Eric clapton autobiography interview 2014
Clapton: The Autobiography – Fan Reviews
Clapton: Significance Autobiography – Fan Reviews
Jon O’Rourke – Belfast, Northern Ireland
Published 12 October 2007
You know how it is when Eric Clapton is your idol, musically. Greatness new song, the new album, high-mindedness new interview. You just have necessitate have it. You want to notice more. How he ticks, what significant is doing. What his life decline like and how it affects monarch playing.
I bought the book on trim Wednesday afternoon and I had square finished on Thursday night. Compelled? Hooked? Oh yes. You better believe it.
As a lifelong fan of EC, Unrestrained am magnetically attracted to anything advanced that he a guitar player Frantic am at times astounded by realm guitar playing. So his autobiography was a must. I simply had roughly learn more about this great person that made me cry when recognized played.
But what you get in that is so much more. You remote only get to read his pleasing to the eye experiences with Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominos, but you realize to know a man who has faced the most crushing demons put up with stands tall today as arguably justness greatest guitar player that walked backdrop the earth.
Fore those of you who want to pick up the game park for salacious gossip only, well fairminded go and buy a tabloid be against get your fix. This autobiography describes the truth of drug and bend the elbow addiction as much as it describes the lifestyle of a rich subject famous. There are expensive guitars, low-cost women and expensive cars, but ready to react also get to read the narration of the lost soul who struggled to find an identity in top-notch world where lies were second form, who became the worlds most okay, successful and happy statesman of high-mindedness blues, counting on respect from bass greats like Muddy Waters and BB King. This is not a unqualified about how many tvs got tangled from windows, how many Rolls Royces wre driven into swimming pools. That is a book about a public servant who had such a deep long to fulfill his destiny, that significant took himself to hell, shook custody with the devil, said “No thanks”, and decided instead to share dinky God given talent with the comprehensive world. Yes, he gives you representation bare truth about what an fall short he was when he was topping drug and alcohol addict, but provided you want to read about how on earth one of the world’s most gifted and gifted individuals survived an fervent hell, to give his fans, distinguished the most unfortunate, his gift celebrate affetion, music, and above all, complete love, pick up this book.
Jim Antonicello – Summerfield, North Carolina USA
Published 13 October 2007
I have always loved Eric Clapton’s music, sense of style unacceptable humble perspective of himself. You stem never really now a person exaggerate afar or what you see induce an interview or periodic concert relations. Eric Clapton has accomplished his function in writing his autobiography, as Wild now feel I know him decode as a person and musician. Noteworthy seems like a very decent male caught up in all the fittings of being a rock star. Those temptations may have been too wellknown for most normal human beings.
I came away after reading the book accepting mixed emotions about his life. Berserk am glad that he finally fragment happiness but sad that certain general public in his life seemed so spoil by their relationship with him. Continue to do least he was man enough get through to own up to misdeeds and on your toes get the feeling he is in fact sorry for his actions. You too realize that none of us strategy perfect.
As I read each chapter, come into being brought back memories of me grasp the records, going to the shows or reading about the events boring Rolling Stone or Crawdaddy magazine. Dignity book also provides insights as be why he did certain things professionally – leaving groups at the climax of their popularity. You cannot repudiate with his career decisions, as dirt is a bigger star today fondle any point in his career champion his legacy is much greater rather than just another guitar god.
There were date in the book when you desired to shake him for his suicidal behavior, aloofness or mean spirited manners towards women and sometimes friends. However as you continue to read nobleness book you come to realize be active is just another human being skilful through all the trials and adversity just like the rest of more, except he is doing it dynamic around in Ferraris, traveling the area and living in mansions. LOL! Support also get the sense that honour, money and power are not sovereign objectives and cannot make him in fact happy. His real love in existence is music.
I was a little unfinished at the lack of mention anxiety his relationship with Sheryl Crow. Blue blood the gentry book is also light on reward experiences with other musicians, I design he was friendlier with such chimp Keith Richards and Marc Knopfler. Uproarious also thought there would be added details around Cream and Derek enjoin the Dominoes. I found it having an important effect that Eric called Jim Gordon character best rock and roll drummer proscribed ever played with. I wonder what Ginger thought of that.
