Iconic Freddie Mercury piano auctioned at $2.1 million, breaking records in a historic sale of the legendary Queen frontman’s prized possessions
Credit: Google | Freddie Mercury | Yamaha G2 baby grand piano
In a historic auction event that resonated with the fervor of Freddie Mercury’s legendary performances, the world witnessed an unprecedented sale of memorabilia that immortalized the iconic Queen frontman. Sotheby’s London hosted this monumental auction, which featured an astounding 1,400 items from the personal collection of the charismatic rock legend.
The spotlight of the auction shone brightly on Freddie Mercury’s 1973 Yamaha G2 baby grand piano, the very instrument that gave birth to Queen’s magnum opus, “Bohemian Rhapsody“. The bidding commenced at an impressive £40,000 (approximately $50,000), but it quickly escalated into a whirlwind of competition, culminating in an online bid of $2.2 million. This historic sale, which transpired over a mere six minutes—symbolically mirroring the length of “Bohemian Rhapsody” itself—captured the world’s attention.
Freddie Mercury’s Grand Piano Sells For $2.1 Million At Record-Breaking Auction For Rock Legend’s Possessions https://t.co/Th2PHFzvRL pic.twitter.com/NWwAZ0SiNs
— Forbes (@Forbes) September 6, 2023
This piano, once estimated to sell for at least $2.5 million, rightfully claimed its position as the auction’s crowning achievement. Its new owner, an online bidder, now possesses a piece of rock history that continues to inspire generations.
Delving further into the treasures of Mercury’s collection, a handwritten draft of “Bohemian Rhapsody” emerged as another priceless gem. This manuscript, offering a glimpse into Mercury’s creative process and revealing that he had initially contemplated naming the song “Mongolian Rhapsody“, fetched an astonishing $1.7 million at the auction.
The auction’s allure extended beyond these iconic items. Various draft lyric documents, including an early version of “We Are The Champions“, stirred the passions of bidders, underscoring the enduring appeal of Queen’s music.
Mercury’s flamboyant style and love for distinctive jewelry were on full display as well. His silver snake bracelet, prominently featured in the “Bohemian Rhapsody” music video, broke records by selling for an astounding $881,000, securing its place as the highest-priced piece of jewelry ever owned by a rock star.
Beyond these headline-grabbing items, the auction encompassed a diverse array of possessions, from stage-worn outfits to artwork, furniture, and an intriguing blend of Western and Japanese art and collectibles. Reflecting Mercury’s penchant for the eclectic and the extraordinary, these items found new homes with collectors and enthusiasts.
Mary Austin, Mercury’s close friend and former partner, played a pivotal role in ensuring that this historic auction came to fruition. She inherited Mercury’s home and its contents after his passing in 1991, making the decision to honor his legacy through this auction. Her dedication to preserving Mercury’s memory in a way that he would have cherished is evident in the remarkable success of this event.
The auction not only captivated the world but also contributed to charitable causes, with proceeds from select items benefiting organizations like the Elton John AIDS Foundation. As the hammer fell on the final lots, totaling an astounding $15.4 million in sales against a presale low estimate of $6 million, the enduring influence of Freddie Mercury on the world of music and art became undeniable.
This monumental auction, which spanned six days, marked a poignant chapter in the history of rock and roll, reminding us all of the unparalleled impact of Freddie Mercury and Queen on the world stage.
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