Falcova baskytara
Johann Hölzel (Vienna 1957-1998 Dominican Republic) made music history under his stage name FALCO and is considered a pioneer of rap in the German-speaking world. With his 1985 hit Rock Me Amadeus, he remains the only German-speaking musician to reach the top of the US Billboard charts. Dorotheum is now auctioning his first electric bass, which the artist played during performances with the anarchic rock band Drahdiwaberl.
The Fender Jazz Bass is a cult instrument in pop and rock history. Falco gifted it to his longtime friend Billy Filanowski in 1983. Filanowski is now putting his former birthday present up for auction.
“FOR BILL FROM HANS, 15. 11. 1983” reads Falco’s personal dedication on the musical instrument. Billy Filanowski had been Falco’s closest companion since his youth. The recipient had the plexiglass box lined with a similar grey moiré fabric to the one used for a Falco stage suit designed by Helmut Lang. (The original suit is currently preserved in the Wien Museum).
It is a great honour and pleasure for Dorotheum to be able to offer a unique memento of this exceptional artist at auction.