Over the course of three days, Christie’s Auctions saw a surge of bidders vying for items associated with the legendary musician Elton John. From rocket-shaped cocktail shakers to flamboyant jumpsuits and black-and-white fashion photography, the objects closely tied to John’s iconic public persona captivated the crowd, ultimately reaching a total of $14.4 million in sales. Notable highlights included the sale of John’s 1990 Bentley Continental Convertible, which sold for $441,000, far surpassing the initial estimate of $35,000. With more auctions to come, featuring John’s celebrity portraits, jewelry, and Versace clothes, the collection has already surpassed the original expectation of $10 million.
Elton John Auction at Christie’s
Overview of the auction
The Elton John auction held at Christie’s generated significant interest from bidders all around the world. Over 3,500 people from 34 different countries registered for the chance to bid on a wide range of items belonging to the iconic musician. The auction, titled “Goodbye Peachtree Road,” spanned over three days and included items such as cocktail shakers, jumpsuits, and fashion photography.
Number of registered bidders
The auction attracted a remarkable number of registered bidders, showcasing the immense popularity of Elton John and his influence on popular culture. With over 3,500 people vying for the opportunity to acquire a piece of Elton John’s legacy, it is evident that his appeal transcends boundaries and resonates with fans all over the world.
Total sales amount
The auction at Christie’s exceeded expectations in terms of total sales. With a total sales figure of $14.4 million, including auction-house fees, the auction outperformed the initial high estimate of $11.3 million. This remarkable achievement reflects the immense value and significance placed on Elton John’s memorabilia and personal belongings.
Highlights of the auctions
Several items stood out as highlights of the auction, attracting fierce bidding battles among collectors and fans alike. Examples include the silver leather platform boots worn by Elton John throughout the 1970s, which sold for $94,000 – over nine times the high estimate. Another notable item was an 18-karat gold Rolex watch with a leopard-print dial, fetching an impressive $176,400, nearly three times its original high estimate.
Remaining online sales
While the three-day auction may have come to a close, interested buyers still have an opportunity to acquire items from Elton John’s collection. The remaining auctions will take place online through February 28th, offering a diverse range of items including celebrity portraits, jewelry, and Versace clothing. These online sales provide another chance for fans and collectors to own a piece of Elton John’s history.
Exceeding original sales expectation
The success of the Elton John auction has far surpassed the initial sales expectation set by Christie’s. With a conservative estimate of $10 million, the auction has already reached a total sales figure of $14.4 million. This achievement highlights the popularity and demand for Elton John’s memorabilia and showcases the enduring fascination people have with his remarkable career.
Top Item Sold: Elton John’s 1990 Bentley Continental
Sale price and high estimate
Elton John’s 1990 Bentley Continental Convertible stole the show as the top-selling item of the auction. It fetched a staggering sale price of $441,000, surpassing the high estimate of $35,000. This significant difference in price further demonstrates the immense value placed on items directly associated with the legendary musician.
Significance of the car
The black 1990 Bentley Continental holds significant sentimental value due to its association with Elton John. The car became a symbol of his iconic status and flamboyant style during his time in Atlanta. Whenever Elton John took the car out, it garnered attention and caused a stir, further solidifying his reputation as a style icon. The Bentley Continental is a tangible representation of Elton John’s larger-than-life persona.
Elton John’s statement about the car
In an essay published by Christie’s, Elton John himself acknowledged the impact the car had on his life. He stated that the black 1990 Bentley Continental caused quite a stir whenever he took it out in Atlanta. This statement provides a personal insight into the significance of the car to Elton John and adds to its overall allure and appeal as a collectible item.
Flamboyant Offerings at the Auction
Neon sign by David LaChapelle
A standout item from the auction was a neon sign spelling out “Horny?!” designed by renowned photographer and music video director David LaChapelle for Elton John’s residency at Caesars Palace. This vibrant and provocative piece of art sold for an impressive $26,450, exceeding its high estimate of $1,500. The neon sign represents the bold and daring nature of Elton John’s performances and adds a unique touch to any collection.
Versace dinnerware
Another flamboyant offering at the auction was a collection of ruby-colored Versace porcelain dinnerware adorned with the face of Medusa. This opulent set realized a price of $55,440, surpassing its high estimate of $6,000 by more than nine times. The Versace dinnerware reflects Elton John’s penchant for luxury and his admiration for iconic fashion brands.
Black 1990 Bentley Continental
Aside from being the top-selling item, Elton John’s black 1990 Bentley Continental itself represents a flamboyant offering. The car’s distinct design and luxurious features make it an embodiment of Elton John’s style and personality. Its sale price of $441,000, surpassing the high estimate by over ten times, showcases the desirability and allure of this flamboyant item.
Importance of these items
These flamboyant offerings at the auction represent more than just objects of desire. They carry immense cultural and historical importance, symbolizing Elton John’s influence on the world of music and fashion. Each item reflects a different facet of his larger-than-life persona and serves as a testament to his impact as an entertainer and style icon.
Elton John’s Decision to Cut Back on Touring
Reasons for cutting back
Elton John’s decision to cut back on touring stems from a desire to prioritize his personal life and well-being. After decades of relentless touring and performing, he has expressed a need to take a step back and spend more time with his family. This decision signifies a shift towards a more balanced lifestyle and serves as a reminder of the importance of personal connections and self-care.
Sale of Atlanta condominium
As part of his transition towards a less hectic schedule, Elton John and his husband David Furnish sold their six-bedroom Atlanta condominium for $7.2 million – a price $2 million above the asking price. This sale showcases Elton John’s commitment to making changes in his life to prioritize what truly matters to him. The sale of the condominium represents a symbolic step towards creating a more fulfilling and meaningful future for himself and his family.
Desire to spend more time with family
Above all, Elton John’s decision to cut back on touring is driven by his desire to spend quality time with his family. As a father of two young sons, he recognizes the importance of being present in their lives and creating lasting memories. This decision highlights the deeply personal motivations behind Elton John’s transition and emphasizes the significance of family in his life.
In conclusion, the Elton John auction at Christie’s not only exceeded expectations but also showcased the enduring fascination people have with the iconic musician. The significant number of registered bidders, the remarkable sales figures, and the wide range of flamboyant offerings all attest to Elton John’s impact on popular culture and his lasting legacy. As Elton John moves towards a more balanced lifestyle and prioritizes personal connections, his decision to cut back on touring serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and family. The auction not only provided fans and collectors with the chance to own a piece of Elton John’s history but also shed light on the profound impact he has had on the world.
