Elton John items fetch $8 million at New York auction
Elton John’s personal memorabilia, including his iconic monogrammed silver boots and prized artworks, garnered a staggering sum of nearly $8 million at auction on Wednesday in New York.
Among the highlights were his silver boots, which fetched nearly $100,000, and a triptych by renowned street artist Banksy, which sold for approximately $2 million. The auction, hosted by Christie’s auction house, is part of a series of eight sales running through February 28, featuring items from the 76-year-old music icon’s collection.
Enthusiastic collectors vied for pieces of music history, driving prices skyward. John’s grand piano commanded over $200,000, while a pair of his signature sunglasses sold for $22,680, a staggering ten times more than their initial estimate. Notable among the items was an ivory and gold glam rock jumpsuit from the early 1970s, designed by Annie Reavey, which fetched $12,600.
Most of the items up for auction originated from John’s luxurious Atlanta home, a significant base for his American tours, which he recently sold. The legendary musician, celebrated for timeless hits like “Your Song” and “Rocket Man,” as well as his flamboyant costumes and activism in the fight against HIV/AIDS, concluded his farewell tour last year. According to Christie’s, John purchased the Atlanta residence shortly after achieving sobriety in 1990, finding solace and support in the local community and recovery facilities.
The collection, curated alongside his husband David Furnish, offers insight into the couple’s discerning taste in contemporary art, featuring works by renowned artists such as Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Richard Avedon. Notably, personal collections of pop culture icons have become a staple at leading auction houses worldwide. Last September, Sotheby’s auctioned thousands of items belonging to the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, fetching a remarkable 40 million pounds ($50.4 million).
Elton John’s auction underscores the enduring allure of celebrity memorabilia and the profound impact of music legends on global culture. As enthusiastic bidders eagerly acquire pieces of music history, these auctions serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of iconic artists like Elton John and their lasting influence on generations to come.
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