Me and Eric (Clapton).

B B King and Eric Clapton.
I really never ever connected with anything Eric Clapton did. To me he was just one of those crusty institutionalised Brit cultural icons (see, Elton John, Pete Townsend, Paul McCartney).

Ask me to name anything by Clapton and I would probably plump for ‘Layla’ or ‘Tears in Heaven’.

The surprise came when a friend introduced me to Eric’s blues tributes. I had to revise my views of him as a musician when I heard the ‘From the Cradle’ album. My respect soared.

I have a curiosity about Clapton the musician, though I must say Clapton the man still falls somewhat short. Though to be fair, many of my Blues heroes are not exactly model citizens. Oh well.

I still try to maintain an open mind on the subject of Eric ‘slow hand’ Clapton.