Freddie Mercury’s grand piano to be auctioned ‘without reserve’
It is expected to sell for between £2 million and £3 million, auction house Sotheby’s said.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The prized piano belonging to late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury is to be auctioned “without reserve”, allowing fans across the globe to bid.
British superstar Mercury bought the Yamaha Baby Grand Piano in 1975 after searching to find his “perfect piano”, and later used it to develop the hit Bohemian Rhapsody, as well as many of his subsequent songs including final operatic number Barcelona.
It is expected to sell for between £2 million and £3 million, but will be sold without reserve meaning there is no minimum sale price, auction house Sotheby’s said.
Auctioning the treasured piano comes a month after thousands of items from Mercury’s beloved home – Garden Lodge in Kensington, west London – went on display as part of the Freddie Mercury: A World Of His Own exhibition.
Overwhelmed by the response to the exhibition, Mercury’s close friend Mary Austin decided the piano should be offered “without reserve” to open the possibility of bidding to a broader base of potential buyers.
“More than anything, Mary wants the piano to go a home where it will be loved, cherished and enjoyed to the full,” Sotheby’s said.
Personal items from the collection, including flamboyant stage costumes and works of art by Salvador Dali, will also be sold across six live and online auctions in September.
Part of the money raised will go to the Elton John Aids Foundation, following Mercury’s death age 45 in 1991 following health complications relating to Aids.
Sir Elton said: “I miss Freddie to this day. He was a wonderful friend – more full of love and life than anyone I’ve ever met – as well as a brilliant performer whose music has inspired and thrilled millions.
“Freddie and I shared a love of collecting and exchanged many gifts over the years, including some in this brilliant auction.
“He was kind, generous and funny and it is a tragedy that Aids took him from the world much too soon.
“I am grateful to Mary for so lovingly curating his home, and for donating the proceeds from my gifts to Freddie to my foundation, which continues to fight Aids around the world, and I hope that would make Freddie smile.”
Six dedicated auctions will be held with the first live evening sale on September 6, in which the piano will be sold.
On September 7 and 8, two further live auctions will follow: the first dedicated to Mercury “On Stage”, the second dedicated to his life “At Home”, and to the objects he loved and lived with at Garden Lodge.
This will be followed by three more online auctions titled In Love With Japan and part one and two of Crazy Little Things.