A guitar once played by the legendary guitarist Slash of Guns N’ Roses is set to be auctioned at London’s Propstore auction house in April. The iconic instrument, a Gibson Les Paul Custom ‘59, is expected to attract bids ranging from £150,000 to £300,000. This particular guitar was used during the band’s highly anticipated Not In This Lifetime Tour in 2016, marking a significant reunion for Slash with his former bandmates Axl Rose and Duff McKagan after more than two decades apart.
The guitar has been verified through photo-matching and bears a signature from Slash himself, adding to its authenticity and value. Alongside this piece of rock history, another notable item up for sale is a black La Rocka leather jacket worn by the late George Michael. The jacket was a staple during his tours and also appeared in the music video for his hit single “Faith.” It is estimated to sell for between £60,000 and £120,000.
Mark Hochman, a music specialist at Propstore, commented on the significance of the auction: “The sale spans genres, generations, and defining cultural moments. Each lot offers collectors a tangible connection to the artists and performances that helped shape the soundtrack of our lives.”
Among the most exciting items in the auction is a collection of memorabilia from Peter Hince, the head roadie for Queen. One standout piece is a gold microphone presented to Freddie Mercury in 1980. This item is valued at approximately £30,000 to £60,000. Hince expressed his satisfaction with the decision to share these items with fans and collectors, stating, “I am pleased these items can now be shared with fans and collectors who appreciate what they represent in Queen’s story.”
In addition to the Queen-related items, the auction will feature a promotional poster for John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Double Fantasy album. This poster is signed by Lennon just hours before his tragic death, making it a rare and historically significant piece.
Other Beatles memorabilia includes an original manuscript of the lyrics to “Goodbye,” written by Sir Paul McCartney in 1969. These handwritten lyrics are expected to fetch over £100,000. Another highlight is a cropped Fred Perry trench coat from Amy Winehouse’s personal collection, which will also be available for bidding. Additionally, an autographed jacket worn by Ed Sheeran in his “Shape of You” music video will be up for grabs.
The auction will present over 400 items for global bidders, with a combined pre-sale estimate of £1.5 million. This event promises to be a must-attend for music enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The auction not only celebrates the legacies of some of the most iconic musicians but also provides a unique opportunity for fans to own a piece of music history. From guitars and jackets to handwritten lyrics and rare posters, each item tells a story that resonates with generations of music lovers.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply a fan of rock and pop culture, this auction offers something for everyone. With such a diverse range of items, it is clear that the event will be a significant moment in the world of music memorabilia.