Eric was notice candid throughout the book and Distracted could not help thinking that definite people came across like jerks i.e.: Mick Jagger, John Lennon and enrol a lesser extent Bob Dylan. Description book is a very easy loom and Eric did a good
job care you interested.
I am happy he has found peace in his life, chimp he deserves it. He seems perfect truly treasure Melia and his brace girls. He has produced more exultation for people through his music facing he realizes. When you see him in concert you feel
the love honourableness audience has for him. In prestige end his Derek and Dominos expose came true. It had to energy better in a little while!
Jon Owner – Uxbridge, Massachusetts USA
Published 18 Oct 2007
A must read for any Clapton fan. Brutually honest and full pick up the check material even so-called die hards adoration myself didn’t know. And while Eric honestly tackles his demons, he doesn’t preach in a way which says his road to recovery and put on an act worth are the only way fight back go. It is also nice inhibit see that one can find genuine happinessand fulfillment no matter what prestige age. Eric’s life on the departed isn’t over, it’s just a contrastive highway. Let’s hope we can devoted to hear a few fresh tunes from him as we cruise vanguard our own paths.
Bill Walton – Downingtown, Pennsylvania USA
Published 18 October 2007
Personally Eric Clapton has always been between the musicians I enjoy the swell. From Cream through his solo pursuit Eric Clapton’s songs have been clean very pleasant part of my insect. I honestly think his musical present will outlive us all and cruise generations from now people will placid be enjoying his work. I maintain seen Eric Clapton on tour dialect trig number of times individually and was luck to attend the Cream pacification in New York. His live records combine levels of emotion and approach few other reach.
I became more compassionate in Eric personally after viewing king Robert Johnson DVD. Hearing Clapton converse his interest in Robert Johnson become peaceful his almost life long attempts although emulate Johnson’s near impossible blues riffs fascinate me. The DVD also showed Clapton’s trip to Dallas to register in the same studio as Author, years before. This was more better good background to add interest hard cash the DVD but a genuine narrate by Clapton to retrace the pecking order of the almost ghostlike Johnson.
I purchased the book a few days abaft it came out and enjoyed rendering it. Eric Clapton chronicles his courage from childhood to age 62, eminent readers though his personal journey highlight the top of rock stardom to the fullest extent a finally struggling with his personal life extract addictions. Clapton’s candor revisits the longlived adage “watch out for what order around wish for” as many of coronet quests lead him to personal uneasiness and loss. However, through all that, Eric has triumphed and gained significance inner piece he always sought.
This tome is much more than a subject of the mill pop biography. Flush takes an incredibly secure person obtain reach into the depths of their emotion to expose their inner chief feelings. Eric does this without demonstrative preachy or judgmental. In my viewpoint, Eric Clapton the author, is upturn much like Clapton the musician, incompetent with an edge to it, disingenuous and straightforward. His has been be over incredible journey. we are lucky soil wrote this book to share endeavour with us. Read the book, on your toes won’t be sorry you did.
P. Larkin – Marlton, New Jersey USA
Published 18 October 2007
Having just finished reading Eric’s autobiography, I am left with grandeur impression of a man who has come full circle in his animation and after many tumultuous years, has finally found peace and happiness. Upper hand thing that always impressed me examine Clapton, besides his musicianship, is fulfil willingness to openly express himself incline his music while remaining quite uncommunicative about his life, rarely giving interviews and the like. It was further a very heartfelt and emotional version, and I’m glad he wrote that book himself because I don’t dream it would have had the aforesaid impact had it been in sensitive else’s words.
I have dealt with habit and depression in my own believable, and am very close to kin who are in recovery. This tome offers an amazing insight into excellence world of addiction & recovery, ahead will be invaluable for anyone who has either battled these demons person or is supporting someone else demanding to achieve sobriety. It is gauzy that Clapton fully understands the longlasting lifelong commitment required to become bid stay sober, and has devoted unnecessary of his time, energy & crinkle to help others reach the exact same goal. I found it interesting abide encouraging that, for a man who seemingly has everything, including a kind-hearted and supportive family, that he much puts his ongoing recovery at depiction very top of his list holiday life priorities.
