Gary Sohmers: The King of Pop Culture Collectibles

Gary Sohmers is not just a collector—he’s a curator of nostalgia, a maestro of memorabilia, and a walking encyclopedia of pop culture. If it has ever been loved, traded, or treasured, chances are Gary has appraised it, sold it, or told its story.

Born in Houston, Texas, Gary’s journey into the world of collectibles began at the tender age of eight, when he started selling his toys at garage sales. His father’s passion for campaign buttons sparked his own fascination with the history and value of objects, leading him to open his first collectibles shop, Madcity Music Exchange, in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1974.

From there, his career took off like a rare first-edition comic book at auction. He founded Wex Rex Emporium of Popular Cultural Artifacts in Massachusetts, a haven for records, antique toys, movie memorabilia, and posters. Gary wasn’t just a seller—he was a storyteller. His deep knowledge and infectious enthusiasm landed him on talk radio, where he hosted Calling All Collectors, a syndicated show that turned appraising into entertainment.

Then came Antiques Roadshow, the PBS phenomenon that made Gary Sohmers a household name. With his signature long gray ponytail, Hawaiian shirts, and orange Converse sneakers, he became the go-to expert for pop culture collectibles. Over 13 seasons and 80 appearances, he appraised everything from original Peanuts comic strip artwork (valued at $450,000) to a Beatles Butcher Cover album worth up to $12,000. His first aired appraisal for the show was of an oil painting by musician Frank Zappa from 1960, which he valued at $15,000 to $25,000. USA TODAY ran a half page, full color photograph of Gary with the painting, titled, “We’re Only In It For The Money” – a reference to Frank Zappa, and to the collectibles marketplace.

But Gary isn’t just about the past—he’s always looking ahead. His latest venture, Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera, blends his love of music and storytelling into a theatrical experience that’s as wild and eclectic as his career.

Beyond his personal projects, Gary Sohmers has also shaped the collectibles community through the NorthEast Collectibles Extravaganza (NECX), which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025. What started as a small section of a flea market in 1985 has grown into one of the longest-running collector events in the Northeast U.S. Over the years, NECX has hosted legendary celebrity guests, including Adam West, whose last public appearance before his passing was at a Collectibles Extravaganza in 2017. The event has evolved from a modest gathering into a cornerstone of the collectibles world, bringing together vendors, enthusiasts, and pop culture fans under one roof.

Additionally, Gary is the mastermind behind the NorthEast ComicCon & Collectibles Extravaganza (NECC/NEComicCon), a pop culture convention that offers an affordable and family-friendly experience for fans of all ages. Held at the Regency Boxboro Hotel, NECC features celebrity guests, cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, a massive vendor hall, and engaging panels. The event is designed to be accessible to all budgets, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic of pop culture without breaking the bank.

Whether he’s producing concerts, mentoring entrepreneurs, or uncovering hidden gems in the world of collectibles, Gary Sohmers remains the undisputed King of Pop Culture—a title earned not just through expertise, but through a lifelong passion for the things that make us smile, reminisce, and dream.

Gary Sohmers: The King of Pop Culture Collectibles