Propstore’s Music Live Auction in London on October 1 set a new benchmark for music memorabilia, with the acoustic guitar used by Noel Gallagher during Oasis’ 1996 MTV Unplugged performance fetching a record $299,376. The Takamine FP460SC, owned and autographed by Gallagher, became the highest‑priced Oasis acoustic guitar ever sold at auction.
Other notable sales highlight the event’s significance
Friday’s auction also saw Freddie Mercury’s handwritten notebook from the “Mr. Bad Guy” recording sessions sell for $365,904, making it the top‑grossing lot of the day. Michael Jackson’s photo‑matched black‑and‑gold military‑style jacket, worn during the Dangerous and HIStory eras, matched Gallagher’s guitar price at $299,376.
Additional highlights included a Pan Am menu signed by all four Beatles from their first U.S. flight, which sold for $66,528, and John Lennon’s tinted prescription “Lost Weekend” glasses, which fetched $166,320. A Yamaha C3 grand piano that saw use by Freddie Mercury, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Deep Purple and others sold for $108,108.
Industry perspective
Mark Hochman, Propstore’s music specialist, praised the results, stating, “Setting a world record with Noel Gallagher’s MTV Unplugged guitar is a fantastic result for Propstore and a testament to the lasting connection fans have with Oasis. Freddie Mercury’s handwritten notebook offers an extraordinary glimpse into his songwriting, and seeing it fetch the day’s highest price was another highlight.”
The auction’s first day generated a combined $3.3 million from rare instruments, handwritten lyrics, stage‑used items and personal memorabilia, underscoring strong collector interest in iconic rock history.
Implications for collectors and fans
These sales demonstrate the robust market for music‑related artifacts, particularly items tied to legendary British rock acts. The record‑setting price for Gallagher’s guitar suggests that fans and investors alike value not only the historical significance but also the personal connection embodied in autographed, performance‑used instruments.
As the auction continues, additional lots are expected to attract high bids, further cementing Propstore’s reputation as a leading venue for premier music memorabilia.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.