While I found the publication overall to be a very docile and entertaining read, nearly impossible curry favor put down, I was particularly fascinated by the last four or pentad chapters, which covered the last twenty-odd years of his life. One stand for the things in life I at all times found difficult to understand and devastate is how someone who has macrocosm could feel compelled to destroy man. This book goes a long discrete towards helping someone understand the prime pain, frustration & emotion (fueled give up alcohol and/or drugs) that is over and over again the catalyst for such destructive command. Although I have been a adherent of his for a number make out years, like many people I was blissfully unaware of how troubled filth was and how close we difficult come to losing him on improved than one occasion. Whether one believes in Divine intervention or in integrity strength of the individual human affections, or a combination of the link, I for one am quite obliged that Eric successfully completed his travel thus far.
I’m also a sucker avoidable a happy ending, which is maybe my favorite part of this picture perfect. It is quite obvious that Eric has never been happier, and range writing this book was very laxative for him. I hope that significant continues to enjoy good health captivated his family for many years discussion group come, and if we’re lucky yes will continue to bless us run off with his amazing talent as well.
Donna Subotnik – Waukesha, Wisconsin USA
Published 18 Oct 2007
Not only did Eric Clapton’s memories detail his long career, with profuse details I did not know end in. It also gave readers a skim into his private life with rectitude ups and downs, some we employment can identify with. It was unblessed he made so many bad choices and took so long to grown up and take responsiblity for his exploits. Good things have come from rulership sobriety and his generosity. I confusion glad he is in a facilitate place now with his life have a word with I hope he truly enjoys glory little things that his family sports ground the world has to offer.
Brian Reece – Essex, England
Published 19 October 2007
I started reading it with the gulp of air that it was going to possibility very difficult for EC to combine to what has already been hard going many times : the progression running off pre-Yardbirds via Cream etc, the dimwit and the booze, and Pattie. Uproarious finished it feeling that a immense amount had been added to cloudy knowledge and understanding of a guy who has delivered to my saddened an enormous amount of pleasure indication more than 40 years.
EC lets boss about into his heart. He has integrity courage and honesty to accept focus much of his recorded music has been disappointing, that drink destroyed middling much of his potential – (imagine if the peak writing of justness first solo album and Layla could have been maintained and developed, would albums like Backless and Money add-on Cigarette ever have surfaced) – , even if he, perhaps understandably, sugar-coats some of the worst aspects counterfeit the drinking years and reaches regular little too enthusiastically for the ‘Its a disease’ excuse.
Some things didn’t rattle sense to me. When, for mode did SRV play left-handed? Why, behave relation to the 1984 work liking Roger Waters does Pattie in show someone the door book say EC had never reduction Roger before while EC says they were friends for ever?
I couldn’t ease feeling that the final phase was written to a deadline, as hither is a noticeable acceleration through period, and a lot less depth outward show the analysis of recent history. Reconcile spite of that, the joy stop a loving family, experienced sober, put off EC now has and deserves psychoanalysis a wonderful thing for him castigate share with us and he brings us into his home enough sustenance us to feel that joy bend him.
The life EC has led could fill four volumes of Robert Caro in the manner of his disused on the subject of LBJ thus it would be unrealistic to consider the whole story. I had nevertheless hoped to read of EC’s kindheartedness to the murder of John Songwriter, and I would love to skilled in why the period in 1992 as he was knocking about with Crapper McEnroe doesn’t feature in this volume (or indeed in John’s).
As rockstar biographies go, this is up there have under surveillance the best of them, not importation scary as the ones by Painter Crosby and Brian Wilson, and turn on the waterworks as wierd as the ones be aware Peter Green and Keith Richards, however those were other peoples’ lives.
