Eric Clapton (1945) is one of the main figures of modern music Born in England, his contribution to Blues and Rock is absolutely fantastic.
Nicknamed “slow hand” (for his incredible guitar solos) or “God,” Clapton has been considered the second best guitarist of all time according to the prestigious Rolling Stone, only surpassed by Jimi Hendrix.
Clapton’s life has not been a bed of roses. In love with the wife of his best friend George Harrison (of the Beatles), he was obsessed with Pattie Boyd, to the point of composing the song Layla to show her love. Another legendary song by Eric Clapton, Tears In Heaven, tells us about the premature death of his son.
To get a closer look at this unprecedented talent in the world of musicwe have decided to create this compilation with his best famous phrases and reflections
1. And it makes me feel so angry knowing that the flame is still burning… Why can’t I make it end? When will I learn once and for all?
From his song “Old Love”, Clapton curses himself for still being in love with a love that is already very far away in time.
2. Music became my relief, and I learned to listen to it with all five senses. I discovered that this way I could erase all the feelings of fear and confusion related to my family. These became even more acute in 1954, when I was nine years old.
He talks about his childhood, marked by fear and a bad environment.
3. I remember thinking that her beauty was also internal. It wasn’t just about her looks, although she was certainly the prettiest woman I had ever seen in my life. She consisted of something deeper. It came from inside her too. It was her way of being.
Talk about Pattie Boyd, who was also the wife of the Beatle George Harrison.
4. Creating a song is as easy as giving shape to a feeling.
Translating feelings into beautiful musical works is one of his gifts.
5. My main philosophy about making music is that everything can be reduced to a single note, if that note is played in the most sincere way.
Honesty when composing and performing songs is the basis of every artist.
6. The only education I ever really had was finding out about the blues. I mean, I wanted to know everything.
His obsession with blues led him to share the stage and recording studio with idols like BB King.
7. I came to convince myself that, for some strange reason, I was invulnerable and would not get hooked (on drugs). But addiction does not negotiate and little by little it spread inside me like fog.
In this famous quote, Eric Clapton He confesses that he lived hooked on cocaine and alcohol
8. When choosing a guitar I made sure it was worn… It’s like entering a restaurant. If it is full, it means it is eating well.
An excellent metaphor for a master of the strings.
9. The only planning I do is about a minute before I play. I try desperately to think of something that works, but I never sit down and work it out note by note.
Improvisation is part of the DNA of the blues and, by extension, of Eric Clapton.
10. His way of playing is totally hybrid. Musically it makes no sense to the scholar. When he plays the piano, it only makes sense to the listener. If you were a musician you would say: but what are you doing? Has no sense. And the same when he plays the guitar. Whatever he does, it’s like you have to wait a year or two to get the point of being able to listen to him. The first time you hear it, it’s useless. Then you reflect and realize that it is perfect.
In these statements he talks about the great Bob Dylan.
11. Being the author of something so powerful is something I will never be able to get used to. It still disturbs me when I touch it.
Talk about her song Layla.
12. The guitar shined a lot and had something virginal about it. It seemed like an elegant device from another universe, and as he tried to strum it, he felt like he was moving into mature territory.
About his beginnings with the instrument.
13. I was interested in white rockers until I discovered Freddie King.
That performer changed his perspective on music.
14. For me, it’s about music. I am only the messenger, and I hope to do so as long as I live.
His passion for music surpasses any limit.
15. I have the God-given talent or the God-given opportunity, rather.
Clapton is aware of his own abilities, which does not make him pretentious if we take into account the quality of his musical work.
16. I am and always will be a Blues guitarist.
Although he has been a very versatile artist, if you ask him he is very clear: he basically considers himself a Blues lover.
17. The sound of an amplified guitar in a crowded place was so hypnotic and addictive to me, that I could cross any kind of border to be there.
Another famous quote from Eric Clapton, this time about his adolescence.
18. For me there is something primitively calming about music, it goes straight to my nervous system, so I feel ten meters high.
Does music have calming effects on us? Eric Clapton seems to be sure that he can indeed relax us.
19. I didn’t really fit into sports or group activities like any kid, I couldn’t find a place. And music was not part of the population’s curriculum.
A reflection on his childhood, which was somewhat sad and lonely.
20. Some say about me that I am a revolutionary. That doesn’t make sense, all I did was copy BB King.
Humility before someone he always considered a master of the Blues.
