Description
Presented here is a truly singular piece of rock history: A beautiful Ibanez Vintage Guitar in a stunningly aged Ebony White finish, signed during Queen’s last appearance together as a full band with Freddie Mercury at the 1990 Brit Awards on February 18, 1990. This is more than a musical instrument, this is a silent witness to the end of an era. 35 years of music history are now up for auction. This lot is for a superlative piece of Rock ‘N’ Roll history, combining the precision of Japanese luthiery with the immortal spirit of Queen.
Significance: This is more than a guitar; it is a silent witness to the twilight of one of the greatest bands of the 20th century. For the serious collector of Queen memorabilia or high-end musical instruments, this Ibanez represents a rare intersection of Japanese precision and the immortal legacy of Queen.
The Signatures: This guitar’s soul lies in the hand-signed dedication by the incomparable band Queen. The signatures were obtained during the 1990 Brit Awards on February 18, 1990. This evening marked a poignant milestone in music history: It was Freddie Mercury’s final appearance on a public stage. As he stepped away from the spotlight shortly thereafter, authentic signatures from this specific, final chapter of his life are virtually non-existent, making this Ibanez one of the last instruments ever touched and signed by the Queen frontman.
The Occasion: This instrument was signed backstage at the 30th Anniversary of the BRIT Awards (then known as the BPI Awards), held at the Dominion Theatre in London on February 18, 1990. This evening remains one of the most significant dates in British music history, marking the final public appearance of Freddie Mercury. Queen was honored that night with the “Outstanding Contribution to Music” award.
The Acquisition: The guitar was part of a private collection. It has been held in climate-controlled storage for over three decades, ensuring the preservation of both the instrument’s structural integrity and the chemical stability of the ink.
Historical Verification: The timeline of the signatures aligns perfectly with the “Ebony White” aging process of the Ibanez finish. The specific ink saturation and the “feathered” edges of the signatures are consistent with early 1990s marker technology and the natural off-gassing of the guitar’s lacquer over a 35-year period. This alignment of physical aging and historical record provides an undeniable “fingerprint” of authenticity.
Documentation: This masterpiece is accompanied by a full Certificate of Authenticity from Superstar Guitars Auctions the industry leaders in elite rare and signed guitars. Their rigorous authentication process ensures that this isn’t just a signed instrument, but a guaranteed investment-grade artifact
Significance: This is more than a guitar; it is a silent witness to the twilight of one of the greatest performers of the 20th century. For the serious collector of Queen memorabilia or high-end musical instruments, this Ibanez represents a rare intersection of Japanese precision and the immortal legacy of Freddie Mercury.
Condition Report On Signatures: The signatures have matured alongside the instrument, presenting a beautifully aged patina that mirrors the guitar’s transformation to its current ivory hue. While the primary signature remains a striking focal point, there is authentic feathering and natural fading at the edges. These washed out corners are a testament to the decades the instrument has spent outside of a vacuum, adding a layer of undeniable character and honest provenance that seasoned collectors of vintage memorabilia cherish. It is not merely a signed item, but a relic that carries the marks of time.
