Peter Hince, who worked as Queen’s head roadie from 1975 until the band’s final concert in August 1986, has decided to auction off a selection of memorabilia from his extensive personal collection. This marks the first time that Hince has parted with such items, which evoke rich memories from his time with the iconic band.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Freddie-Mercury-Queen-Live-Aid-concert-070225-tout-f5d686d4baa042f7ad258a72a6a6fef8.jpg)
Hince’s journey with Queen began in late 1973 when they served as a support act for Mott the Hoople’s UK tour. He was initially offered a position within the band in early 1975, but it wasn’t until later that year that he officially joined the team at the tender age of 20. Recalling his early days, Hince explained, “I was by far the youngest and was brought in to look after Freddie Mercury and John Deacon on stage and manage their equipment.”
The time Hince joined Queen coincided with the band’s significant creative surge, particularly with the production of their seminal album, “A Night at the Opera.” At that time, he was earning a modest £40 a week. “I had no idea whether ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ would be a hit, it didn’t really matter — I was simply earning my keep as a roadie for rock bands,” he stated. He shared insights on Queen’s evolution, emphasising that by the 1980s, the band had become the world’s top musical act, expanding their fanbase into South America.
“The energy during performances was palpable,” Hince recounted. “Shows in vast outdoor stadiums were electric, but my focus remained on my responsibilities.” He reminisced about specific performances, noting, “In hindsight, watching videos of those shows now, it feels special to have been a part of them — the energy and unity the band created with their audiences were remarkable.”
During the 1980s, Queen’s success in the United States surged with hit singles like “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and “Another One Bites the Dust.” The accolades and achievements continued to flow, and one of Hince’s most cherished items is a gold Shure microphone, awarded to the band for being ‘Band of the Year.’ Mercury had given it to him with the light-hearted comment: “You look after my microphones and things — you should have the award!”
This Shure 565 SD gold microphone, which later graced the stage during “Top of the Pops” in 1982, is now set to be auctioned as part of Propstore’s Music Live Auction on April 30, 2026. The microphone carries a pre-sale estimate ranging from $39,600 to $79,200. Hince expressed that he felt it was the right time to let go of such a treasured piece: “It’s been in a cupboard since then, doing nothing. I’m not a collector, so passing it on to a dedicated Queen fan feels appropriate.”
In addition to the microphone, Hince will be auctioning off a stage-used tambourine belonging to Mercury and his backstage dressing gown. Despite these sentimental decisions, he clarified that he intends to keep a selection of personal items including his Live Aid award, gold discs, and a special Christmas card from Mercury.
Reflecting on his past, Hince stated, “I was fortunate to witness Queen’s journey and experience the camaraderie and energy of that time. Now in my seventies, I look forward to this next chapter, and it excites me to think that these items will find new homes where they will be appreciated all over again.”
Hince cherishes many memories from his time with Queen, including a friendly rivalry in Scrabble with Mercury, who was known for his skill at the game. “Live Aid, of course, was a highlight,” he added, underscoring the magnitude of the event and the incredible legacy it represents.
With the auction registration now open and the full catalogue available online, enthusiasts of Queen are given the opportunity to own a piece of rock history while celebrating the indelible mark the band has left on music. Hince’s decision to part with these memorabilia may signify a new chapter in his life, but the memories of his time with Queen will continue to resonate.