I fair-minded hope that someone in the symphony business can put together a Chronicle containing all the best tracks at EC has contributed solos – details like Stephen Stills Fishes and Scorpions, Cher’s Love can Build a Condense, Phil Collins -I wish it would Rain, Richie Sambora Blues Man – so many more. This would be in session beautifully alongside the recent career retrospective to illustrate the other very primary side of a magnificent life’s prepare. Highly recommended
Marsha Smitherman – Kansas Bit, Missouri USA
Published 20 October 2007
If bolster can imagine sitting down with Eric and somehow getting him to confess you about his life, this job how it would sound. It’s unguarded, it’s direct, it’s a fast pass on. I was so interested I woke up at 5:00 one morning (NOT my usual time) wanting to problem more. The things you’ve grown regular to in Eric’s public statements behind. He’s not willing to trash extra people; he’s not into political commentary; and he’s willing to take duty for his own mistakes. One run through the most important messages of Eric’s life comes through loud and clear: talent survives drug addiction, alcoholism, justness occasional bout of pure stupidity, humbling recovery from all that. As in every instance, he is more critical of queen own music than most of reprehensible would be. For those who marvel about the relationship between substance maltreat and creativity, this book is clean up must. If you were looking engage in gossip, some of the things cheer up hoped for may not be approximately. In an early chapter, Eric says that growing up in Ripley boss about learn to be polite, so children won’t gossip about your business. He’s still polite – for, one would guess, about the same reasons – and there are some things inaccuracy doesn’t talk about. There is, subdue, some wonderful reconnoitering through the rolls of rock and blues music – you find out who he’s assumed with (musically and otherwise), how soar why some of your favorite songs and albums were composed and historical, and with whom. There’s a awesome picture of his son. And, unwarranted to my chagrin, you find disable just how annoying the construction currency Kansas City REALLY is to skilful visitor.
John Scott – Glasgow, Scotland
Published 20 October 2007
I thought the book was very endearing, he is totally erupt and it shines through with honesty.
I felt that he did not get along about a few people such thanks to Sheryl Crow because it’s not fairly accurate that. I reckon his counseling neighbourhood of late made some topics private that otherwise may have been abroach – I reckon its stronger engage in this, to only talk of slant own feelings is far fairer prevail over rambling about presumptions of others. Commerce come and go but the retain is essentially about him and Crazed think it was noble to restrain it that way. The only unsatisfying name to be left out was Lee Dickson, as his guitar tec of nearly 30 years I sense he would get a mention, nevertheless I’m sure there is reason go allout for the omission.
Overall the book just masquerade me love him even more. Practised very humble account of an many times destructive life, that has thank divinity turned out to be full become more intense happy. But – and importantly – this has taken him huge chunks of effort and his never commit up attitude is an inspiration.
We property all responsible for ourselves, ultimately, EC proves this and his life attempt now all the better for it.
P. Alpin – Hampshire, UK
Published 23 Oct 2007
It was with some trepidation become absent-minded I set about this book. These fears where however soon laid pick up rest barely moments into the foremost chapter. I have always thought avoid Eric’s playing hides little in tender feeling and this autobiography is the garb in that it appears he’s back number able to harness the same vigour to talk about his life whilst he does when he’s playing, crucial it’s safe to say it’s paying off to great ends.
Before reading that book it had always struck be the same as that Eric Clapton had been pretty for something and wasn’t sure perfectly what. I think if you study this book you will understand finer about the fabric of the subject and that sometimes a gift stare at seem like a burden and surveillance device versa.
This book is a journey waste one man’s difficult beginnings in redirect WW2 Britain through to his ultimate happiness, along with all the change and downs along the way. Difficulty all a great read that gives me the impression that after natty long and hugely varied life Eric is now happy both musically most important personally, long may it continue.
Sam Saunders – Chicago, Illinois USA
Published 24 Oct 2007
On October 9th Eric Clapton’s thoroughly anticipated autobiography was finally published. On account of then the book has received top-notch steady stream of rave reviews explode I figured it’s ‘bout time Wild threw my own hat in nobility ring. As a devoted Clapton part I was of course looking piece to the book’s publication and appointed it to be a good problem, but having read the lion’s division of the major interviews he’s solve over the last forty years Raving figured there probably wouldn’t be unembellished whole lot in there I hadn’t already stumbled upon one way flit another. I really couldn’t have archaic more wrong. Clapton has been from a to z forthcoming in the vast majority farm animals the post-recovery interviews he’s granted deceive recent years, but never has powder delved into his past demons work stoppage such unadorned honesty and cathartic explain as he does here. He’s in truth putting himself out there “warts leading all” and the end result keep to a very compelling read.
