Legendary Music Memorabilia Hits the Auction Block in London
A spectacular collection of iconic music memorabilia, featuring items from some of the world's most celebrated artists, is set to go under the hammer in London next month. The Propstore Music Memorabilia Live Auction will offer over 400 lots for worldwide bidding, with a combined pre-sale estimate of a staggering £1.5 million. This extraordinary sale brings together treasures from legends like George Michael, Guns N' Roses, Queen, and The Beatles, providing fans and collectors with a rare opportunity to own a piece of musical history.
Star Lots: From Slash's Guitar to George Michael's Jacket
Among the headline items is the guitar played by Slash of Guns N' Roses during the band's monumental Not In This Lifetime reunion tour in 2016. This photo-matched, stage-used, and autographed Gibson Les Paul '59 Custom Shop instrument, which saw Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan reunite for the first time since 1993, carries an estimate of £150,000 to £300,000. Its significance in rock history makes it one of the most anticipated lots in the auction.
Equally compelling is the leather jacket worn by the late George Michael in the music video for his 1987 hit single Faith. The Grammy-winning artist also wore this iconic jacket onstage during his Faith tour in 1998. With an estimate ranging from £60,000 to £120,000, this piece embodies the style and legacy of one of pop music's most enduring figures.
Treasures from Queen and The Beatles
The auction also features remarkable items from rock band Queen, including a gold microphone presented to the group and used by the legendary frontman Freddie Mercury. Expected to fetch between £30,000 and £60,000, this microphone is part of a collection consigned by Peter Hince, Queen's head roadie. Hince expressed his pleasure in offering these items, stating they can now be shared with fans and collectors who appreciate their place in Queen's storied history.
From The Beatles' universe, two highly valuable pieces are up for sale. An autographed large-format promotional poster for John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Double Fantasy, signed by Lennon just hours before his tragic death in 1980, carries an estimate of £60,000 to £120,000. Additionally, handwritten lyrics to Goodbye by Sir Paul McCartney, dating back to 1969, are expected to sell for £55,000 to £110,000, offering a glimpse into the creative process of one of music's greatest songwriters.
Diverse Collection Spanning Generations
The sale extends beyond classic rock to include items from modern artists, showcasing the breadth of popular music. A Fred Perry trench coat belonging to the late Amy Winehouse has a pre-sale estimate of £4,000 to £8,000, while an autographed jacket worn by Ed Sheeran in his Shape Of You music video is expected to fetch between £3,500 and £7,000. With over 60 items from Peter Hince's personal collection alone, the auction spans genres and generations, from Jimi Hendrix to contemporary stars like Little Mix.
Mark Hochman, Propstore's music specialist, highlighted the cultural significance of the event, noting that it brings together influential names from across the music spectrum. He emphasized that each lot offers collectors a tangible connection to the artists and performances that have shaped the soundtrack of our lives, from stage-used instruments and handwritten lyrics to iconic performance-worn pieces.
The auction is scheduled to take place on April 30 at Propstore in London, with bidding available globally. This event not only celebrates musical heritage but also provides a unique marketplace for enthusiasts to acquire artifacts that capture defining moments in music history.
