POP/ROCK - Aug. 21, 1989

The rock ‘n’ roll auction season opens in London this week, with three auction houses--Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips--selling off items such as a smashed, autographed guitar from Pete Townsend for about $1,000 and a working Eric Clapton guitar that is expected to bring between $4,000 and $5,600. The members of U2 autographed and donated two guitars, a bass, a drum set and synthesizer used in the movie “Rattle and Hum” and the instruments are expected to draw in $32,000 to $48,000, which will go to a fund set up for relatives of those killed in a soccer riot in April. In addition, a torn and creased handbill advertising a Jan. 18, 1963, Beatles performance in Morecambe, England, is expected to go for $800 even though there is a cigarette burn right in the middle of Ringo Starr’s autograph. The auctions also will include items from relative newcomers Madonna, Boy George, George Michael, Terrence Trent D’Arby, Sinead O’Connor and the Fat Boys.