John Lennon’s handwritten pitch to Eric Clapton hits auction block

A bold move to unite two rock legends—a handwritten letter from John Lennon to Eric Clapton will be up for auction. It reveals Lennon's personal appeal to Clapton to join a potential supergroup.

The eight-page draft letter, dated September 29, 1971, had Lennon reaching out to Clapton during a turbulent time in the guitarist's life. The letter, set to be auctioned on December 5 by International Autograph Auctions Europe SL, is expected to fetch between €100,000 and €150,000 (around $104,000 to $157,000). Bidders have already begun to register for a piece of rock history.

Lennon's letter captured a pivotal moment, as he sought to form a new band and believed Clapton's talents could reach even greater heights. He began the letter by reaffirming his admiration. "You must know by now that Yoko and I rate your music and yourself very highly, always have," he wrote, reflecting the deep respect for Clapton's artistry.

At the time, Clapton was grappling with heroin addiction and had retreated from the public eye. Lennon wrote with empathy and hope, acknowledging Clapton's struggles while offering a chance for redemption through collaboration. "Eric, I know I can bring out something great—greater, in fact, than anything evident in your music so far," Lennon asserted, suggesting that a fresh musical venture could unlock Clapton's untapped creative potential.

The letter pitched the idea of Clapton joining a band that would include notable musicians like Klaus Voorman, Jim Keltner, Nicky Hopkins, and the legendary producer Phil Spector. Lennon continued enthusiastically, "And of course we had YOU!!! in mind as soon as we decided." His excitement was palpable, as he envisioned Clapton as the key player in this ensemble of rock 'superstars'.

"Please don't be frightened, I understand paranoia, only too well," he added, hoping to alleviate any doubts Clapton might have had about joining such a venture. Lennon's letter suggests a genuine desire to create something transformative, both musically and personally, for Clapton and the band members involved.

Despite the heartfelt plea, Clapton ultimately declined the offer, choosing not to join Lennon's prospective band. The letter reflects what could have been a historic collaboration, following Clapton's prior involvement with the Plastic Ono Band in 1969.

Interestingly, the draft contains numerous edits, leaving it unclear how much of it was included in the final letter Clapton received. Previously auctioned in 2012 with an estimated value of $30,000, this latest auction marks a significant moment in music memorabilia.

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