Approximately 1,500 artifacts previously owned by the iconic British musician Freddie Mercury will soon be available for bidding. Among these are previously unreleased handwritten drafts of lyrics for “We Are the Champions,” one of Queen’s most iconic songs.
Mary Austin, a longtime friend and the heir to Mercury’s estate, is the individual behind the sale of these treasured items.
The auction will feature a range of collectibles including distinctive pink, star-shaped eyewear, reminiscent of the dark glasses Mercury donned in the 1977 “We Will Rock You” music video; a miniature Tiffany & Co. mustache comb; a guitar, believed to be used in the creation and recording of “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”; the vest worn by Mercury in his last music video, “These Are the Days of Our Lives”; and a linocut by Pablo Picasso titled “Jacqueline au chapeau noir.”
A crown and cloak, worn by Mercury during his final tour with Queen in 1986, are projected to fetch up to £80,000 ($100,000). These items are said to have been inspired by the crown intended for King Charles III’s upcoming coronation on May 6.
“In all these years, I’ve had the pleasure and honour of being enveloped by the many wonderful items that Freddie loved and treasured. However, as time has passed, I’ve decided it’s time to close this significant chapter in my life,” Austin commented in a recent press statement.
“Freddie was not only a remarkable musician but also a discerning collector. He showed us everyday items’ beauty, fun, and dialogue. I hope this auction will glimpse Freddie’s multifaceted life and help people appreciate and celebrate his unique spirit,” she added.
According to Sotheby’s, an exhibition featuring select items from Mercury’s collection will tour New York, London, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong starting in June.
Oliver Barker, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe, emphasized that the exhibition and auction will honour Freddie Mercury the performer and delve into his lesser-known artistic interests. He said the event would be the “most expansive, public exhibition in our company’s history.”
Born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5, 1946, in Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania), Mercury gained fame as the charismatic frontman and primary songwriter for Queen. Established in 1971, the band was known for blending heavy metal, glam rock, and theatrical flair.
Their hit single “Bohemian Rhapsody,” released in 1975, topped British charts for nine weeks. Songs like “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You” continue to serve as global sports anthems. Queen’s 1985 Live Aid performance was declared the most incredible live show ever in a 2005 industry poll.
Mercury passed away from complications related to AIDS on November 24, 1991, just a day after publicly revealing his diagnosis.
As the world prepares for this unprecedented auction, fans and collectors alike can look forward to owning a piece of rock history. From handwritten drafts to personal artifacts, the collection provides an intimate view into the life of a man who was not just an iconic performer but also a discerning collector and a profoundly complex individual. With each item, bidders will not only be acquiring a unique piece but also helping to keep Freddie Mercury’s enduring legacy alive for future generations.
