Johann Hölzel (1957-1998) made music history under his stage name FALCO and is considered a pioneer of German rap. 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. Bids can be submitted on the Dorotheum website from 9 to 31 January 2024 (starting price € 10,000, www.dorotheum.com/falco-en). A guitar case will also be auctioned.

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. “You’ll get a lot of money for it one day,” Falco reportedly said when handing over the gift.

“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 case made for the bass decorated with a grey moiré fabric, similar to the one used for one of Falco’s stage suits designed by Helmut Lang (this suit is currently preserved in the Wien Museum). Billy Filanowski appeared in numerous Falco music videos as well as in the Karl Spiehs film “Geld oder Leber”, in which Falco had a role.

On 25 January, it will be revealed whether Falco’s prophecy holds true