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Eric Clapton Complete Clapton
Guitar Recorded Versions Great help
344 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
About the author
Eric Clapton
250 books140 followersEric Patrick Clapton, CBE, nicknamed Slowhand, is a Grammy Award-winning English rock guitarist, singer, songwriter and composer. He is one of the most successful musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries, garnering an unprecedented three inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (The Yardbirds, Cream, and solo). Often viewed by critics and fans alike as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Clapton was ranked fourth in Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and #53 on their list of the Immortals: 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
Although Clapton's musical style has varied throughout his career, it has always remained rooted in the blues. Clapton is credited as an innovator in several phases of his career, which have included blues-rock (with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and The Yardbirds) and psychedelic rock (with Cream). Clapton has also achieved great chart success in genres ranging from Delta blues (Me and Mr. Johnson) to pop ("Change the World") and reggae (Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff"). Clapton also achieved fame with Derek and the Dominos through the hit song "Layla".
Although Clapton's musical style has varied throughout his career, it has always remained rooted in the blues. Clapton is credited as an innovator in several phases of his career, which have included blues-rock (with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and The Yardbirds) and psychedelic rock (with Cream). Clapton has also achieved great chart success in genres ranging from Delta blues (Me and Mr. Johnson) to pop ("Change the World") and reggae (Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff"). Clapton also achieved fame with Derek and the Dominos through the hit song "Layla".
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 13, 2015
I was hoping to hear more about how Clapton developed as a guitar player throughout his life. He talked a little bit about the music he wrote and played, but he spent most of the time talking about the trials in his life... his incessant drug use, his problems as an alcoholic, his sexual exploitations including his obsession with Patti Boyd, who was married, and whom he stole away from his friend and Beatle guitarist, George Harrison. Fortunately for him, Clapton turned his life around, giving up the drugs and booze and marrying his current wife and having a family with her. He has devoted a lot of energy and money to various drug and alcohol treatment facilities, including the rehabilitation center he built in Antigua.
It was an interesting book about a guy who, by his own admission, shouldn't be alive today based upon the abuse he put his body through for most of his life. It was disappointing to me in that I was hoping to read a more music oriented book
It was an interesting book about a guy who, by his own admission, shouldn't be alive today based upon the abuse he put his body through for most of his life. It was disappointing to me in that I was hoping to read a more music oriented book
February 3, 2015
A fascinating recount of a troubled legend. He really tore his heart open and let a lot of ugly and painful stuff out - it's too bad the writing style itself is so amateurish. Dropped threads, stories that start out strong but fizzle, and a lot of name-dropping that, while understandable, just has little impact. Not sure I would recommend it, but there is enough here that I'm glad I read it.
August 1, 2023
My review might be somewhat biased, as my parents had named me after Eric Clapton’s early ‘70s band, Derek & the Dominoes. If I didn’t already have a cousin named Eric, that would have been their first choice. I discovered Clapton’s music later in life, after I’d been playing guitar for over 30 years and my parents had finally shared with me the story behind my naming.
Reading his autobiography, as a “new” fan, has enabled an even deeper connection to the man and his music. Clapton doesn’t hold back, and what is so admirable is that he is willing to admit where he may have went wrong in the past. Despite having gone through a lot of unsavory things in his life, as well as plenty of personal tragedy, Clapton has emerged from it all as a changed man, always landing on his feet and changing for the better. I only wish I had taken to this book — and to decades of Eric Clapton’s mesmerizing music — a lot sooner.
From my youth, I focused primarily on contemporary rock bands Clapton had influenced: Guns N’ Roses, Van Halen, etc. This book is presented in a straightforward timeline, with each chapter highlighting a different pivotal episode in Clapton’s eventful, dynamic, and constantly evolving life. Reading this book is sort of like meeting my musical dad. What is so inspiring about this volume is how personable and endearing Clapton is when telling his side of the story. Here is a musician who has overcome so many demons and so much adversity, and yet, time and again, he dusted himself off and went on to reach the highest apexes of the music industry. Clapton is often misunderstood, and I’ll admit that for many years his music was my parents’ music, not so much mine. Reading this book while immersing myself in Clapton’s music is like coming full circle as a musician myself. I would love to get my copy autographed one day, and to meet the man who my parents have often referred to as my “musical dad.” Clapton’s story is one of an Englishman from the countryside who sets his sights on America, where he connects deeply with musicians and fans alike, makes homes for himself in America’s biggest, hippest cities, and ultimately, becomes the best version of himself. No one’s life is perfect, and we all make mistakes. Eric Clapton is quite possibly the 20th century’s most enduring and virtuosic rock guitarist, and a true gentleman. Everyone loves a redemption story — you’ll want to check out this one.
Reading his autobiography, as a “new” fan, has enabled an even deeper connection to the man and his music. Clapton doesn’t hold back, and what is so admirable is that he is willing to admit where he may have went wrong in the past. Despite having gone through a lot of unsavory things in his life, as well as plenty of personal tragedy, Clapton has emerged from it all as a changed man, always landing on his feet and changing for the better. I only wish I had taken to this book — and to decades of Eric Clapton’s mesmerizing music — a lot sooner.
From my youth, I focused primarily on contemporary rock bands Clapton had influenced: Guns N’ Roses, Van Halen, etc. This book is presented in a straightforward timeline, with each chapter highlighting a different pivotal episode in Clapton’s eventful, dynamic, and constantly evolving life. Reading this book is sort of like meeting my musical dad. What is so inspiring about this volume is how personable and endearing Clapton is when telling his side of the story. Here is a musician who has overcome so many demons and so much adversity, and yet, time and again, he dusted himself off and went on to reach the highest apexes of the music industry. Clapton is often misunderstood, and I’ll admit that for many years his music was my parents’ music, not so much mine. Reading this book while immersing myself in Clapton’s music is like coming full circle as a musician myself. I would love to get my copy autographed one day, and to meet the man who my parents have often referred to as my “musical dad.” Clapton’s story is one of an Englishman from the countryside who sets his sights on America, where he connects deeply with musicians and fans alike, makes homes for himself in America’s biggest, hippest cities, and ultimately, becomes the best version of himself. No one’s life is perfect, and we all make mistakes. Eric Clapton is quite possibly the 20th century’s most enduring and virtuosic rock guitarist, and a true gentleman. Everyone loves a redemption story — you’ll want to check out this one.
June 4, 2015
This was a well written book, I didn't know what to expect, but what I got was amazing. Such a life Eric has lead, so inspiring and just a wonderful life. Makes me appreciate him and his musical talents that much more. A definite read for any one who has heard of Eric Clapton.
March 13, 2014
Its all about EC, what can be bad?
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May 28, 2014Absolutely LOVED it. Went through the good times and addictions. Very honest. Would highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2015
Clapton lived a very storied and daunting life, and for that, I give this 5 stars. However, he can't write for shit... That is all I got to say.
December 5, 2014
Understandably one of the great musicians of our time. Made poor choices but redeemed himself once he entered middle age. Really identified with losses in his life.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews