed the car into a mobile sound system hub, complete with a cutting-edge Digital Audio Tape (DAT) player.
Q: What album was the Cadillac featured in?
A: The Cadillac was featured in the recording of the Beastie Boys’ iconic album, Paul’s Boutique.
Q: What happened to the car?
A: The car was auctioned off in 1999, with the proceeds contributing to the Milarepa Fund, a charity supporting the Tibetan independence movement.
Definitions:
– Beastie Boys: An American hip hop group known for their influential music and innovative style.
– Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham: A luxury car model produced by Cadillac in the 1970s.
– Digital Audio Tape (DAT): A professional digital audio recording and playback format.
– Milarepa Fund: A charity organization supporting the Tibetan independence movement.
Suggested related links:
Beastie Boys Official Website