Grammy Award won by John Lennon expected to fetch $670k at auction

A Grammy Award given to the late John Lennon is expected to fetch up to US$500,000 (S$670,000) at auction.

The Beatles legend — who was shot dead in 1980 — and his bandmates, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Ringo Starr and the late George Harrison, were given the Grammy Trustee statuettes in 1972 in recognition to their "significant contributions to the field of recording", but the singer didn't want his trophy, and it is now up for sale.

Gotta Have Rock and Roll, a music memorabilia-based auction house, told TMZ that John told the president of the Grammys: "I'm not a Beatle anymore, you can keep it."

A description of the award on the auction house's website stated: "The Beatles 1972 Grammy Trustee Award presented to The Beatle John Lennon (gifted to the former head of and President of NARAS)."

"The Grammy Trustees Award is presented to individuals who, during their careers in music, have made significant contributions, other than performance, to the field of recording. The Beatles won the award in 1972."

"Each member was presented with their own Grammy, this example being the one that was presented to John Lennon."

"The golden gramophone award is mounted on a wood base with an inscribed plaque affixed to it reading, 'National Academy of Recording Artists and Sciences, National Trustees Awards 1972, To, The Beatles, John Lennon'."

"Provenance: From the collection of the former head of Apple Records and the president of NARAS."

"The consignor, a close friend of John Lennon, was given this award directly from John Lennon. The winning bidder will receive a letter from the executive confirming the details."

"Beatles Grammys are virtually impossible to find and extremely hard to obtain. This example is exceptional and is a museum quality item. Good condition."

Bidding on the award currently stands at US$200,000 but is expected to rise before the auction closes on Friday (Dec 15).

Other Beatles lots currently up for auction with Gotta Have Rock and Roll include handwritten lyrics, a 1964 signed US tour contract, an autographed setlist, and John's sunglasses, fountain pen and a matchbook.

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