Rare Signed Queen Album by John Deacon Up for Auction at Freddie Mercury Birthday Party
A unique piece of Queen memorabilia will be up for auction at the annual Freddie Mercury Birthday Party in Montreux, Switzerland on Sept. 6. The item is a signed copy of the band's 1975 album A Night at the Opera, autographed by all three surviving members. This signing is significant as bassist John Deacon, who rarely signs items, last autographed something in 1997. The auction will take place at the Casino Barriere Montreux, the former location of Queen's Mountain Studios, with proceeds benefiting HIV/AIDS awareness.
After formally leaving Queen in 1997, Deacon has maintained a low profile, focusing on business matters related to the band. His former bandmates, Brian May and Roger Taylor, have acknowledged his desire for privacy and limited social contact. Despite his withdrawal from the music industry, Deacon still plays a role in the band's financial decisions, with May emphasizing that they always consult him before making any financial commitments.
In a 2024 interview, May reiterated Deacon's continued involvement in financial matters, highlighting his approval of the band's activities while opting out of creative input to avoid stress. Deacon's preference for privacy and solitude has been respected by his bandmates, who understand and support his decision to remain detached from the music business. The signed album up for auction serves as a rare opportunity for fans to own a piece of Queen history while contributing to a charitable cause.