In order to benefit the Crossroads Center for drug and alcohol treatment in Antigua that he founded in 1997, Eric Clapton is auctioning off the best of his guitar collection June 24 with a little help from his friends -- Pete Townsend, Jimmy Page and Carlos Santana.

The collection of more than 50 expensive guitars will be placed at Christie's auction house in London for public veiwing before the auction scheduled June 24. The auction will also include instruments donated by Townsend, Page and Santana.

One of the most expensive, with a guide price of up to $150,000 is Clapton's unique composite Fender Stratocaster known as Blackie, according to press reports.

"These guitars are the A-Team. What I am keeping back is just what I need to work with. I am selling the cream of my collection," Clapton told reporters.

Clapton has also scheduled an all-star concert at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas to benefit the centre. Featured performances will include Eric Clapton, Jimmie Vaughan, Carlos Santana, Steve Vai, and B. B. King, among many others. See link below.

More Information:

• Benefit Concert in Dallas, June 6
  
• History of the Crossroads Centre
  
• About Crossroads Centre