Tuesday 14 June 2011 | Auction | Christie's, London, England
On Tuesday 14 June 2011, a copy of Double Fantasy signed by John Lennon on the day of his murder sold at auction at Christie's in London for £23,750 ($38,500). The vinyl album had been signed by Lennon on 8 December 1980 — the day he was shot and killed outside the Dakota building in New York City — as a competition prize. It was offered as part of a music memorabilia sale at Christie's.
The Album
Double Fantasy was John Lennon and Yoko Ono's joint album, released on 17 November 1980 — just three weeks before Lennon's death. It was his first album of new material since Walls and Bridges in 1974, and marked his return to music after five years of semi-retirement during which he had been raising his son Sean. The album included 'Starting Over', 'Woman', and 'Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)', and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1981.
The signed copy sold at Christie's on 14 June 2011 had been autographed by Lennon on 8 December 1980 as a competition prize — one of the last items he signed before his death that evening. Lennon was shot by Mark David Chapman outside the Dakota building on West 72nd Street, New York City, at approximately 10.50pm on 8 December 1980. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Roosevelt Hospital.
The Significance of the Signature
Lennon signed a number of items on 8 December 1980, including the now-famous copy of Double Fantasy signed for Chapman himself earlier that day — a photograph of which became one of the most haunting images in rock history. The competition prize copy sold at Christie's in 2011 was among the last autographs Lennon gave, making it one of the most poignant pieces of Beatles memorabilia ever to come to auction.
Other Lots in the Sale
The Christie's music memorabilia sale on 14 June 2011 included several other notable lots:
- A gift card signed by Paul McCartney, which sold for £1,250 ($2,000)
- A pair of leather boots owned by Jimi Hendrix
- A guitar played by Pete Townshend on The Who's Quadrophenia tour of the USA
Double Fantasy
Double Fantasy was recorded at The Hit Factory in New York City between August and October 1980, produced by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Jack Douglas. The album alternated between Lennon's songs and Ono's songs, presenting a portrait of their domestic life and relationship. Lennon's contributions included 'Starting Over', 'Cleanup Time', 'I'm Losing You', 'Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)', 'Watching the Wheels', and 'Woman'. The album reached number one in both the UK and the US following Lennon's death and was certified platinum in multiple countries.
A follow-up album, Milk and Honey, was released posthumously in January 1984, featuring recordings made during the same sessions.
Christie's
Christie's is one of the world's leading auction houses, founded in London in 1766. It has handled some of the most significant Beatles and rock memorabilia sales in history, including guitars, manuscripts, and personal effects belonging to all four Beatles. The 14 June 2011 music memorabilia sale was one of many such events Christie's has hosted over the decades.
Key Facts: 14 June 2011
- Date: Tuesday 14 June 2011
- Auction house: Christie's, London
- Lot: Double Fantasy vinyl LP signed by John Lennon
- Signed: 8 December 1980 (the day of Lennon's murder)
- Sale price: £23,750 ($38,500)
- Other notable lots: Paul McCartney gift card (£1,250); Jimi Hendrix boots; Pete Townshend Quadrophenia tour guitar
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the John Lennon signed Double Fantasy sell at auction?
A copy of Double Fantasy signed by John Lennon on 8 December 1980 — the day of his murder — sold at Christie's in London on 14 June 2011 for £23,750 ($38,500).
Why is the signed Double Fantasy so significant?
The album was signed by Lennon on 8 December 1980 as a competition prize — one of the last items he autographed before being shot and killed outside the Dakota building in New York City that evening. It is among the most poignant pieces of Beatles memorabilia ever to come to auction.
What is Double Fantasy?
Double Fantasy was John Lennon and Yoko Ono's joint album, released on 17 November 1980 — three weeks before Lennon's death. It was his first album of new material since 1974 and included 'Starting Over', 'Woman', and 'Beautiful Boy'. It won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1981.
What other items were in the Christie's sale on 14 June 2011?
Other notable lots included a gift card signed by Paul McCartney (£1,250), a pair of leather boots owned by Jimi Hendrix, and a guitar played by Pete Townshend on The Who's Quadrophenia tour of the USA.
When was John Lennon killed?
John Lennon was shot by Mark David Chapman outside the Dakota building on West 72nd Street, New York City, at approximately 10.50pm on 8 December 1980. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Roosevelt Hospital. He was 40 years old.
What happened to Double Fantasy after Lennon's death?
Double Fantasy reached number one in both the UK and the US following Lennon's death and was certified platinum in multiple countries. It won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1981. A follow-up, Milk and Honey, was released posthumously in January 1984.
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