The piano and manuscript of the iconic song Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen frontman Freddie Mercury were sold for over £3 million at a recent auction at Sotheby’s in London. These items were part of a larger collection of Mercury memorabilia, with a total of 59 lots selling for £12,172,290 ($15.2 million). The auction attracted a record number of bidders from 61 countries.
Freddie Mercury’s Yamaha quarter-tail piano, which he used to compose many of his greatest songs, including Bohemian Rhapsody, was sold for £1,742,000 ($2,198,927). The manuscript for Bohemian Rhapsody, containing 15 pages of pencil and ballpoint pen remarks, fetched £1,379,000. The manuscript reveals that Mercury originally intended to name the song Mongolian Rhapsody.
The auction kicked off with bidding for the green door to Mercury’s garden, on which fans had written tributes. The door, from his Garden Lodge home in west London, sold for an astonishing £412,750, far exceeding the estimated price. Other items sold at the auction included furniture, clothing, artworks, and various personal items.
The collection was being sold by Mary Austin, a close friend and former fiancée of Mercury. Part of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Mercury Phoenix Trust and the Elton John Aids Foundation, both organizations that work to combat AIDS.
The auction was met with great enthusiasm from fans and collectors around the world, reflecting the lasting legacy and cultural significance of Freddie Mercury and his music. The sale of items associated with the legendary musician is a testament to his enduring impact and his place in music history.
Overall, the auction at Sotheby’s provided an opportunity for fans to own a piece of music history and for organizations to benefit from the proceeds. It was a fitting tribute to Freddie Mercury, a beloved performer whose music continues to inspire and thrill millions.
