Eric Clapton regrets auctioning legendary guitars for Crossroads Centre

Eric Clapton has expressed regret over selling two of his most significant guitars during a 2004 auction, describing the decision as a “big, big mistake” despite the charitable outcome.

The instruments sold were his 1964 Cherry Red Gibson ES-335, which was used during Cream’s 1968 farewell concert, and his iconic “Blackie” Stratocaster, a guitar assembled from three 1950s models used to record hits such as “Cocaine” and “I Shot the Sheriff.”

The auction raised a total of $7.44 million, with approximately $6.4 million directed to the Crossroads Centre, an addiction treatment facility Clapton founded in Antigua. Clapton noted that he had to remind himself of his purpose during the sale, stating that his commitment to sobriety and helping others through Crossroads outweighed his personal attachment to the instruments.

Following the news of the ES-335, it has been confirmed that Epiphone will release a special re-issue of the guitar next summer.