Freddie Mercury

Music lovers and collectors are preparing for one of the most intriguing events of the year, where rare items belonging to one of the world's greatest music legends will be auctioned off. Among the list of items are the grand piano and the microphone that shaped the band's musical soundtrack.

Musician Barry Mitchell, who replaced Queen's original bassist in 1970 and performed in 13 shows, has died. The news was shared by the band's official archivist. In a 2018 interview, Mitchell admitted he left the group because he didn't believe in its future: "They weren't the cult band you know; the direction didn't suit me."