An auction of items once owned by British rock star Freddie Mercury turned electric on its opening day, taking in a higher-than-expected $15.4 million.
The sale, by Sotheby’s in London, included $2.2 million for the
Yamaha
baby grand on which he composed “Bohemian Rhapsody” and other hits. The auction’s second and third installments happen today.
Mercury, the Queen frontman who died in 1991, was an eclectic collector of artwork, furniture, and feline-inspired décor, who had aspired to lead the Victorian life, “surrounded by exquisite clutter.” Lifelong friend Mary Austin said there was nothing Mercury loved more than an auction.
The live, black-tie event drew 2,000 bidders from 61 countries. The first item, a graffiti-covered door on which fans had written tributes, prompted a spontaneous chant of “We Will Rock You,” and sold for $521,000.
Mercury’s autographed handwritten lyrics to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which he almost called “Mongolian Rhapsody,” sold for $1.8 million, while his “We Are the Champions” lyrics sold for $401,000.
Mercury’s stage costumes were a huge draw, including $801,500 for the jeweled crown and scarlet cloak he wore in his “Magic” tour, and $256,500 for his rainbow-colored satin appliqué jacket.
A serpent-shaped silver bangle Mercury wore in the “Bohemian Rhapsody” video sold for $882,000, setting a record for the highest price ever paid at auction for a rock star’s jewelry, Sotheby’s said.
The final three online auctions start Sept. 11 and run through Sept. 13.
Austin plans to donate an undisclosed portion of the proceeds to charity, including $344,000 from the sale of a Cartier onyx-and-diamond ring given to Mercury by Elton John to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Write to Janet H. Cho at [email protected]
Read the full article here