Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Paula, Norwalk, CT — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:02:52 GMT

I LOVE him. He's truly is a testament to hard work and being true to yourself and your vision. I can't wait to read the book.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Ann, St. Louis, MO — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:10:40 GMT

Eric Clapton has always been my favorite. I used to get into arguments in high school as to who was better, Jimmy Page or EC. My opinion, always Eric. I remember seeing him in concert right after 461 Ocean Blvd came out. Not a very good show. I think Eric had way too much substance in his system. I then saw him when Journeyman came out. TOTALLY AMAZING! Just shows what sobriety can do! Keep making the music !

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Bruce Harrison, Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:32:20 GMT

What a Guy, he's seen and done almost everything we
60's an 70's people have and then some. The amazing thing is "No Ego" so to speak as well as a Real Down
to Earth person with a lot of baggage like the rest of us but he's at peace with himself!

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Monique St-Amour — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:33:15 GMT

Eric Clapton is so humble and down to earth. The world would be better if there were more "Slowhand".

A fan for ever.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Tammie Simpson, Southaven, MS — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 20:54:15 GMT

I've been lucky enough to see Eric in concert twice in Memphis, Tn. Even though there was about 25 years in between the concerts, I can truly say that both nights were special for me. I'm so happy that he has found his piece and sobriety!

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Joe Coralluzzo butler new jersey — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 21:04:36 GMT

hendrix was my first guitar idol. After Jimi passed clapton ws my guy. he plays blues better than anyone. I'm so glad he got sober!

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Mark Hermann, Yorba Linda, California — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 21:09:07 GMT

I enjoyed this interview, and Eric Clapton came across as not merely a guitar god, but a very normal human. What surprised me was, as Matt Lauer was conluding his interview, at 8:27 of the video, the excerpt of Clapton's book that Matt selected to quote was where Clapton, in his youth, called the Beatles a "bunch of wankers". They both laughed heartily, but I'm not convinced Lauer understood the slang. A wanker, in British slang, is a masturbator. I guess it's okay on American TV because no one knows what it means. ;^)

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Mia, LA, Ca — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 21:11:45 GMT

Been a fan since Cream days. So glad EC is still around and able to continue his gift of great music. Waiting to read the new bio. Long live slowhand, I m so glad he found personal happiness at last.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

CINDI ANDERSON INGRAM, ATLANTA GA — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 21:57:28 GMT

ERIC CLAPTAN IS A GOD AND HAS BEEN A THE GOD OF MAKING A GUITAR SING AS LONG AS HE HAS BEEN PLAYING. I AM ONE OF HIS BIGGEST FANS AND HE HAS NEVER DISAPOINTED ME. I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THE BOOK AS THE EXCERPTS CONFIRM WHAT I ALREADY KNEW THAT THIS IS A HUMBLE MAN WITH A GOD GIVEN TALENT THAT JUST WANTS TO PLAY GUITAR!

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Craig Stevens Howell, MI — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 23:52:49 GMT

There is no one better. They call him "slowhand" for a reason. He plays very methodically and never misses a note. He has touched many lives with his songs and music. My hats off to "God", Eric Clapton.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

chris keefe, pomona, ca — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:05:32 GMT

terrific interview from an obviously terrically spiritual person. god bless; let the music play on.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Randy Gordon, Duluth, MN — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 01:06:47 GMT

Like many of my generation I learned to play lead guitar listening to Clapton, Page and Beck. I wore out a lot of Cream records over the years. Years ago, after I had heard that his father was a Canadian serviceman, I fantasized that we could actually be related (my maternal grandfather, a Canadian, spent the war as a bookkeeper in England :). Thank you Eric for all the great music over all the years and for teaching me what vibrato is all about.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Dean Chambers, Oakland, Calif — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 01:19:00 GMT

Claptons music saved me in many ways; when I was in High School having a hard time I cut school and came home to listen to him, Jimi Duanne Allman, Santana; I learned to play guitar later in life and it is the best therapy. Clapton is so down to earth and has done a lot for black music. Saw him in Sacramento this spring, it was the greatest! Play on, so glad the drugs did not take you like so many others.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Nancy, Fairfax, Virginia — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 02:03:27 GMT

Thank you Matt for the great interview and thank you Eric for sharing your life and gift of music with the world. Your transparency and honesty about real life helps us know that life is good, but painful and often brutal. You are an inspiration and I have as one of my goals to see you in an Acoutic setting!!

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

eileen Scottsdale — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 02:32:53 GMT

I know Eric for a long time from my niece Catherine James....I have seen him in bad shape...and through his sobriety,...He has always been a great talent...With or without Roger Forrester!!!

