Peter Hince, Queen’s head roadie from 1975 until the band’s final concert with Freddie Mercury at Knebworth in 1986, is parting with a piece of rock history. The 70-year-old former crew member is offering Freddie Mercury’s gold Shure 565 SD microphone at Propstore’s Music Live Auction on April 30, with a pre-sale estimate of $39,600 to $79,200.
The microphone began life as a special gold-finished award from Shure and Circus magazine honoring Queen as “Band of the Year.” Freddie, known for his generosity and playful spirit, gave it to Hince with a simple remark: “You look after my microphones and things — you should have the award!” Hince later recalled the singer’s words fondly. The same mic went on to appear on «Top of the Pops» in 1982, adding another layer of prestige to the piece.
Hince joined Queen in early 1975 at age 20 after first meeting the band as support act for Mott the Hoople in 1973. He started by handling Freddie’s and John Deacon’s onstage equipment during the making of «A Night at the Opera» and eventually rose to lead the entire road crew. He witnessed the band’s explosive rise, from the 1980 breakthrough hits “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and “Another One Bites the Dust” to sold-out stadiums across South America and the legendary Live Aid performance.
Now, after keeping the microphone stored away for decades, Hince feels the time is right to let it go. “It’s been in a cupboard since then, doing nothing,” he said. “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.” The memories, he insists, matter far more than any object. He is also selling a stage-used tambourine from the «A Night at the Opera» tour and a backstage dressing gown from «The Game» tour, while retaining deeply personal items such as Live Aid awards, gold discs, and a Christmas card from Freddie.
For Hince, the decision marks the closing of one chapter and the start of the next. The microphone that once captured one of rock’s most electrifying voices is now ready for its next owner. Auction registration is open, and the full catalog is available online.