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Clapton: 'I Was God, My Head Was Huge'
5 Jul
Summary
- Clapton felt justified in his 'God' status due to his dedication.
- Freddie King's 'Hideaway' solo profoundly inspired Clapton.
- He saw his blues mission as saving the world through music.
Eric Clapton reflected on his younger self, admitting to a massive ego and believing his 'God' status was justified by his serious dedication to music. He saw his mission as spreading the gospel of blues guitar, a passion ignited after hearing Freddie King's "earth-shattering" solo on "Hideaway." This experience convinced him the electric guitar could be a lead instrument.
Clapton criticized the music buying public's adoration for pop acts, feeling his blues heroes went unsung. He recalled honing his skills with bands like The Yardbirds, absorbing the interconnectedness of blues, soul, R&B, and jazz. He saw this as his true education, studying the music's geography and chronology.
His intense focus led to his "Slowhand" nickname and a unique guitar sound with his Gibson Les Paul and Marshall amp. Producer Mike Vernon recalled Clapton's uncompromising approach to recording the "Beano Album." Clapton aimed to "save the world" with blues, viewing himself as on a mission and acknowledging his immense arrogance and judgmental nature during that period. His subsequent formation of Cream with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce created another musical phenomenon.
