John Lennon’s ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ Piano Sells for Record $3.3 Million

A Broadwood upright piano used by John Lennon to compose some of The Beatles’ most iconic songs, including “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “A Day in the Life,” and “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!” has shattered auction records, fetching a staggering $3.3 million (£2.5 million) at Christie’s in New York.

The piano, predicted to sell for between $400,000 and $600,000, was part of The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone reports that the final sale price makes it the most expensive item of Beatles memorabilia ever sold at auction.

Record-Breaking Sales for Beatles Memorabilia

The auction also included the first Ludwig drum kit owned by Ringo Starr, used during live performances and studio sessions from May 1963 to February 1964. It sold for nearly $2.4 million (£1.8 million). A drumhead from Starr’s second Ludwig kit briefly held the record for the most expensive drum kit component, selling for $2.9 million (£2.2 million).

Remastered Lennon/Ono Film Coming to Cinemas

In related news, a remastered version of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s concert film, Power to the People, is set for release in cinemas worldwide. The film documents the “One to One” concerts held at New York’s Madison Square Garden on August 30, 1972, which were Lennon’s only full-length concerts after leaving The Beatles and the last performances by the couple together.

The remastered version has been “physically and digitally cleaned by hand” by a team led by Sean Ono Lennon. NME states that tickets will move on sale on March 20, coinciding with Lennon and Ono’s 57th wedding anniversary.

‘One to One’ Concerts for Charity

The “One to One” shows attracted over 40,000 attendees and raised more than $1.5 million (equivalent to $11.5 million in 2026) for disabled children. The performances featured songs such as “Imagine,” “Come Together,” “Instant Karma!,” and “Hound Dog,” culminating in a rendition of “Give Peace a Chance” with Stevie Wonder.

The Beatles Biopic in Development

Development continues on a four-film biopic series about The Beatles, directed by Sam Mendes. Paul Mescal will portray Paul McCartney, alongside Harris Dickinson (John Lennon), Joseph Quinn (George Harrison), and Barry Keoghan (Ringo Starr). The films are currently scheduled for simultaneous release in April 2028. The Beatles official website shared the first look at the project in a series of postcards revealed in Liverpool earlier this year.