A Letter From John Lennon Asking Eric Clapton To Join New Supergroup With Him Heads to Auction

While gaining fame thanks to his time with The Beatles, John Lennon also explored a solo career after the band broke up. Starting in the 1970s, Lennon produced albums like Mind Games, Imagine, and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Although able to create a promising solo career, it seemed that the singer wanted to start another group with Eric Clapton. Thanks to a letter that is going up for auction, it appears that Lennon wrote to Clapton, hoping to include him in a new group featuring Jim Keltner. 

Looking at the letter, which is dated September 29, 1971, Lennon wrote to Clapton about his drive to bring back true rock and roll. Given Clapton’s mastery of the guitar, the musician seemed like a perfect fit. In the letter, Lennon wrote, “You must know by now that Yoko and I rate your music and yourself very highly. You also know the music we have been making and hope to make.” 

Wanting the change the way bands toured and even conducted business, Lennon promised in the letter there would be no contracts. Only wanting to focus on the music, he wrote, “I know I can bring out something great in you … I hope to bring out the same kind of greatness in all of us. 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.”

[RELATED: John Lennon Always Regretted This About the Beatles (But Didn’t Do Anything About It)]

John Lennon Revealed His Lineup Of New Group Featuring Eric Clapton

While asking Clapton to join him on the road, Lennon also showed interest in going international with concerts in China, New Zealand, Australia, Russia, and even Tonga. As for the band, Lennon wanted it to consist of Klaus Voormann on bass, Nicky Hopkins on piano, Clapton on guitar, Jim Keltner on drums, and himself taking over vocals.

What made Lennon asking Clapton to join a new band so polarizing was that Clapton wrote love letters to George Harrison’s first wife, Pattie Boyd. Also put up for auction, the love letters read, “What I wish to ask you is if you still love your husband, or if you have another lover? All these questions are very impertinent I know but if there is still a feeling in your heart for me … you must let me know!”

With the past nothing but memories of lost loves and what ifs, the letter from Lennon goes up for auction on December 5th.

(Photo by Rowland Scherman/Getty Images)