Unique Eric Clapton Stage-Played Guitar to be Auctioned by Heritage!

DALLAS, TEXAS: Speaking about his guitars, legendary musician Eric Clapton said, " The guitars themselves represent the journey I have made through music over the past four decades of my life, they reflect my tastes in music, and sometimes the heroes I have tried so hard to emulate. They all have a place in my heart and in my life, and each one tells a part of my story." Now, fans of Clapton's will have an opportunity to own one of these treasured instruments in Heritage Auction Galleries' upcoming Music & Entertainment auction, to be held October 6 & 7 in Dallas, Texas.

"Of all the guitars Clapton has ever played, this one has perhaps the most unique story," said Doug Norwine, Director of Music & Entertainment auctions for Heritage. "On September 13, 1995, during his From the Cradle Tour, Clapton was in Philadelphia. A fan handed Clapton's guitar manager, Lee Dickson, this instrument, a red Gibson Firebird, and asked him to give it to the artist with his best wishes. The manager handed the guitar to Clapton before the show and explained the circumstances, and Clapton requested that the instrument be restrung with a set of .010 gauge strings. Demonstrating his deep consideration for his fans, Clapton reached for the guitar during the show, and proceeded to play the blues classics, 'Third Degree' and 'Reconsider Baby.' We're told that the fan's screams of joy could be clearly heard over the roar of the crowd."

"We're very pleased that video of Clapton's performance with this unique instrument can be seen on our website at www.HA.com/648-058001, courtesy of photographer Minoru Tsubota," Norwine said. "The video begins when Clapton is handed the guitar, and includes both songs that he played with the gifted instrument, in their entirety."

"At the request of the consignor," Norwine said, "a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this guitar will be donated to the Crossroads Center at Antigua, an international center for the treatment of alcohol, drugs, and other addictive disorders founded by Clapton in 1998. This, then, is an excellent opportunity to acquire a classic instrument from a legendary artist, complete with a unique and impeccably documented history, and to support an exceptionally worthy cause at the same time."

Heritage Auction Galleries will hold their upcoming Music and Entertainment Signature auction on October 6 & 7, 2007, at their headquarters in Dallas, TX.

Eric Clapton's Stage-Played Gibson Firebird Guitar:
ESTIMATE: $95,000 & up

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.

Prospective consignors and sellers of Entertainment, Celebrity or Hollywood memorabilia are invited to www.HA.com/Sell. Or simply email Doug Norwine at DougN@HA.com or call 1-800-8782-6467, ext. 452.

To reserve your copy of any Heritage auction catalog, please contact Client Services at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 150, or visit www.HA.com/Catalog to order by email.