George Michael’s ‘Faith’ guitar to be auctioned amid family dispute
The guitar and 31 other items from Siobhan Bailey’s archive will go under the hammer on Oct 29, prompting a public feud with her brother.
By Felo News Desk · Published
George Michael’s 1940s Gretsch Synchromatic 160 guitar, featured in the 1987 “Faith” video, is scheduled for auction on 29 October, according to Sworders auctioneers. The sale follows a family dispute over the collection assembled by the late personal assistant Siobhan Bailey.
What happened
The auction, titled “Faith & Fame: A Personal George Michael Collection”, comprises 32 lots, including the guitar, gold presentation discs, rare acetate singles, signed photographs and a Live Aid 1985 running order. Sworders expects the lot to fetch more than £200,000. The collection is being offered by Ian Belcher, Bailey’s widower, who holds legal title to the items.
What the reports add
Independent UK’s bulletin notes that the memorabilia archive was built over two decades by Bailey, who died in 2014. The longer article adds that the auction house describes the items as a “remarkable group of memorabilia from the collection of Siobhan Bailey, George Michael's long‑time personal assistant and trusted confidante”. Both pieces state that Gerard Bailey, Siobhan’s brother, claims his sister would be “devastated” by the sale and says she had drafted a will to leave the items to her nieces and nephews.
What was said
Gerard Bailey told BBC News, as reported by Independent UK, that “[Siobhan] would be horrified at the prospect of the auction being held in her name and that her personal, cherished possessions are being sold off to the highest bidder.” He also called the use of his sister’s name to promote the auction “dishonourable”.
How it came about
The archive originated from Bailey’s two‑decade tenure as Michael’s personal assistant, during which she collected tour itineraries, ring‑bound itineraries, and the iconic guitar. After her death in 2014, her widower Ian Belcher inherited the legal right to sell the collection. The current dispute mirrors earlier high‑profile music memorabilia sales covered by Felo News, such as the Paul Reubens auction on 28 October and the Princess Diana “revenge dress” auction in September, highlighting ongoing public interest in celebrity collectibles.
Key facts
- George Michael’s 1940s Gretsch Synchromatic 160 guitar will be auctioned on 29 October. (independent.co.uk)
- The auction includes 32 lots from Siobhan Bailey’s personal archive. (independent.co.uk)
- Ian Belcher, Bailey’s widower, holds legal title to the collection. (independent.co.uk)
- Gerard Bailey says his sister would be devastated by the sale and called the promotion dishonourable. (independent.co.uk)
