London – A rare piece of music history is set to go under the hammer as a handwritten lyric sheet by the legendary David Bowie is expected to fetch upwards of £100,000 ($126,000) at an upcoming auction. The BBC reports that this prized memorabilia includes the lyrics for “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide” and “Suffragette City,” iconic tracks from Bowie’s 1972 album, “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.”
This exclusive item is not just a written sheet; it embodies Bowie’s creative process, adorned with his personal corrections, drafts, and notes. The sheet’s provenance is equally fascinating – reportedly a personal gift from Bowie to the original owner. Prior to the auction, it featured in a global exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, celebrating Bowie’s illustrious career.
The auction, hosted by Omega Auctions, is generating significant buzz, especially in light of a similar Bowie item – a “Starman” lyrics sheet – fetching a staggering £165,000 previously. This latest memorabilia is part of a broader collection that includes lyric books and sheets from other music icons such as Noel Gallagher of Oasis and Jim Morrison of The Doors.
This sale underscores the growing market for celebrity souvenirs, a trend marked by rising auction prices. A notable example is the leather jacket worn by Michael Jackson for a Pepsi commercial in 1984, which recently sold for £250,000 ($306,000). The jacket is part of Jackson’s history, not just for its connection to his “Thriller” album success but also due to the infamous filming accident that left him with severe burns.
Additional items in the auction include memorabilia linked to George Michael, Amy Winehouse, Oasis, The Beatles, and more, highlighting the enduring fascination and value associated with celebrity-owned artifacts.
As Bowie fans and collectors await the auction, set for Tuesday, the excitement reflects not only the monetary value of these items but also their cultural significance, capturing moments from the lives of music’s greatest icons.