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


                                                 
audiozen

hope Eric comes to grips with diminishing playing skills, I thought of how Keith Emerson dealt with his diminishing ability to play when I read this.

+1 on the 'Blues' recommendation, I find much of his solo stuff uneven, that Blues collection assembled some of his most inspired playing over several concerts and years and is a showcase of why so many consider him tops.

Most excellent @stuartk and heartily enjoyed. He has a very soulful talent. I do like him, but he's never ranked number one for me. That title for me is held by either David Gilmour or Alex Lifeson depending on which day it is demonstrating that number one, as other's have said is a subjective endeavor.

Clapton, The Autobiography is a must read for any fan, an awesome book. I have had the privilege to have seen him 5 times starting in the 70's, the man is an incredible artist and showman. 

People that knock Clapton for his studio albums are missing the point. His live playing is what made his reputation. Yeah there are lots of players who can play rings around him technically, but fill a stadium full of people bring out a bunch of big name guitar players and Clapton will get the watermelon (Woodstock reference = The hottest guitar player gets a watermelon). And he’s respected by his peers. Who else could get the line-up for his Crossroads Festivals to show up?

For Layla fans, get the Tedeschi Trucks Band - Layla, Live at Lock’n. IMHO, better than the original, It definitely sounds better.