Freddie Mercury, the iconic frontman of the band Queen, is known for his incredible voice and unforgettable performances. Now, one of his most cherished possessions, his Yamaha G2 baby grand piano, is set to go up for auction at Sotheby’s in London.
The piano, which was purchased by Mercury in 1975 and brought to England from Japan, is estimated to sell for £2-£3 million ($2.5-$3.8 million). It holds tremendous sentimental value as it was the instrument Mercury used to compose the legendary track Bohemian Rhapsody the same year.
Mercury’s longtime partner, Mary Austin, recalls the special connection he had with the piano. He treated it with utmost care and considered it an extension of himself. According to Austin, Mercury never smoked near the piano, placed objects on top of it, or allowed anyone else to do so.
Throughout his life, the piano accompanied Mercury from one apartment to another until it found its place in his drawing room at Garden Lodge in West London, where he passed away in 1991. It basked in the sunlight, occupying a position of honor in the musician’s home.
Apart from the piano, Sotheby’s will be auctioning off a collection of personal items and clothing belonging to Mercury. Among the lots are memorable pieces such as the silver sequined catsuit worn during the News of the World tour in the late 1970s. Additionally, everyday items owned by the artist, including chopsticks and a Sony D-50 compact disc player, will be up for grabs.
An exciting inclusion in the auction is a previously unseen early draft of Bohemian Rhapsody. This handwritten sheet of lyrics is expected to fetch between £800,000 and £1.2 million ($995,000 to $1.5 million). The markings and annotations on the draft suggest that the song was initially conceived as Mongolian Rhapsody.
Sotheby’s will display Mercury’s beloved piano from August 4 to September 5, allowing visitors to see the instrument in person alongside 1,200 other lots that trace the artist’s journey from his school years to the peak of his fame.
This auction presents a unique opportunity for fans and collectors alike to own a piece of music history. The items up for sale provide insight into the personal life and creative process of one of the greatest musicians of all time.
As the world anxiously awaits the auction, it serves as a reminder of Freddie Mercury’s enduring legacy and the profound impact he made on the music industry. His talent and unique spirit continue to inspire generations to come.
