And finally… hitting a high note
Elton John is taking a minimalist turn as his former penthouse in Atlanta is stripped bare for an upcoming auction at Christie’s, set to kick off on 21 February.
The curated collection of items from the flamboyant artist’s abode is estimated to fetch a staggering $10 million (around £7.9m).
Among the treasures up for grabs is the Yamaha conservatory grand piano, where Elton John composed melodies for his Broadway hits like “Billy Elliot” and “Aida”. With a high estimate of $50,000 (around £40,000), this instrument holds the echoes of the Rocketman’s musical prowess.
Also part of the auction is Julian Schnabel’s portrait of Elton John adorned in a gown and ruffled collar, with a price tag of $300,000 (around £236,000).
Perhaps the crown jewel of the collection is a 2017 Banksy painting, directly acquired from the elusive artist himself. Picturing a masked man hurling a bouquet of flowers, this enigmatic piece is anticipated to command a whopping $1.5m (around £1.2m), The New York Times reports.
Elton John remains tight-lipped about the auction, leaving it to his husband and manager, David Furnish, to share insights in a recent interview. Mr Furnish revealed: “As time went on, the walls got more full. Elton never put things in drawers; he bought them to live with his art.”