A piano that was central to the creation of Fleetwood Mac’s timeless classics, including “Sara” and “Songbird,” is now heading to auction. This same instrument was later played by rock legends like Freddie Mercury and Elton John, offering fans a rare opportunity to own a piece of musical history.
The piano, a Grand Hamilton, is being auctioned through Gotta Have Rock and Roll, with bidding open until Friday, December 16. The starting bid is set at $50,000, and the instrument is expected to sell for anywhere between $100,000 and $200,000, based on estimated bids.
The piano is being sold by English singer/songwriter Robbie Patton, who first encountered it in 1975 when he became close friends with Stevie Nicks. “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,” Patton recalled. “She wrote everything on this piano. She really cherished it as her own.”
Notable songs composed on the piano include “Songbird,” featured on Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album Rumours, and “Sara,” which became the second single from the band’s 1979 album Tusk and peaked at No. 7 on the Hot 100. The piano toured with the band in 1979, as Patton served as the opening act for Fleetwood Mac’s tour.
Between 1982 and 1983, Christine McVie reportedly used the piano during performances in support of Fleetwood Mac’s Mirage album, which featured the hit single “Hold Me,” co-written by McVie and Patton. The song reached No. 4 on the Hot 100. As payment for his work on the album, Patton requested the piano, which was then passed into his hands.
Patton later explained that, during his time working with major musicians, the piano was used by some of the biggest names in music. “I used to work for all the big musicians, Elton John, for four and a half years,” he said. “John Reid managed both Elton John and 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!”
While the piano has been refurbished and lacquered, the listing notes that the original keys remain unchanged. It also comes with a letter of authenticity, signed by Patton, Nicks, and the late Christine McVie in 2015.
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