Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, The Beatles and More Headline $4 Million Music Memorabilia Auction

More than 800 pieces of music history are heading to auction this fall, with memorabilia connected to Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, The Beatles, Oasis, Britney Spears, Nirvana and other major artists carrying a combined estimated value of about $4 million. Propstore’s Music Live Auction will take place October 1 and 2 in the UK, with bidding available worldwide online, by telephone and through absentee bids.

Leading the sale is a black-and-gold military-style jacket worn by Michael Jackson during public appearances between 1994 and 1996, spanning the Dangerous and HIStory eras. The jacket has been photo-matched to multiple appearances, with its distinctive 24-carat gold braiding helping identify it in photographs and footage. It was created by costume designers Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush and was later gifted by Jackson to Norwegian rapper and dancer Omer Bhatti. Coming directly from Bhatti’s collection, it carries an estimate of $237,600 to $475,200.

Another major lot comes from John Lennon. His tinted prescription glasses from the “Lost Weekend” period are expected to bring between $132,000 and $264,000.

Oasis collectors will have a chance at Noel Gallagher’s autographed Takamine FP460SC acoustic guitar, one of two identical guitars used during the band’s 1996 MTV Unplugged performance at London’s Royal Festival Hall. According to the release, Gallagher used the guitar extensively from 1995 through 1999, including during the (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and Be Here Now tours. It comes with its original Oasis-stencilled touring case and is estimated at $99,000 to $198,000.

Freddie Mercury is represented by a screen- and photo-matched black wrap-around embellished top and pair of flared trousers worn during Queen’s Sheer Heart Attack Tour. Propstore estimates the stage-worn ensemble at $79,200 to $158,400.

One of the most historically interesting pieces in the auction is a Pan American Airways first-class menu signed by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The Beatles signed the menu during their first flight to the United States on February 7, 1964, as the group began its first American visit. Presented in a custom frame, it is expected to sell for $52,800 to $105,600.

Other highlights stretch across several generations of music. George Michael’s stage-worn Ray-Ban 50 sunglasses from his 1988 Faith Tour carry a $19,800 to $39,600 estimate, while a 1993 In Utero promotional poster signed by Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic of Nirvana is estimated at $13,200 to $26,400.

A screen-matched orange Dolce & Gabbana leather jacket worn by Jon Bon Jovi during the These Days Tour, including the band’s 1995 Wembley Stadium concert, is also expected to bring $13,200 to $26,400. The Sex Pistols are represented by Steve Jones’ stage-worn Vivienne Westwood kilt from the Filthy Lucre Tour, accompanied by a framed promotional photograph signed by Jones, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock and John Lydon. The lot is estimated at $6,600 to $13,200.

Britney Spears collectors will find a screen-matched top hat worn during “The Beat Goes On” on her Crazy 2K Tour. That piece carries an estimate of $1,320 to $2,640.

Ahead of the auction, Propstore will hold a free public exhibition at The Cumberland Hotel in London from September 24 through September 27, giving collectors an opportunity to see selected highlights in person before bidding begins.