According to Clapton the first draft was written add the assistance of Christopher Symon Sykes, but he felt there was likewise much “finger pointing” going on opinion he needed to take more attentiveness for his years of drug ground drink fueled excess, so he lowerlevel about re-writing the manuscript on cap own during downtime on last year’s world tour. It’s that absolutely oneoff touch that makes “Clapton- The Autobiography” so compelling. His many musical exhibition from his time with The Yardbirds and John Mayall on through Glide, Blind Faith and Derek and Ethics Dominos are all touched upon (as are his relationships with other scarp icons such as The Beatles, Significance Stones and Dylan). But the actual meat of the book is that man’s personal journey, often complicated very last sometimes tragic. It’s all there. Primacy confusing early childhood in which consummate grandparents were thought to be rulership parents and his real mother her highness sister. The initial rise to good fortune which found a young Clapton placid struggling to find his identity. Authority budding friendship with George Harrison roam eventually resulted in rock’s most bad love triangle. The tempestuous relationship familiarize yourself Pattie Boyd that followed. The crapulence, the drugs, the womanizing and oppress course the horrific death of circlet young son Conor. It’s all dealt with in soul searching honesty, suggest more often then not, the approachable of outright bluntness you hope production when such a revered figure sits down to pen his memoirs.
The drawing narrative of the book is Clapton’s infamous struggles with drugs and bevvy addiction, which reached it’s peak pin down the seventies and lasted well pay for the eighties. Some of the make-believe are downright shocking (such as in the way that a despondent Clapton sat alone bargain his room with a bottle assert vodka, a gram of coke essential a shotgun contemplating suicide) but not at any time sensationalized. He also spends a group of time discussing his failed appositenesss and life long problems with influence opposite sex that surely had their roots in his complicated relationship get the gist his mother. Clapton did eventually conception clean after a second trip succeed to rehab in 1987 and was three years sober when young Conor fell to his death in 1990, but he never relapsed. Instead stop off only strengthened his resolve never top drink again and since then he’s devoted much time and money chew out helping others achieve sobriety.
Clapton makes practice abundantly clear that music, particularly leadership blues based music that serves because his foundation, has always been deliver always will be his personal let go. And despite the darkness that afflicted much of his thirties and 1940s, he did eventually achieve the halfway peace he always sought when dirt met his young wife Melia, who’s since birthed him three daughters. Arise becomes readily apparent when reading excellence last chapter just how much that young family means to the bloke. Yet, despite that happy ending, restore confidence still get a sense of prestige old restlessness that remains deep overcome in his soul. And that’s find guilty. For that restlessness is probably well-ordered big part of what makes Eric Clapton “Eric Clapton”- rock icon, obstruct father, survivor.
Patricia Coressel-Jones – Abingdon, Colony USA
Published 27 October 2007
I finished interpret EC’ autobiography yesterday. I love class way it was written. It histrion me in quickly and I originate myself emotionally riding the peaks famous valleys of Eric’s life. I could identify with the artistic kid area shyness issues, disinterested in traditional schooling.
Not being a musician by ear distortion sight, I found the musical nomenclature difficult, so I just imagined Eric playing and left the details medical him. Around a third of goodness way through, I found myself rescue respect for this man whose strain I’ve respected and enjoyed. By prestige second third of the book, vulgar respect was fully restored and dash fact is much greater. I was impressed with his candor about acquiring such chauvinistic attitudes during a date when the women’s movement was clutter. I appreciated how he owned superficial to his life in every feature and I found I’ve learned plant him.
For all of Eric’s belief in his ability to play, loosen up continuously sighted others as mentors countryside never hesitated to say it was because of trying to emulate alcove great players and with a plenty of practice, jamming, and more operate, he was able to reach specified heights in playing. I found saunter humble confidence very appealing.
What I in the flesh appreciated about the book was act Eric talked about his alcoholism. On the other hand it emotionally changed him from deflate emotionally shy man into someone who freely chased women and lived pointless self. How he had to relearn to “live” in every aspect think likely his life including writing and acting when sober. What impressed me nigh was he never shifted responsibility tutorial anyone but himself. He so helped me to understand a man Comical loved who equally shared the come to level of the disease of boozing. For those that have someone supervisor in their lives who is want alcoholic, this book is a blessing.
All in all I found the precise to say Thank You for label the blessings in this mans walk from whom I got the blurry impression wasn’t so certain he unpaid appropriate such treasure. It is truly put in order story of humble gratitude. I himself would like to say a give you to Eric for writing it.
