The Who are asking for fans to help them dig up rare films, recordings and other memorabilia as they prepare to release a 50th anniversary package next year.

The band has already announced a 50th anniversary tour, one that Roger Daltrey calls "the beginning of the long goodbye", and a new hits package which will be out on October 28. Now, they have called out to fans to go through their memorabilia for anything rare that could be included in their celebration.

It's not out-of-the-question that there could be rarely seen material hiding out somewhere in the world. In 2002, the film The High Numbers at the Railway Hotel, with an early performance by the group before they became the Who, turned up in an attic in the Netherlands.

Among the items that the band is seeking are "rare radio and TV performances, home movies from gigs, extraordinary bootleg material, demos, unusual photos and memorabilia." Any material that ends up being used will be fully credited and anyone who submits extraordinary finds will receive two VIP tickets to a Who show.

If you have material, contact the Who at [email protected].