BOSTON, June 19, 2026 — An early Alexander McQueen evening dress worn by bassist and vocalist Gail Ann Dorsey during David Bowie’s 50th Birthday Celebration Concert at Madison Square Garden sold for $41,250 in RR Auction’s Marvels of Modern Music sale, which closed June 18.
The stage-worn dress was worn by Dorsey during Bowie’s Jan. 9, 1997, concert at Madison Square Garden, held one day after the artist’s 50th birthday. The benefit performance for Save the Children featured an extensive lineup of guest artists, including Lou Reed, Billy Corgan, Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters, Robert Smith, Frank Black, and Sonic Youth.
During the concert, Dorsey performed bass and vocals alongside Bowie on “Under Pressure,” taking Freddie Mercury’s vocal parts in one of the evening’s best-known performances. She also led the audience and assembled musicians in a rendition of “Happy Birthday” during the concert finale.
The semi-sheer evening dress is characteristic of Alexander McQueen’s early work, with asymmetrical construction, floral lace, an exposed shoulder, open back, and deconstructed detailing associated with the designer’s formative period. McQueen founded his namesake label in 1992 and served as chief designer for Givenchy from 1996 to 2001, producing some of the most influential fashion designs of the late 20th century.
“Alexander McQueen’s early designs remain highly sought after, but when one is connected to a landmark performance like this, it tells a much larger story about music, fashion, and popular culture,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President at RR Auction.
The Marvels of Modern Music auction realized $984,000.
Additional highlights included:
• Bob Dylan original mixed-media painting *Side Tracks*, $75,000
• Beatles fully signed *A Hard Day’s Night* album, $50,000
• Bon Scott archive of seven letters and cards, $48,233
• Jimi Hendrix handwritten working lyrics for “Room Full of Mirrors,” $37,493
• Beatles signed checks from the group’s publishing companies, $25,000
• Elvis Presley and Colonel Tom Parker twice-signed William Morris Agency contract, $19,456
RR Auction’s Marvels of Modern Music sale opened in May and closed on June 18, 2026.
For more information, visit www.rrauction.com.
