Freddie Mercury's final live performance jacket to be auctioned

The leather biker jacket worn by Freddie Mercury during his final live singing performance is scheduled for auction on September 5 at Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire. The garment, part of the Jean Paul Gaultier 1987/88 Rock Stars collection, has an estimated value of up to £150,000.

Mercury performed in the jacket during a charity gala at London’s Dominion Theatre in April 1988 to support the Terrence Higgins Trust. During the event, which featured a performance of ‘Time The Musical’ starring Cliff Richard, Mercury delivered a four-song set including ‘It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll’ and ‘In My Defence.’

Auctioneers noted the historical importance of the piece, identifying it as Mercury’s final live vocal performance before his death. The auction lot includes correspondence from AIDS TakeCare International and the daughter of actress Barbara Valentin, who had previously been given the jacket by the singer.