Eric Clapton to sell off guitars

(Courtesy of Bonhams)

Music legend Eric Clapton is to sell off part of his extensive guitar collection - including one he played on stage with Cream - to raise hundreds of thousands for his rehab clinic.

More than 150 lots will be auctioned from his own archive - including a vast collection of amps and speakers - in the sale next year.

Highlights of the Bonhams sale will include one of Clapton's main instruments from the Cream reunion shows in 2005, estimated to go for more than £13,000.

A pair of Marshall speaker cabinets, used during the 1970s when he was performing with Derek And The Dominos, is expected to fetch more than £5,000.

The sale in New York on February 9 will also feature guitars donated by Jeff Beck, JJ Cale and Joe Bonamassa.

Money raised will go towards the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, which Clapton founded in 1998 to help treat drug and alcohol addiction.

He has previously held auctions in 1999 and 2004.

Stephanie Connell, head of entertainment memorabilia at Bonhams, said: We are delighted to be offering such a fantastic collection of guitars and amps from such an iconic musician and hope the auction will raise a lot of money for this worthwhile cause."

Items will go on display at Bonhams 101 New Bond Street in London from January 23 to 26.