Rock and roll history is often peppered with stories of legendary collaborations and musical reunions, but one fascinating episode has now surfaced from the archives of John Lennon’s life. A handwritten letter, penned by Lennon himself to Eric Clapton, is set to go under the hammer at auction on December 5th. This letter, dated September 29, 1971, reveals Lennon’s ambitious proposal to form what he referred to as a "nucleus supergroup," aiming to reclaim the essence of rock and roll.
At the time this letter was written, both Lennon and Clapton were coming off significant phases of their careers; Lennon, post-Beatles and flourishing with albums like Imagine and Mind Games, and Clapton who was battling his own demons, including addiction. The timing, it seems, was pivotal as Clapton was seeking solace from the public spotlight, making this offer from Lennon not just enticing but perhaps necessary.
Throughout the eight-page draft, Lennon expressed deep admiration for Clapton’s musical talent, stating, "You must know by now I rate your music and yourself very highly". He sought to gather together not only Clapton but also other notable musicians — Klaus Voormann on bass, Nicky Hopkins on piano, Jim Keltner on drums, and even producing legend Phil Spector. Intriguingly, Yoko Ono, Lennon’s wife and artistic partner, was also included as part of this envisioned band.
Lennon’s letter reflects his desire to break away from traditional touring conventions, expressing his frustrations from his days with The Beatles: "Not the way I used to with the Beatles, night after night of torture". He proposed organizing their shows around fun and creativity rather than grueling schedules and commercial constraints. His vision extended beyond mere music-making; he wanted to focus on enjoying themselves, even going as far as to suggest traveling aboard a "big ship" and inviting along a film crew to document their adventures.
This proposal was not merely about forming another group; it showcased Lennon’s hopeful ambition to rejuvenate rock music, stating the intention was to "bring back the balls in rock and roll." What’s significant is the heartfelt tone of the correspondence, which conveyed both Lennon's artistic vision and his concern for Clapton’s well-being. He noted, "Both of us have been through the same kind of s***, pain," underscoring empathetic ties between the two musicians.
While the letter's intentions were clear, history tells us this collaboration did not materialize as envisioned. Lennon’s supergroup was never formed, leaving fans and historians pondering what might have been had these musical giants joined forces. Despite the missed opportunity, this letter is considered one of the rarest forms of Lennon's personal communications, expected to fetch between €100,000 and €150,000 at auction according to experts.
Reflecting on the past, it’s fascinating to see how the music world continues to echo the relationships and collaborations of these iconic figures. Lennon’s candid invitation to Clapton does more than just recount past ambitions; it serves as a reminder of the fragility of artistic endeavors and the human connections behind them. Each note, each letter holds the history of collective dreams and unfulfilled possibilities. Perhaps, with this upcoming auction, fans will not only seize the chance to own a piece of rock history but also reflect on the stories and legacies behind it.
A century from now, one could argue this moment will still hold significance, standing as testimony to the enduring spirit of collaboration within rock and roll and the shared experiences of its legends.
