Queen Roadie Auctions Freddie Mercury's Gold Microphone

Peter Hince, Queen's head roadie from 1975 to 1986, is parting with select memorabilia from his personal collection.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:48pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a gold-plated microphone, its surface reflecting dramatic studio lighting to create a high-contrast, abstract, and glamorous texture evoking the legendary performances of Queen.A glittering gold microphone, once wielded by Freddie Mercury, now up for auction as a rare piece of Queen memorabilia.NYC Today

Peter Hince, who served as Queen's head roadie from 1975 through their final concert in August 1986, is allowing items from his personal collection of Queen memorabilia to go to auction for the first time. This includes Freddie Mercury's gold-finished Shure 565 SD microphone, which Mercury used on stage and later on Top of the Pops in 1982. Hince tells PEOPLE about the decision to part with some of the memories and the ones he'll keep forever.

Why it matters

As one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, Queen has a devoted fanbase that will likely be eager to acquire rare memorabilia like Freddie Mercury's personal microphone. This auction provides an opportunity for fans to own a piece of music history and celebrate the band's legacy.

The details

Hince first met Queen in late 1973 when the band was a support act for Mott the Hoople's U.K. tour. He was hired as the band's head roadie in 1975 at just 20 years old, tasked with managing Freddie Mercury and John Deacon's equipment on stage. Hince remained with the band until their final concert with Freddie at Knebworth in August 1986. During his time with Queen, Hince witnessed the band's meteoric rise to global stardom, including their breakthrough success in the U.S. market in the early 1980s. The gold microphone being auctioned was a special award given to the band by Shure and Circus magazine for 'Band of the Year'.

  • Hince first met Queen in late 1973.
  • Hince was hired as the band's head roadie in 1975.
  • Hince remained with the band until their final concert with Freddie at Knebworth in August 1986.
  • The gold microphone was awarded to the band in 1980.

The players

Peter Hince

Queen's head roadie from 1975 through their final concert in August 1986.

Freddie Mercury

The lead singer of Queen, who gave the gold microphone to Hince as a personal gift.

John Deacon

The bassist of Queen, whom Hince was tasked with managing on stage.

Shure

The microphone manufacturer that awarded the gold-finished Shure 565 SD microphone to Queen as the 'Band of the Year'.

Circus magazine

The music publication that co-awarded the gold microphone to Queen alongside Shure.

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What they’re saying

“I was by far the youngest and was brought in to look after Freddie Mercury and John Deacon onstage and manage their equipment. I later became head of the road crew and worked full time until their final concert with Freddie at Knebworth in August 1986.”

— Peter Hince, Queen's Head Roadie

“The gold microphone was from Shure/Circus magazine for 'Band of the Year' — a gold-finished edition of the Shure microphone Freddie used on stage. Fred gave it to me and said, 'You look after my microphones and things — you should have the award!' He was playful and generous.”

— Peter Hince, Queen's Head Roadie

“It's been in a cupboard since then, doing nothing. I'm not a collector, so it feels like the right time to pass it on to one of the many Queen fans who will truly appreciate and enjoy it.”

— Peter Hince, Queen's Head Roadie

What’s next

The gold microphone will be auctioned off on April 30, 2026 as part of Propstore's Music Live Auction, with a pre-sale estimate of $39,600 - $79,200.

The takeaway

This auction provides a rare opportunity for Queen fans to own a piece of the band's history, as Hince's personal collection of memorabilia, including Freddie Mercury's iconic gold microphone, goes up for bid. While Hince is parting with some items, he is keeping the most personal mementos to preserve the memories of his time with one of rock's greatest acts.