By: Eric Clapton Publisher: Broadway Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Broadway Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 352 Publication Date: May 27, 2008 Release Date: May 27, 2008
“I found a pattern in my behavior that had been repeating itself for years, decades even. Bad choices were my specialty, and if something honest and decent came along, I would shun it or run the other way.”
With striking intimacy and candor, Eric Clapton tells the story of his eventful and inspiring life in this poignant and honest autobiography. More than a rock star, he is an icon, a living embodiment of the history of rock music. Well known for his reserve in a profession marked by self-promotion, flamboyance, and spin, he now chronicles, for the first time, his remarkable personal and professional journeys.
Born illegitimate in 1945 and raised by his grandparents, Eric never knew his father and, until the age of nine, believed his actual mother to be his sister. In his early teens his solace was the guitar, and his incredible talent would make him a cult hero in the clubs of Britain and inspire devoted fans to scrawl “Clapton is God” on the walls of London’s Underground. With the formation of Cream, the world's first supergroup, he became a worldwide superstar, but conflicting personalities tore the band apart within two years. His stints in Blind Faith, in Delaney and Bonnie and Friends, and in Derek and the Dominos were also short-lived but yielded some of the most enduring songs in history, including the classic “Layla.”
During the late sixties he played as a guest with Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan, as well as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and longtime friend George Harrison. It was while working with the latter that he fell for George’s wife, Pattie Boyd, a seemingly unrequited love that led him to the depths of despair, self-imposed seclusion, and drug addiction. By the early seventies he had overcome his addiction and released the bestselling album 461 Ocean Boulevard, with its massive hit “I Shot the Sheriff.” He followed that with the platinum album Slowhand, which included “Wonderful Tonight,” the touching love song to Pattie, whom he finally married at the end of 1979. A short time later, however, Eric had replaced heroin with alcohol as his preferred vice, following a pattern of behavior that not only was detrimental to his music but contributed to the eventual breakup of his marriage. In the eighties he would battle and begin his recovery from alcoholism and become a father. But just as his life was coming together, he was struck by a terrible blow: His beloved four-year-old son, Conor, died in a freak accident. At an earlier time Eric might have coped with this tragedy by fleeing into a world of addiction. But now a much stronger man, he took refuge in music, responding with the achingly beautiful “Tears in Heaven.”
Clapton is the powerfully written story of a survivor, a man who has achieved the pinnacle of success despite extraordinary demons. It is one of the most compelling memoirs of our time.
Personal and entertaining, but lacking in meaningful detail I am a big clapton fan and have read many things about him. this bio has many interesting stories, mostly about his interactions with other bands, they are funny and cool to know about. however, this bio does not go into much depth into his albums, songs or simple band histories. he dedicates few pages to cream and derek and the dominos and does not really go into detail how and when he really progressed as a guitar player. he makes it seem like he just suddenly began to be glorified randomly. if you are interested in clapton and want to find a more detailed story about his musical upbringing and many bands i would suggest Crossroads by Michael Schumacher. thats a solid read.
Excellent It came in better condition than I expected(which was excellent). Very quick shipping as well.
No expectations when I picked up this book... ...and thusly I wasn't disappointed. My father lent me his copy, and I noticed once I began that there was a book marker in the second to last chapter, making me wonder if he was able to get through the book.
I already had a pretty good idea that Eric Clapton is/was/has been a sorry human being. Yes that is very harsh, and I understand that he came from a dysfunctional family, as the book makes clear. I have enjoyed most of his music over the years, and I do credit him with making an attempt to help other people battle the demons he has. That said, I am so very grateful not to have had him as my father, and I would probably not recommend him for anyone seeking treatment for chemical dependency. Let the professionals handle that.
Like others, I also noticed the glaring absence of elaboration in the deaths of George Harrison. I don't know if they had a falling out that just isn't mentioned, or if George didn't want to be disturbed during his last months, but it seems that it should have been discussed, since Eric had no problem exposing a lot of very personal details about Patti and many others. And I don't mean to be judgmental, but I laughed out loud when he flippantly mentioned how his relationship with his new wife--so many years into sobriety--developed. But hey, his heroes all got around, used and threw away women, gave them children they didn't want, and his own father (and mother) were absent from his life. He had lousy role models, and many celebrities seem to live by a different set of rules. At least he has stated that he really wants to end the cycle of broken homes.
Still, I'm highly skeptical that the jet-setter he's become is conducive to being a decent part-time dad to two different families, even if his touring schedule slows down. He doesn't seem happy to stay anywhere...England is too dark and cold for him, but California and the Carribean only seem to provide temporary respite until he becomes homesick for England again.
Don't get me wrong, I do have a healthy respect for the guy. It does take a lot of courage for someone who spent most of his life as a spoiled brat to tell anyone who'll listen what a flawed person he's been. I'll let slide most of the positive things he has to say about himself (which I do agree often come off as boasting) since I don't think anyone's going to be interested in 300+ pages of pure self-pity.
I won't say it's a waste of time to read. It is interesting to get his perspective on a lot of things, such as the music business, the places he's traveled, people he's interacted with, and the time period in which he's lived. Just don't expect to find a whole lot of reconciliation. He does seem to have come more to terms with himself, with his wealth and fame and responsibilities, but it seems like he's still let a lot of personal relationships sour. He's come a long way and it seems like he's on the right road, but he's still got a lot of growing up to do, in my opinion.
clapton an excellent book. i wish it was longer.but the 60's and early 70's were a blur for him.
Disappointed Have been an Eric Clapton music and live performance fan all my life. But the book is disappointing. It has no insights. It is a rambling description of a life spent in a haze. I would stick with the music and forget about his personal life, which should have remained private if there were no take aways from it.
Anything Goes Trivia
Last Kiss
Megaton Man
Trevor
