In a historic auction of the late Queen frontal Freddie Mercury’s belongings, the piano he used to compose legendary hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” found a new home for more than $2 million. Sotheby’s auction room in London buzzed with excitement as Queen’s anthem “We Will Rock You” set the stage for a memorable evening.
Over the course of a week, more than 1,400 items from Mercury’s collection were put up for auction, with the Sotheby’s façade adorned with a gigantic Mercury-style mustache in honor of the occasion. The Wednesday session alone saw 59 lots sold, raking in an impressive £12.2 million (approximately $15.4 million). Astonishingly, each item fetched more than double its estimated price.
The auction attracted a record-breaking participation of 2,000 bidders hailing from 61 countries, who engaged in both in-person and virtual bidding. You may also check Score Your Tickets NOW for Zach Bryan’s Epic 2024 ‘Quittin Time Tour.
The Yamaha baby grand piano, meticulously selected by Mercury after a six-month quest for the “perfect instrument” to breathe life into his musical creations, commanded a staggering £1.74 million (around $2.2 million), including buyer’s premium and fees.
Equally remarkable was the sale of the manuscript for “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the chart-topping anthem, which fetched £1.38 million (approximately $1.7 million). Auctioneer Oliver Barker described the 15 pages of lyrics, penned in pencil and ballpoint, as a “modern cultural icon.”
Surprisingly, the manuscript unveiled a fascinating tidbit of history – Mercury’s original intention to name the song “Mongolian Rhapsody.” This revelation added an extra layer of intrigue to the iconic composition.
Among the many captivating items on the auction block was a Victorian-style silver snake bangle famously donned by Mercury in the “Bohemian Rhapsody” music video.
It shattered records as the highest-priced jewelry piece ever auctioned, belonging to a rock star, with a final bid of £698,500 (approximately $881,000), surpassing its estimated value by a staggering 100-fold.
The excitement peaked when one lucky bidder triumphantly raised their hands and shared an emotional moment with a fellow attendee after acquiring Mercury’s rhinestone-studded crown and red faux fur cloak, worn onstage during Queen’s final tour in 1986. The iconic ensemble fetched a princely sum of £635,000 (about $801,500).
The auction featured a diverse range of art, including prints by celebrated artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Marc Chagall. In addition to these artworks, antique furniture and an array of cat figurines found new owners.
What sets this auction apart is its charitable aspect, with a portion of the proceeds pledged to various causes, including the Mercury Phoenix Trust and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. You should also read Rolling Stones Unveil ‘Hackney Diamonds.
Elton John, a close friend of Freddie Mercury, expressed his heartfelt sentiments about the legendary singer and performer, emphasizing the impact of AIDS on Mercury’s life and career.
In conclusion, this record-breaking auction not only celebrated the life and legacy of Freddie Mercury but also showcased the enduring appeal of his music and memorabilia.
As fans and collectors from around the world came together, the event not only set new standards in auction history but also served as a powerful reminder of the indelible mark left by Mercury and Queen on the world of music and culture.
