Eric Clapton : Fact or Fiction

by Carl Wiser

Eric Clapton was always very laid-back in concert, which was by design: he didn't want to be jumping around on stage in his later years. This approach served him so well that he kept delivering stunning, vibrant performances well into his 70s (you can see him in action on the Blu-Ray/DVD release Slowhand at 70 - Live at the Royal Albert Hall).

We created this Fact or Fiction dedicated to Clapton, whose mythology includes "Clapton is God" graffiti that popped up around England in the '60s. There is plenty of material here, as Clapton's career includes stints with many of the bands that forged rock and roll: The Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, and Derek and the Dominos. And his legend isn't just musical - after all, he fell in love with George Harrison's wife, wrote a song about her, then married her.

Onward then, with the Fact or Fiction, Eric Clapton edition.

Photo: George Chin

Here's our list of Eric Clapton Songs.
November 12, 2015, updated August 16, 2021

More Fact or Fiction

Comments: 29

Donald Brix Fraser from Purcellville VirginiaClapton is touched by God
Ed from MarylandFirst time on the site. Great!
Tim Brigance from TahoeThis is good!
Christopher In Hayward from Hayward Ca"He was high on cocaine when he wrote "Cocaine." "
LOL.
"Cocaine" is a J.J. Cale song POPULARIZED by Eric Clapton.
Lynn Guitar Wannabe from MidwestI've been to many live performances, especially in the 80's & 90's. Clapton was hands down the BEST!
Kimberly from Aberdeen Nc UsaI live this fact or fiction game. I actually know this stuff. Am enjoying it eminsly. Thanks for having me.
Macadoo from California Arguably the greatest artist of the 1970’s
Claptonisaracist from RacistclaptonWhy does this man dis his influencers?
Travler from West-by-godWell Ausie.....you missed about 100 more!Nils Lofgren,Joe Bonamassa,Buddy Guy,Keith Richards,Stevie Ray,Joe Satriani,Jango Rienhart,Chuck Berry,Glen Campbell,Neil Young,Jimi Hendrix,Frank Zappa,Gary Moore,and as you well know....about a "million" more !!!
Ausie from AustraliaForgot to mention as hot guitarists, Derek Trucks, Dave Gilmour and Doyle Bramhall II.
Ausie from AustraliaClapton is a whiz. Along with Jimmy Page, Danny Gatton, Amos Garrett, Robert Johnson, BB King and my alltime fave, Ry Cooder.
Bernie Brule' Coming At You Live From Milwaukee, Wi.Clapton is one of my favorite of AL TIME
Pj Rock from RacinePaul Mccartney in r&r hall 3 times as well,solo Beatles and Wings.
Larry Curleanmo from Allover, InternetlandEric Clapton was asked to play lead guitar with The Beatles on George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Clapton also toured with Delaney & Bonnie & Friends resulting in a live album, “Delaney & Bonnie & Friends on Tour with Eric Clapton.” In one leg of their European tour, other “friends” along with Clapton were George Harrison and Billy Preston. Preston had played on The Beatles’ “Let It Be” album. Clapton had Delaney & Bonnie & Friends backing him on his first solo album. Some of the friends became part of Derek & The Dominos. Their song “Layla” was based on Clapton’s stealing Harrison’s wife, Pattie Boyd. Later Preston played keyboards in Clapton’s touring band. Clapton also encouraged Harrison to play live again, touring with Clapton’s band. An album, “Live in Japan” was produced as a result with many Harrison songs from his time in The Beatles and his solo years.

Note: couldn’t get the answer-buttons to work.
Randall L Dickens from Albuquerque, NmI am a huge fan of Eric! I have a number of CD's and DVD's that he has released over the years. The slow version of Layla is among my favorite Clapton songs. I tend to like his blues or the acoustic versions of his hits the best!
Mary from 86426Enjoyed! Love Clapton, since I was a teenager! Thanks for sharing.
Pat from LondonHe is brilliant !
Dez from Kankakee Rhianna Love On The Brain Bruno Mars That's What I Like
Gina from Philippinesi fell in love with Sir Eric's music "Tears in Heaven" and "Wonderful Tonight", and i guess his music never dies...it's full of inspirations and love.....
J L from NjI fell in love with Clapton and his music the first time I heard LAYLA. I heard unabashed unhinged passion in his guitar. The birds at the end made me cry! I saw him in concert during his MONEY AND CIGARETTES tour he was PERFECTION! Don't start s_ _ t talk about him or his music! Especially if you weren't around in those days. A large part of music is zeitgeist.
J
Denise from Long Island, Ny Easy peasy!
Connie H. from Illinois I want to read the autobiography, love to learn more about this incredible musician. He's the best guitarist ever! I wish I had been able to see him live in concert.
Peter from NjNeil Young was not inducted with CS&N. Not sure why but the first answer is FACT
Bobo P. from NhYou missed on the first question. Neil Young is in the RRHOF a solo artist, w Buffalo Springfield and CSNY.
L.j. from B.c.I agree 100% ( with K.c. ) regarding his autobiography. Take note; It was penned by Clapton without collaboration. Masterful !
K.c. from NhHis autobiography is wonderful. I strongly recommend it for any fan. If you liked him before reading it, you'll LOVE him after. Guaranteed.
Rhonda from Fort Worth TexasVERY COOL...thanks for taking time to write this
Will Smith from Glens Falls, NyOnly 3 out of 10 wrong. At least it's a passing grade. :)
Jim from North Billerica, MaNot too bad, two wrong.

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