A legendary Grand Hamilton Piano, instrumental in creating some of Fleetwood Mac's most beloved hits, is set for auction this December. The piano, once owned by Stevie Nicks, was used to compose classics like "Sara" and "Songbird," and later graced by music icons Elton John and Freddie Mercury.
The auction house Gotta Have Rock and Roll has set the opening bid at $50,000, with expectations the instrument could fetch between $100,000 and $200,000 when bidding closes on December 6.
English singer-songwriter Robbie Patton first encountered the black Grand Hamilton in 1975 at Nicks' residence. "She wrote everything on the piano, she really cherished it as her own," Patton recalled in a statement.
The piano's rich history includes extensive use during Fleetwood Mac's tours. Christine McVie played it throughout the 1979 Tusk tour and again during the 1982 Mirage tour. The instrument proved so special that Patton, who co-wrote the hit "Hold Me," requested it as payment for his work.
The piano's musical legacy extends beyond Fleetwood Mac. During Patton's ownership, both Elton John and Queen's Freddie Mercury played the instrument during recording sessions. "The people who have touched this piano are crazy!" Patton exclaimed.
A letter of authenticity, signed in 2015 by Nicks, McVie, and Patton, accompanies the piano. The instrument has undergone refurbishment and re-lacquering at Patton's request, preserving its condition for future generations to appreciate its remarkable history.
The auction also features other notable music memorabilia, including a Custom Stratocaster bearing signatures from rock legends like Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, and David Gilmour, expected to sell for $80,000-$100,000.
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