Udo Jürgens' Iconic Piano Sells for EUR240,000 at Auction

A striking auction featuring memorabilia from the late Austrian singer and songwriter Udo Jürgens has captured significant attention, culminating in the sale of a unique glass piano for EUR240,000. This amount far exceeded the initial estimate of EUR20,000 to EUR30,000 set by Sotheby's, the auction house responsible for the event.

The auction drew an impressive 3,150 bids from nearly 400 participants, showcasing the enduring legacy of Jürgens, who passed away in 2014. Notably, the piano, which has a storied history of accompanying Jürgens during his performances, was a highlight of the sale. The instrument was famously flown by helicopter to the Jungfraujoch in the Swiss Alps in 1983 for a performance, illustrating its significance in the artist's illustrious career.

Alongside the piano, other personal items belonging to Jürgens fetched remarkable prices. A white bathrobe, an emblematic garment the singer wore at the end of his concerts, sold for EUR26,400--176 times its estimated value of EUR150 to EUR200. Additionally, a flight helmet worn by Jürgens during a flight with the German Air Force was sold for EUR31,200, far beyond its anticipated price of EUR1,000 to EUR2,000.

Overall, the auction generated approximately EUR1.7 million, significantly surpassing the pre-auction estimate of EUR370,000 to EUR500,000 for the entire collection. A portion of the proceeds is set to benefit the Udo Jürgens Foundation, which supports various charitable initiatives.

This successful auction not only highlights the cultural impact of Udo Jürgens but also the deep connection fans have with his legacy. The substantial interest in his memorabilia reflects the enduring popularity of his music and the affection many still hold for the iconic performer.