British singer Freddie Mercury's hot pants sold for £18,000
What's the story
When it comes to auctions and bids, people spend a fortune buying things that are rare, antique, or unique in their time. However, a recent auction held in the UK rather became a 'hot' piece of news as British singer and songwriter Freddie Mercury's hot pants were sold at a whopping price of 18,000 pounds! Here's the full story.
Costumes
Mercury was known for his flamboyant stage costumes
Besides his performances, Mercury was also known for his larger-than-life costumes and props that he used to wear during his stage shows. During one of his early interviews, he was quoted saying, "I like to be surrounded by splendid things." As per reports, the Queen lead vocalist had worn this pair of hot pants at several shows during his tenure as a performer.
Garment
These were his 'shortest' and 'tightest' hot pants ever
Mercury's hot pants which were sold at 18,000 pounds (Rs 18,37,658) are known to be the "shortest, tightest" of their kind ever worn by him. It is 28 inches on the waist and was most notably worn during the Queen's second sold-out night at the Birmingham Exhibition Centre in 1980. As per Omega Auctions, these leather shorts have been bought by an overseas bidder.
More to buy
Over 1,500 personal belongings of Mercury are to be auctioned
Reports convey that more than 1,500 of Mercury's personal items are to be auctioned off. Mary Austin, who dated Mercury before he came out as gay, is auctioning most of his belongings, keeping only a few as mementos. These items include the late singer's glitter shoes, sequinned catsuits, the crown he wore during performances, his bedside telephone, a silver mustache comb, and cocktail napkins.
Bytes
It wouldn't be appropriate for me to keep things: Austin
Austin, who is now 70 years old, told BBC, "The time has come for me to take the difficult decision to close this very special chapter of my life." "I decided it wouldn't be appropriate for me to keep things back. If I was going to sell, I had to be brave and sell the lot," she added.