Siobhan Bailey, the longtime personal assistant and confidante of George Michael, is being remembered following renewed public attention surrounding a collection of memorabilia associated with the late singer. Bailey died in 2014 at the age of 56, but her connection to Michael has returned to headlines after treasured items from her collection were sold at auction.
Siobhan Bailey’s Connection to George Michael
Bailey began working with Michael in 1984 and remained his personal assistant for more than 20 years. During that time, she helped manage aspects of his professional life and collected keepsakes linked to his music career. Reports describe her as a trusted confidante who generally stayed out of the public spotlight.
The collection included signed photographs, tour documents, personal notes, gold and platinum records, and a Gretsch Synchromatic guitar used by Michael in the music video for his 1987 hit “Faith.” The instrument became the most prominent item in the collection because of its place in the singer’s celebrated solo career.
Family Dispute Over the Memorabilia
The auction drew criticism from Bailey’s brother, Gerard Bailey, who said the family believed she would have wanted the cherished possessions to remain with her nieces and nephews. He stated that Bailey had begun preparing a will before her death, but it was not completed.
Bailey died while she was in the process of divorcing Ian Belcher. Because they were still legally married and she had not left a will, reports said the collection passed to Belcher, who arranged the sale through Sworders auction house. Her brother acknowledged the legal position but objected to the items being marketed under his sister’s name, describing the sale as deeply upsetting to the family.
The auction took place on October 29, 2026. According to ITV News, the “Faith” guitar sold for £234,480 to an anonymous buyer based in the United Kingdom. Other items in the collection also attracted interest from collectors.
Remembering Siobhan Bailey
Although Bailey was not a public figure in the same way as Michael, her long professional relationship with the singer placed her close to important moments in his career. The personal notes, photographs, and tour records offer a glimpse into the working life surrounding a major music star.
The dispute has also raised questions about how personal belongings are handled after someone dies, especially when a will has not been completed and family members disagree about the person’s wishes. The reported legal ownership of the items and the family’s emotional objections are separate issues.
Siobhan Bailey’s legacy remains connected to the years she spent working with George Michael and preserving memories of his career. As the auction brings renewed attention to her story, readers are reminded that behind famous artists are colleagues and confidantes whose contributions often remain largely unseen.
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