A beautiful Steinway Grand piano that Elton John played for many rehearsals and celebrity singalongs at his Windsor home will be auctioned in the Entertainment sale at Bonhams in Knightsbridge on Wednesday 18 June. Kiki Dee, Take That and the late Paula Yates were among the many stars who sang along to it.
Elton John rehearsed his number one hit, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart with Kiki Dee on the piano at his Windsor home. Although the pop star had reached No.1 in the US singles charts in 1973 with ‘Crocodile Rock’, this duet gave Elton his very first UK No.1 single, following some 16 previous chart entries.
Sir Elton John recalls, “I haven’t owned that many pianos in my life and particular pianos have special memories. It was a totally amazing time – the huge success in America, the touring, producing a new album at the rate of sometimes two a year. Just incredible! I had to pinch myself at times.”
Estimated at £35,000-45,000, the piano measures 8ft 11in and is made in a burr maple wood finish with simulated crossbanding. The piano was completed in Hamburg 27 September, 1971 and shipped to Steinway & Sons in London where it was purchased by Elton John to be housed at his Woodside residence in Windsor.
Also in the sale is Sir Elton John’s Steinway No.426549 Grand Piano, (circa 1972), produced in a bright black case on square tapered legs – estimated at £25,000-35,000. Completed in New York, June 9th, 1972, the piano was sold to Elton John for his Beverley Hills address, then subsequently housed at Lockwood House.
Elton John’s Versace boiler suit, which appears on the CD cover ‘Elton John – One Night Only The Greatest Hits’ will also be offered for sale. Estimated at £1,000-1,500, the costume is produced in scarlet cotton with a yellow collar labelled Gianni Versace, Made In Italy. This lot will be sold together with a copy of the CD ‘Elton John, a booklet featuring this outfit, and two signed photographs of Elton wearing the suit.
www.bonhams.com
