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By Jack Broom
Seattle Times staff reporter

It's the ultimate pop-prop-shop, except nothing's for sale. More than 40 pieces of signature star paraphernalia — from Michael Jackson's white glove to John Lennon's granny glasses to Bing Crosby's pipe — are at the temporary "(Un)Common Objects" exhibit at Experience Music Project. A few behind-the-scenes tidbits:

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Frightening footwear. If Gene Simmons of Kiss shows up in your nightmares, take comfort in knowing you can probably outrun him. His leather-and-metal "dragon boots" on display weigh a combined 30 pounds — and that was in addition to his 15-pound studded-leather outfit.

Booting up memories. Speaking of fashionable feet, if seeing Nancy Sinatra's black boots here brings to mind such inspired lyrics as, "You keep lyin' when you oughta be truthin,' " you're either a karaoke star or a candidate for AARP. The chart-topping "These Boots Are Made for Walking" was released in 1966.

No, you can't try on that wispy, glittery "slave costume" Britney Spears wore on stage at the 2001 MTV Music Awards. Which is just as well, because where would you find the outfit's missing accessory, an 8-foot yellow python?

Dark rims, dark day. Among several pair of glasses in the exhibit are the last ones worn by 1950s rocker Buddy Holly. They were recovered after the 1959 small-plane crash in Iowa that killed Holly, 22, along with singers Ritchie Valens, 17, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, 28, a tragedy that inspired the 1972 Don McLean hit "American Pie."