By Music Catherdal

An auction of memorabilia belonging to the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury shattered expectations, fetching a total of $49.3 million at Sotheby’s in New York City.

The auction, which took place on September 12, 2023, featured over 200 items from Mercury’s personal collection, including clothes, jewelry, awards, and musical instruments.

One of the most hotly contested items was Mercury’s iconic black-and-white sequined catsuit, which he wore during Queen’s performance at Live Aid in 1985. The catsuit sold for $137,500.

Another highlight of the auction was Mercury’s handwritten lyrics to the song “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The lyrics sold for $125,000.

The auction also featured a number of other rare and valuable items, including Mercury’s personal piano, his handwritten setlists, and his stage costumes from Queen’s tours.

The auction was a huge success, far exceeding Sotheby’s pre-sale estimate of $30 million. The proceeds from the auction will go to Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity founded by Mercury’s bandmates to fight AIDS.

The auction was met with excitement from Queen fans around the world. Many fans took to social media to express their excitement about the auction and to share their memories of Mercury.

The auction was a fitting tribute to Mercury, who was one of the most iconic and beloved musicians of all time. The high prices that the items sold for show that Mercury’s legacy is still strong and that his fans are willing to pay top dollar for a piece of his history.