A rare and handwritten letter from John Lennon reaching out to Eric Clapton regarding a potential new band is set to be auctioned soon. This fascinating piece of rock history captures a moment when two legendary musicians contemplated collaboration.

Dated Sept. 29, 1971, this eight-page letter serves as a draft of the correspondence ultimately sent to Clapton later that year. The auction, conducted by International Autograph Auctions Europe SL, is scheduled for Dec. 5, with bidding already open. Experts anticipate the letter will fetch between €100,000 and €150,000, which translates to approximately $104,000 to $157,000. This auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors and fans alike to own a piece of music history.

The contents of this handwritten letter provide a glimpse into what could have been a groundbreaking chapter in rock music history. Lennon expresses his desire to join forces with Clapton, hinting at the potential synergy that could emerge from their collaboration. This initiative showcases the creative spirit of the early 1970s, a transformative period in music.

The letter opens with a heartfelt acknowledgment: “You must know by now that Yoko and I rate your music and yourself very highly, always have.” Lennon expresses his admiration for Clapton while delicately addressing Clapton’s struggles during a troubled time, specifically his battles with heroin addiction and withdrawal from the public eye. This personal touch reflects the deep respect Lennon had for Clapton’s talent and challenges.

Lennon continues with an encouraging assertion, stating, “Eric, I know I can bring out something great, in fact greater in you than had been so far evident in your music.” He expresses a strong belief in the transformative power of collaboration, suggesting that their coming together could unlock a level of greatness previously undiscovered. This sentiment highlights the potential synergy between the two iconic artists, promising an exciting creative process if they were to join forces.

The letter elaborates on the vision for a new band, inviting Clapton to join a lineup that would feature notable musicians from the Plastic Ono Band, including Klaus Voorman, Jim Keltner, Nicky Hopkins, and Phil Spector. “And of course we had YOU!!! in mind as soon as we decided,” Lennon enthusiastically adds, underlining Clapton’s integral role in this envisioned collaboration. This proposal paints a compelling picture of a supergroup that could redefine the musical landscape of the time.

At the time of this correspondence, Clapton had already made his mark as a member of the Plastic Ono Band, having participated in various iterations of the group between September and December 1969. Lennon’s reference to this past collaboration emphasizes the potential for further artistic synergy and shared experiences, suggesting a natural continuation of their musical journey together.

As the letter approaches its conclusion, Lennon acknowledges Clapton’s likely apprehensions: “Please don’t be frightened, I understand paranoia, only too well.” This candid admission reflects Lennon’s empathy and understanding of the pressures faced by artists. He reassures Clapton that collaborating with individuals who “love and respect you” could only yield positive outcomes, reinforcing the supportive environment he envisioned for the new band.

Ultimately, Clapton declined Lennon’s enticing offer to join this promising band of musical “superstars.” This decision, steeped in personal and professional considerations, marked a turning point that could have led to a significant collaboration in rock history.

The draft of the letter also reveals numerous corrections and edits, showcasing the careful thought Lennon put into his proposal. However, the specifics of the final version sent to Clapton remain a mystery. Notably, this letter isn’t a newcomer to the auction scene; it previously surfaced in a 2012 auction, where it was estimated to sell for around $30,000, reflecting its enduring appeal among collectors and music enthusiasts.