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Rick Podgorski, Adelaide ,South Australia — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:07:36 GMT

I've seen Eric 3 times in concert here in Ausralia and its like a pilgrimage to Mecca for me! To me Eric provides the conduit for me to understand my feelings and emotions through his music. His voice, his guitar and the musicians that have played with him over the years have made the best representation of what makes me want to evolve in my own way. His work and his life are truly inspiring. A father figure for me I guess. God bless you Eric.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Preethi Zing, London — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 12:07:46 GMT

"Layla" the song always makes my day. there was a time when i listened to the same same early in the morning for over 4 years still gives me the goose bumps. Thank you for all the music Eric. God Bless.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Susan Nix, Canyon, TX — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 12:42:43 GMT

I was introduced to Eric Clapton's music by my high school sweetheart and (now)husband over 35 years ago. Since then I have enjoyed his music and empathized with his pain as he survived so many challenges put in his way. Thank you for posting the interview so I could watch it again.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Danny Baker Tulsa, Oklahoma — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:49:25 GMT

God Bless you Eric for all of the wonderful music and memories you have brought to my life and the world. You are the reason I play a Fender Strat in a Blues Band for the last 25 years and for the rest of my life. Thank you.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Elaine McLemore, Carthage, Texas — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:25:41 GMT

I've seen Clapton 4 times, and I've never been disappointed. The most recent was last February in Dallas.
A few years ago, I was in the front row at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas and actually got away with an EC guitar pick. I also got to see the original "Blackie" guitar in the museum next to the Cotton Bowl. I now own a Fender Clapton signature "Blackie" guitar with a Marshall amp I'm trying to learn to play.
From my observations as a lifelong fan, Clapton is the best because he plays and sings from his heart.
Oh, and I knew what "wankers" meant and I'm not from England! Ha!

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

elijah walker — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:33:30 GMT

I am 51 yrs. old and male. I saw EC in concert around 1975 in San Diego with Santana. I had never heard of him but a sailor buddy asked me to go see him.This was the first exposure to EC and when he played I thought that noone else in the world could play better. He gave a great show, but when both him and Carlos Santana closed the show together I became a lifelong fan of both. EC continue on your journey with your music, and you are not gone because GOD has more for you than you can imagine.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Ray Fernandez Tijuana Baja California Mexico — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 20:04:34 GMT

The only thing I like more than Eric Clapton´s music are his interviews,I always find wisdom a lot of wisdom and I learn how to be a better human being and the key is to BE HONEST TO YOURSELF.
Thanks Mr.Clapton.God Bless YOU.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Tom Bowman, St.Paul,Mn — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 21:08:19 GMT

Like so many others, I have been fortunate to be able to enjoy Eric Clapton's music throughout the years. I too, found the miracle of sobriety. Eric's music has been a very large part of my "sober soundtrack" I look forward to many years of both.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

oliver ware, oklahoma city, oklahoma — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:32:53 GMT

Eric clapton is f-ing awesome. He is the one who got me to seriously start playing guitar. I have seen him twice and i'm only eighteen. Each time was amazing. thank you eric for all the music you have made over the years and God bless you

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Miguel Castellanos, West Melbourne, Florida — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 04:10:38 GMT

Eric Clapton proves yet again how he is the consummate professional and role model. Ever at the pinnacle of his game and seeking to push the envelope even further, he is nonetheless firmly grounded in humility, as well as honesty and integrity. Not afraid to own up to his past mistakes, or to valiantly share his "lessons learned" with the rest of the world. Needless to say, this is so rare and refreshing among today's celebrities, let alone among so-called "rock stars". As a lifelong fan, it's reassuring yet comes as no coincidence that my two greatest musical idols, namely EC and Mark Knopfler, not only share these values, but also happen to be good friends and attribute tremendous influence to yet another humble musical genius: the great J.J. Cale.

By the way, Eric, why has Mark not been on the line-up at any of the Crossroads Festivals to-date? I was at the Cotton Bowl in 2004, and can affirm that the concert was only one small step from perfect...

Many thanks for all the great years of music. I hope you keep aging like a fine wine, and decide to "play guitar" if ever you have to retire!

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Scott Terrell ,New Castle,Colorado — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:19:40 GMT

Eric Clapton is truly an artist of music,his dedacation to his craft is astounding! I only wish I could create music like he has that would live on for genarations.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

duncan wadrop, middlesbrough ,england — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:00:45 GMT

the best night of my entire life was seeing eric clapton and the national philhamronic orchestra at the royal albert hall in 1991, i remember it like it was yesterday. like george harrison once said he could bring a tear to your eye with just one note and there ain`t many who can do that

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Stan, Scottsdale Arizona — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:45:46 GMT

As a long time blues fanatic, I admire the association Mr. Clapton has had with so many of the legends of this genre. To play with Muddy, the Wolf, BB, and so many others is just mind boggling to me. To hear these influences in Mr. Clapton's own creative efforts, is also a true testament to this fine musician. You can simultaneously hear both his influences and his own unmistakeable style in any of his music.

However, to listen to his interpretation of Robert Johnson's songs, and the precision and intensity he brings to these pieces, is (to me) to hear perhaps just how Johnson might have played these songs if he had today's gear, instead of an old acoustic and a simple hotel room recording set up.

