Eric Clapton is one of the greatest guitarists of all time, but his life was far from easy. From rock legend to personal tragedies, his story is filled with highs and lows.
Here are 15 shocking facts about Eric Clapton.
1. He grew up believing a lie about his parents
Eric Clapton was born in 1945, but only later did he discover a devastating family secret.
The woman he believed was his sister was actually his mother, and the people he thought were his parents were his grandparents. His biological father, a Canadian soldier, disappeared before he was born.
This secret caused years of inner turmoil and insecurity.
2. He was kicked out of three bands before becoming famous
Before becoming a legend, Clapton played in several bands, including The Yardbirds and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers.
He was known as a quirky perfectionist, which led to him being fired or quitting multiple times. It wasn’t until Cream that he truly broke through.
3. “Clapton is God” became a legendary graffiti message
In the 1960s, Clapton was so admired as a guitarist that fans began spray-painting “Clapton is God” on walls in London.
Although he found it exaggerated, he quickly became a guitar idol and one of the greatest blues rock guitarists of all time.
4. He was addicted to heroin and alcohol for years
After Cream broke up in 1968, Clapton became addicted to heroin and barely made music for years.
When he finally kicked the habit, he fell into a deep alcohol addiction. He later admitted to having frequent blackouts during performances and only functioning while drunk.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that he became sober for good.
5. His biggest hit, Layla, was a love song for George Harrison’s wife
Clapton was hopelessly in love with Pattie Boyd, the wife of his friend George Harrison (The Beatles).
His obsession with her inspired his masterpiece Layla. He wrote the song as a cry of longing and pain.
Years later, Boyd divorced Harrison and eventually started a relationship with Clapton.
6. His son Conor died in a tragic accident
In 1991, Clapton’s 4-year-old son Conor died in a horrific accident.
The boy fell from the 53rd floor of a New York skyscraper. Clapton was devastated and wrote the heartbreaking song Tears in Heaven in tribute.
7. He walked off stage in tears after performing Tears in Heaven
When Clapton first performed Tears in Heaven live, he broke down in tears on stage.
The song became a worldwide hit, but Clapton found it too painful to perform live. He stopped playing it altogether in 2004.
8. He played at John Lennon’s final live performance
In 1974, Eric Clapton performed with John Lennon at what would be Lennon’s last live concert.
It was a historic moment, though no one knew at the time it would be Lennon’s last show.
9. He brought Bob Marley’s music to the mainstream
In 1974, Clapton covered Bob Marley’s song I Shot the Sheriff.
His version became a global hit and helped introduce reggae and Marley to the international stage. Marley later admitted he had mixed feelings about the cover but acknowledged it helped him gain fame.
10. He had a falling out with Jimi Hendrix over a guitar
Clapton and Jimi Hendrix had a complex relationship. They respected each other’s talent but were also rivals.
One evening, Hendrix gave Clapton a guitar as a gift, but Clapton was so intimidated by Hendrix’s skill that he felt uncomfortable accepting it.
11. He is the only artist inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame three times
Eric Clapton has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame three times:
- As a member of The Yardbirds
- As a member of Cream
- As a solo artist
No one else has ever achieved this.
12. He founded a rehab center to help others
After battling addiction himself, Clapton founded the Crossroads Centre in 1998, a rehab facility in the Bahamas.
The center helps people recover from drug and alcohol addiction—something Clapton credits with saving his own life.
13. He used to hate his own voice
Despite his musical talent, Clapton disliked his singing voice for years.
He initially wanted to only play guitar and let others sing. It wasn’t until the 1970s that he gained enough confidence to embrace his own vocals.
14. His best albums came after his darkest periods
Many of Clapton’s best works came from personal pain and struggles.
Albums like 461 Ocean Boulevard and Unplugged became masterpieces, often written after periods of addiction or loss.
His pain and emotion made his music even more powerful.
15. He continues to make music despite everything
Despite his age and health issues, Eric Clapton continues to perform and create music.
He has announced he won’t tour forever, but his love for music keeps him going.
His guitar playing and influence on music remain legendary.
A broken genius who redefined the blues
Eric Clapton is one of the most influential musicians ever. His musical genius, deep personal tragedies, and iconic guitar solos make him a legend.
What do you think: is Clapton the greatest blues rock guitarist of all time?
