A remarkable eight-page letter written by John Lennon in 1971, inviting guitar legend Eric Clapton to join a supergroup, is headed to auction this December. The letter reveals Lennon's ambitious vision to revolutionize rock music in the early 1970s.
Penned just weeks after releasing "Imagine," Lennon outlined plans for an extraordinary ensemble featuring acclaimed musicians Klaus Voormann on bass, Jim Keltner on drums, Nicky Hopkins on keyboards, and producer Phil Spector. The proposed lineup aimed to "bring back the balls in rock'n'roll," as Lennon directly stated in his correspondence.
The letter, dated September 29, 1971, showcases The Beatles Rock Band determination to break away from conventional touring methods he experienced with The Beatles. He emphasized a relaxed approach, writing to Clapton: "No one will be asked to do anything they don't want to... no contracts. We're not asking for your name... it's your mind we want."
Lennon expressed high regard for Clapton's musical abilities and outlined ambitious touring plans, including potential performances in Russia, China, Tahiti, Tonga, New Zealand, and Australia. The letter demonstrates Lennon's desire to create something revolutionary, telling Clapton, "I know I can bring out something great in you... I hope to bring out the same kind of greatness in all of us."
The timing of the auction, scheduled for December 5, coincides with the release of Martin Scorsese's Beatles '64 documentary. This historical document offers a fascinating glimpse into Lennon's creative mindset during his post-Beatles era, revealing his aspirations to forge new musical territories with fellow innovators of the time.
The letter joins other notable memorabilia recently sold at auction, including correspondence between Eric Clapton and Pattie Boyd, which sold for nearly £3 million earlier this year.