The iconic Yamaha G2 piano of Freddie Mercury, used to compose the legendary song “Bohemian Rhapsody,” will be going up for auction at Sotheby’s London in September. This highly anticipated event will showcase over 1,400 of Mercury’s personal belongings in an exhibition called ‘Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own,’ from 4th August to 5th September, before the auction takes place later that month.
Mercury’s longtime partner, Mary Austin, shared insights into the late singer’s relationship with the piano, emphasizing how he saw his house as an extension of himself and kept it in pristine condition. Mercury was known for his attention to detail and insisted that no one smoke or place glasses on the piano.
The cherished Yamaha G2 piano was acquired by Freddie Mercury in 1975 and has moved with him from house to house until his passing in 1991. Since then, the piano has found a place of honor at the Garden Lodge in West London. Experts estimate that this historic instrument could fetch anywhere between $2.5 million and $3.8 million at the auction.
In addition to the piano, the auction will feature various other remarkable items, including Mercury’s crown and royal cloak, handwritten manuscript lyrics for the famous song “We are the Champions,” dazzling sequined skin-tight catsuits, leather jackets, a 1960s schoolbook, and an impressive personal art collection featuring works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Marc Chagall.
Sotheby’s furniture and decorative arts specialist, Thomas Williams, anticipates that this will be a “most democratic sale,” with various items, such as Mercury’s chopsticks and sewing kit, starting at around $125 each.
Most of Mercury’s belongings were left to Mary Austin, who has carefully preserved them in his west London mansion for over three decades. However, she recently announced her decision to sell almost all of these precious items. Austin stated that the sale is a way to close a special chapter in her life and put her affairs in order.
The auction of Freddie Mercury’s cherished piano and personal items is expected to draw immense interest from fans and collectors alike, honoring the legacy of one of the greatest music icons of all time.
