Eric Clapton reveals this week of his declining health

The King of Electric Guitar this week, Eric Clapton, announced to the news media that he is just about completely deaf from severe tinnitus and is suffering nerve damage to his hands that will in just a matter of time compromise his ability to play. When Clapton goes it will be the end of the Rock era as we know it.

Years ago, B.B.King was asked at a press conference who he thought was the greatest rock guitarist of all time, he replied,
"My personal opinion?..."Eric Clapton is the greatest rock and roll guitar player of all time." 1986

audiozen01-28-2018 2:06am

...
61 posts total
View entire discussion

bdp24 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,908 posts 02-03-2018 at 12:45am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I’ve followed both Clapton and Beck their entire careers, seeing Clapton live first in ’67, Beck in ’68. I loved The Yardbirds, Clapton being on about half the songs on their first album, Beck on the other half and the entire second and third. All three albums are fantastic, unlike the fourth, on which Jimmy Page took over on guitar. It’s really, really bad. To prefer the playing of Jeff Beck to that of Eric Clapton is fine, but to rate them against each other is, imo, misguided. They play in completely different styles, each having his own area of superiority. Clapton’s strength is his lyrical, singing-style phrasing, a talent Jeff Beck does not possess. Beck is a much more original, unique guitarist, playing like no one else. And remember, Eric is a pretty fair singer, while Jeff doesn't sing at all. When you play like he does, you don't need to! For anyone interested in hearing a guitarist who possessed the strengths of both, check out Danny Gatton.
slaw Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,785 posts 02-03-2018 at 01:53am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete ...don't forget about Neil Diamond..............
tostadosunidos Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,096 posts 02-03-2018 at 03:58am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete When I think of his work I think mostly of what he did in the 60's, which is hard to touch--so many fine solos of the "wish I could've done that" variety. Derek & the Dominoes has its moments. After that the high points are Unplugged and From the Cradle. Also, he did a great track with Taj Mahal: Here in the Dark. Most of his work in the 70's and 80's leaves me cold at best and, at worst, turns my stomach. In short, he runs the gamut of extremes. Like McCartney, an extraordinary but uneven talent.
niodari Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 33 posts 02-03-2018 at 04:31am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete sorry to hear this, however he may still sing. as to bb king's note, perhaps he said this in some particular context. taking into account the contribution by unit time of life, i would perhaps give some priority to jimi hendrix
gerryah930 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 51 posts 02-04-2018 at 12:47am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I wonder if Eric Clapton is still living with his most recent wife in Columbus, OH. I saw him twice with Cream in the 60's and he was great, but when I saw him in the 1970's (unfortunately, my mother had to take me to that concert and she sat with me) - he was practically falling down dead drunk and insulting Yvonne Elliman. I loved Hendrix both with the Experience and with the Band of Gypsies in concert. If you like Jeff Beck, I would recommend Joe Bonamassa - I like his album "Blues of Desperation", especially his solo on an overlooked song called "No Good Place for the Lonely." However, most of his music is compressed - you need an audio system that can deal with this...