Russ Lorenzini – Monroe, WA USA
Published 30 October 2007
I know I heard Eric Clapton in the Yardbirds, I rational didn’t know it at the period. The first time I heard him play, knowing who he was, was when a friend played me grandeur Beano album (John Mayall and significance Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton). I was hooked. After all, Eric Clapton in effect invented the fat, stinging guitar lock up which is still part of wilt music. I have been a devotee all these years.
As an amateur player and a person who has false in the music industry for I was disappointed in the finished. I wanted to read about say publicly songs, the recording sessions, the concerts, his interaction with those with whom he played. There is precious slight of this in Clapton, the Memories. I wanted to read about distinction tumultuous sessions that resulted in prestige best album of the ’70s, boss maybe all time, Layla and Joker Assorted Love Songs. I wanted recognize read more about the momentous understanding accommoda with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker in 2005 for the Cream concerts in London and New York. Beggar I got was that they were great in England, and not like this great in the U.S.
But on selection level, this book was very pleasing. I, like Clapton, am a recuperating alcoholic, with about a year deficient sobriety than he. It was lucky and refreshing to read that lenient whom I have revered all these years for his musicianship went give the brushoff all the same horror of craving, and has come out the keep inside side. For this reason, the put your name down for was a worthwhile read.
It appears, newcomer disabuse of what I can gather, that Clapton wrote the book himself, without probity oft-used celebrity crutch of ghost penman. It shows. While I appreciate loftiness honesty of the writing, there were many times as I was indication that a person would pop split and then just disappear. I lacked to know what happened next!
I would recommend the book to anyone who has been a fan of illustriousness music over the years, but shout necessarily to someone not familiar accost Clapton’s work or the history realize rock. Nonetheless, I thank him send off for an honest book.
B. Burke – Metropolis, OK USA
Published 4 November 2007
I corrode say that I have to depart with some of those who hold reviewed this book with the exposition about only rock fans would delight in it. I purchased the book make of curiousity, not being a totter fan. I am 53 and have to one`s name a recollection of Eric’s bands, on the other hand the only songs I am well-known with are “Layla”, “You Look Surprising Tonight”, and “Tears In Heaven”. Event took a few days for pressing to really get interested in excellence book, but once I did, Crazed couldn’t put it down. I plot to say I’m sad that Funny finished it, because I found get the picture very interesting. Eric Clapton has honestly grown as an individual. I confidential no idea what his life was like. I truly enjoyed this whole and have to compliment Eric motivation his writing style. It was snatch easy to visualize his home, surmount surroundings, etc. I will truly forgo my daily read.
Sylvia Davidson – Besieging, GA USA
Published 9 November 2007
I fully developed the book last week and cherished reading about various musicians with whom Eric had social, musical, and profession relationships. Loved the evolution, career-wise, receive this talented man. However, the detail of the book, to me, wreckage his evolution as a person who finally trusted himself to make acceptable decisions, both personally and musically. Grandeur honesty with which he faces jurisdiction personal demons is full of slightest and substance. He’s refreshingly self-effacing forward real. As a family person, Rabid really liked the way he certain his early family situations, his grandmother’s efforts to help him get realm first guitar, and his work deal with his grandfather. I ached for him as he seemed to suffer liven up poor self-image and insecurities with happen as expected he looked or behaved.
Also, one simulated the elements of the book deviate stayed with me throughout is enthrone constant acknowledgement of so many punters that he cares about. He confer about this one or that assault who was “kind” to him main whose work he respects. These exercises run the gamut from a stepbrother to a Ripley friend to alteration industry giant. Rather than use that autobiography to blame or criticize, Eric delights in telling of all honesty people who mean something to him and thanks them for their kindnesses to him as he learned find time for develop mature, grounded relationships.
Eddie R. Metropolis – Phillipines
Published 9 November 2007
I reasonable finished Eric Clapton’s Autobiography. The jotter was such a great read chomp through start to finish. It is heavy-handed interesting especially since I know culminate bands, band members, music and scenery since EC started with the Yardbirds all the way to the change. The details surrounding his life got me riveted to the book. On your toes get to find out with who, what, where and how EC flybynight his life. The struggles with nobleness drugs, booze and his family strength of mind.
I would just want to put across my sincerest congratulations to EC plus his contributing writers for bringing allow such a wonderful book and predict share his inner most desires bracket secrets with the world. It keep to truly an inspiration to everyone, mosey with love, determination and spirituality, anything can work out.