Iconic Slash Guitar and George Michael Jacket Set for High-Value Auction in London
A legendary Gibson Les Paul guitar, famously wielded by Slash during Guns N' Roses' monumental Not In This Lifetime reunion tour, is anticipated to command up to £300,000 when it goes under the hammer next month. This photo-matched, stage-used, and autographed 1959 Custom Shop instrument served as a centerpiece for the band's 2016 tour, marking the first reunion of Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan since 1993. With estimates ranging from £150,000 to £300,000, the guitar will be featured at Propstore auction house in London as part of its prestigious Music Memorabilia Live Auction collection.
Star-Studded Memorabilia Collection Up for Bids
Joining Slash's guitar is a jacket worn by the late George Michael during the iconic music video for his 1987 hit single Faith. The Grammy-winning artist, celebrated for timeless tracks like Father Figure and One More Try, also donned this jacket onstage during his Faith tour in 1998. It is projected to fetch between £60,000 and £120,000, adding to the auction's allure for collectors and fans alike.
The auction, scheduled for April 30, will also showcase a gold microphone presented to rock band Queen and utilized by the legendary frontman Freddie Mercury. This item, with an expected sale price of £30,000 to £60,000, originates from the personal collection of Peter Hince, Queen's head roadie and auction consignor. Hince expressed his delight in sharing these pieces, stating they hold "wonderful memories" and can now be appreciated by fans who value their significance in Queen's storied history.
Rare Beatles and Modern Music Artifacts
Further highlights include an autographed large-format promotional poster for John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Double Fantasy album, signed by Lennon mere hours before his tragic death in 1980 at age 40. This item is estimated to sell for £60,000 to £120,000. Additionally, handwritten lyrics to Goodbye by Sir Paul McCartney, dating back to 1969, are expected to fetch £55,000 to £110,000, offering a poignant glimpse into music history.
The auction will also feature a Fred Perry trench coat belonging to the late Amy Winehouse, with a pre-sale estimate of £4,000 to £8,000, and an autographed jacket worn by Ed Sheeran in his Shape Of You music video, projected to sell for £3,500 to £7,000. In total, the event will offer over 400 lots available for worldwide bidding, boasting a combined pre-sale estimate of £1.5 million.
Curator's Insight on Cultural Significance
Mark Hochman, Propstore's music specialist, emphasized the auction's broad appeal, noting it brings together influential names from legends like The Beatles, Queen, George Michael, and Jimi Hendrix to contemporary stars such as Ed Sheeran and Little Mix. He highlighted that the sale spans genres, generations, and defining cultural moments, with each lot providing collectors a tangible connection to the artists and performances that have shaped the soundtrack of our lives. From stage-used instruments to handwritten lyrics and iconic performance-worn pieces, this auction promises to be a landmark event for music enthusiasts worldwide.
