Celebrity Style

Elton John’s Grand Piano Headed to Christie’s Auction Block Next Month

The instrument will join John’s famously flashy clothing and art by Andy Warhol in an auction of items from his longtime Atlanta abode
Elton John pointing upward next to a Yamaha grand piano on stage
Peachtree Road was Elton John’s Atlanta home base for decades, as well as the name of his 27th studio album.Photo: R. Diamond/WireImage/Getty Images

After saying goodbye to his home on Peachtree Road in November, Sir Elton John is letting go of decades worth of objects from the Atlanta residence. Fans will have the chance to own some of the pieces that once lived in the rockstar’s former 13,500-square-foot condo when the “Rocket Man” launches an auction with Christie’s next month.

John is a known collector. As Fred Dilger, one of the the entertainer’s decorators, told AD in 1999: “Elton is a champion shopper.” The series of sales beginning on February 21 will include art, clothing, and lots of memorabilia crafted specifically for his former duplex.

In addition to his LA manse, the condo served as one of the English-born singer’s stateside home bases, so many of the items up for grabs are personal pieces he enjoyed living amongst and using in his time on Peachtree Road—including his Yamaha grand piano. A representative from Christie’s told AD that having the piano in the apartment was, as one might expect, fundamental to the classically-trained musician: “He needed the piano to be able to get himself ready to go on stage and make sure he was polished and knew his songs from beginning to end.”

John’s piano, photographed inside the singer’s former Atlanta penthouse.

Photo: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2024

John also used the instrument to compose the music for songs he was writing (and, no doubt, to entertain friends).

Elton John’s Yamaha grand piano, model C6F PE.

Photo: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2024

A pair of Elizabeth II rocket-shaped cocktail shakers from John’s collection will also be up for grabs.

Photo: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2024

The 76-year-old wrapped up Farewell Yellow Brick Road, billed as his final tour, back in July of 2023, and now lives primarily in England. The move prompted the sale of the Atlanta condo he’s called home in the US since 1992, fetching $7.2 million.

A photo of John’s closet in his former Peachtree Road penthouse showcases the singer’s signature style.

Photo: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2024

Images from John’s extensive photography collection, including a Herb Ritts original of Naomi Campbell and other pieces by legendary photographers like Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Bruce Weber, and Helmut Newton, will also be on the auction block. They’ll join works by contemporary artists like Keith Haring, Banksy, and Andy Warhol.

The “Crocodile Rock” singer’s daybed—complete with tiger print velvet and crocodile feet—was acquired in 1993.

Photo: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2024

The glam rock singer will be letting go of some of his iconic clothing in the auction, too. John is perhaps as known for his outrageously fun fashion as he is for his Grammy-winning songs, so his vintage Gianni Versace shirts will likely be a hot ticket with bidders. John and the Versace family had a longstanding friendship; the singer owns plenty of furniture swathed in Versace upholstery, some of which will be on offer.

Art from John’s personal collection includes works by Banksy and Keith Haring.

Photo: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2024
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Other objects available for the taking include jewelry, watches, books, antiques, and a Bentley Continental.