![The Beatles in 1967](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/The-Beatles-1967_1200-e1480622681763-1.jpg?resize=840%2C575)
Sotheby’s upcoming rock-and-roll auction is the origin story of one of the priciest mixed tapes ever recorded. With an emphasis on rare handwritten lyrics for iconic songs and other high-end oddities, the sale—which is set for Dec. 10 in New York—will bring music diehards out of the woodwork to write multi-zeroed checks by the dozen.
Topping the auction is a red-and-black John Broadwood and Sons piano once owned by The Beatles’ John Lennon, until he gifted it to a friend circa 1971. Upon giving it away, Lennon noted on a plaque affixed to the instrument that he’d written some of band’s most notable songs on it, including a handful from The Beatles’ groundbreaking 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. These included “A Day in the Life,” “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “Good Morning, Good Morning,” and “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite.” The pre-auction estimate on the piano is $1.2 million to $1.8 million. (Click here for more on the item.)
![John Lennon's Piano That He Wrote 'Sgt. Pepper's' Songs on](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Rock-3_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C719)
The auction also includes items from The Velvet Underground, Led Zeppelin, and Bob Dylan. RealClearLife has pored over the lots and curated a list of our Top 10 picks, each of which includes the pre-auction estimate.
Elvis Presley – Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring – $7,000–$9,000
![Elvis Presley Ring](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Rock-8_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C816)
The Velvet Underground/Lou Reed – Set of Typescript Lyrics, With Autographed Changes by Lou Reed and Donald Lyons – $150,000–$200,000
![Lou Reed and Velvet Underground Lyrics](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Rock-9_1200-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C1086)
Jim Morrison/The Doors – Handwritten Notebook From Paris Circa 1971 – $180,000–$220,000
![Jim Morrison Notebook](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Rock-7_1200-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C828)
The Eagles – Autographed Draft Manuscript of ‘Hotel California’ (1976) – $500,000–$700,000
![The Eagles' Hotel California](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Rock-2_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C560)
Bob Dylan – Autographed Manuscript With Minor Corrections of ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ – $300,000–$500,000
![Dylan Blowin in the Wind](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Rock_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C1164)
Brian Wilson/Beach Boys – Autographed Draft Manuscript for ‘Catch a Wave’ and Lyric Fragment From ‘Little Deuce Coupe’ – $200,000–$300,000
![Brian Wilson Manuscript for Two Beach Boys Songs](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Rock-10_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C1089)
Led Zeppelin – Autographed Robert Plant Manuscript for a Live Performance of ‘Kashmir’ – $120,000–$180,000
![Led Zeppelin Lyrics](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Rock-5_1200-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C1189)
The Beatles – Six ‘Abbey Road’ Cover Shot Outtakes – $50,000–$70,000
![Beatles Abbey Road Cover Shot Outtakes](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Rock-4_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C1089)
Joni Mitchell – ‘Birds in a Fantasy Landscape’ (Original Pen and Ink Drawing) – $5,000–$7,000
![Joni Mitchell Drawing](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Rock-6_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C1011)
To browse the rest of the lots in the auction, click here.
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