The iconic baby grand piano, once owned by the legendary “Queen” vocalist, Freddie Mercury, is set to be the highlight of an upcoming auction at London’s Sotheby’s.
Acquired in 1975 and brought to England from Japan, this Yamaha G2 piano is anticipated to command a price between £2-£3 million ($2.5-$3.8 million) at the September auction. It holds a special place in music history, as it was on this piano that Mercury composed the timeless “Bohemian Rhapsody” in the same year.
According to Mercury’s longtime companion, Mary Austin, the singer-songwriter held the instrument in great reverence, treating it as an extension of himself. In Sotheby’s statement, she recounts that Mercury took great care to maintain its pristine condition. “Freddie was meticulous with it; he neither smoked by it nor ever let a drink rest on it, ensuring others respected it in the same way,” Austin noted.
The revered instrument was Mercury’s companion, accompanying him from one residence to another until its final spot at Garden Lodge in West London. Here, Mercury spent his last days and where the piano held a prominent place, basking in the sunlight in his drawing room.
But the piano isn’t the only Mercury artifact on offer. Sotheby’s has announced the sale of several of Mercury’s personal belongings and wardrobe pieces. Items include the memorable silver sequined outfit from the “News of the World” tour in the late 1970s and more mundane possessions like a set of chopsticks and a Sony D-50 CD player.
A previously undisclosed early draft of “Bohemian Rhapsody” stands out among the items. This draft, predicted to gather bids between £800,000 and £1.2 million ($995,000 to $1.5 million), hints at an original title – “Mongolian Rhapsody,” evident from various notations on the sheet.
Fans and enthusiasts can view Mercury’s esteemed piano at Sotheby’s from August 4 through September 5, alongside many other lots that capture moments from his school days to his peak stardom.
Freddie Mercury’s legacy continues to inspire and captivate fans worldwide. This auction not only serves as a tribute to the timeless artistry of Mercury but also offers enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of music history. As the world anticipates the auction, the items on display provide a profound look into the life of a man whose voice and spirit continue to echo through generations.
