A piano used by members of Fleetwood Mac to compose classic songs such as “Sara” and “Songbird”, before later being played by Freddie Mercury, Elton John, and more, is headed to auction, giving fans a chance to own a piece of musical history.
The piano in question, a Grand Hamilton is available for bidding via Gotta Have Rock and Roll. Bidding is open until Friday, Dec. 16 with a minimum bid of $50,000. Only a handful of bids are expected, it seems, with an estimated sale range of between $100,000 and $200,000.
The instrument is offered for sale by English singer/songwriter Robbie Patton, who first came across the piano when beginning a lifelong friendship with Stevie Nicks in 1975. “One day, I’m in the house of Stevie and she has two pianos, one of them was this black Grand Hamilton Piano where she wrote most of her songs on,” Patton explained. “She wrote everything on the piano, she really cherished it as her own.”
Some of the songs composed on the piano include “Songbird” from the band’s 1977 classic Rumours, and “Sara”, which peaked at No. 7 on the Hot 100 upon its release as the second single from 1979’s Tusk. The piano hit the road that same year, with Patton serving as opening act for the band on their tour.
Christine McVie reportedly used the piano on stage between 1982 and 1983 in support of their Mirage album before it returned to Nicks’ home. The lead single from that album was “Hold Me”, which was co-written by McVie and Patton and peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100. Patton requested the instrument as payment, where it came into his possession and found some famous players in the process.
“I used to work for all the big musicians, Elton John, for four and a half years,” he explained. “John Reid managed Elton John and then Queen. Freddie Mercury even came by for a recording session and used the piano. Elton John used the piano. The people who have touched this piano are crazy!”
Though it has since been refurbished and lacquered, the listing states that the keys have never changed. It also comes with a letter of authenticity signed by Patton, Nicks, and the late McVie in 2015.