Finally, I have read that Mr. Clapton is also a fine fly fisherman. All the best things in a single person. Truly amazing.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Judi McCartney, Rahway NJ — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 03:55:28 GMT

I have been a long time Clapton fan, his music touches my heart in a way that no one else ever has! When I am upset - I listen to him and everything becomes right once again. I have been luck enough to share his concerts and music with my own three children who are now young adults and raised on healthy doses of Eric's music. Thank you Eric for letting me share you with my children and thank you for gracing my life. Thank you for being a constant source of sunshine in my life! And thank you Today for bringing him into our homes.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Annamari Tury, Springfield, IL — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:02:52 GMT

Mr. Clapton knows who he is today and where he wants to go. It is due to his recovery and sounds like he works on it everyday. I appreciate his honesty and humility. The book is awesom and his music is awesome. He is someone I admire for staying sober and still creating excellent music.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Mike Hinkes, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 03:06:34 GMT

Eric Clapton is a multifaceted individual who also happens to be one the greatest musicians of all time. I have had the privilage of seeing him in concert twice, the first in Madison, WI in 1974 and the second in Atlanta, GA in 2004. What is most astonishing to me is that in that 30 year span he has continued to be creative and productive in a way that none of his contemporaries can match. I absolutely believe him when he says he doesn't consider himself a rock star. For Mr. Clapton, it has always been about the music and not about himself. To see him in concert is to know that his passion and devotion to his craft is a direct result of his love for the music and his respect for those who inspired him. His humility is due to a clear understanding that there is something greater than himself that drives his artistic expression. No, EC isn't god but thank God for Eric Clapton.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Ed McConnell, Tulsa, OK — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 23:52:09 GMT

I have been a huge fan of Eric Clapton since junior high school in the 60's. I played in a local band in Albuquerque, NM and at the time Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page were definitely the guitar players to emulate but especially Eric. I think because of his slow extremely tasteful licks. My guitar teacher used to teach them to me note for note. I have been to the Pilgrim tour twice, the Crossroads festival in Dallas, and a more recent concert in Kansas City. There is just something about the guy's style you have to love especially if you play the guitar, it just stays with you.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Christian Yanez, los angeles, calif — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 01:45:36 GMT

Eric Clapton is a multi-talented guitarist.
He has been around for so long and every song and album he comes out with always amazes me.
From his early days to his Domino days and today.
I seen him many times in concert and one thing I notice is that he is very relaxed on stage, but always ends up blowing everyone right out their own seats.Even with my iPOD makes me feel like I'm sitting front row.And everytime a Clapton song comes on the room just lights up.
Clapton will play on forever.
Thank you for so many years of great music and for many genterations to come.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Phil Thompson, Simi Valley, Ca. — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 03:10:39 GMT

I am fifty one years old and have been listening to Eric since I was nine years old, and have loved his music ever since. Whenever I have been down I just play some Clapton and all somehow just seems to get better.I have seen him play in the 70's,80's,90's,and in 2001 and have'nt been disapointed yet. I would just like to thank him if I could for all the years and all the music, Eric your the best and I hope you live for another sixty-two years. I can't wait to get my copy of the book and music. Great interview guy's and thanks for the space.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Mike Bourke, Wellington, New Zealand — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 09:28:26 GMT

I heard Eric for the first time when I was learning guitar in 1987, around the time of August album, and to think he had already achieved so much in his career by then. It was so exciting for me as a 12 year old guitar player with so much of Eric's music still to discover - to start working backwards. I'll never forget it. There is something so powerful in Eric's music and his playing. No one else has really affected me the same. Everybody commenting here has felt it too in their own way. Technically I think Eric's timing and vibrato make him stand out from other players. Its just so perfect. I feel priveledged to have seen him three times in concert, a great surprise his stop in NZ this year. I hope my kids experience the same kind of connection with music and an artist like Eric. Thanks. can't wait to read the book.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Daniel O'Malley, DeWitt, MI — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:50:21 GMT

Speaking as a guitarist, a fan of Eric Clapton's music, and one who owes many of the notes I play on my guitar to Mr. Clapton, I believe that what one can learn from his life is that he is very lucky and that somehow he has the innate ability to survive and overcome his own self- created issues.

He's overcome dealing with insecurity driven pride and "pomposity" (he was a jerk). He's overcome an inability to stay true to wives, girlfriends and to emotionally abuse them. He's overcome self- indulgence in many arenas, particularly drugs, alcohol and sexual liasions. He's overcome the inability to do even the simple and mundane domestic activities. And he still has friends regardless of the fact that he has treated many with anger, drunken emotional outbursts, and the worst thing- indifference.

Although now he seems not to be the same person in the bad ways as he was when he was younger, what he was in his youth was someone who could be best described as a "wanker". Thanks to God (No, not to Eric) that his music survived, and even flourished during, his past indiscretions.

Yet, because of his perseverance, his drive to find, and be, what is good for him and what is good for those close to him, and because of his music and what it meant/ means to me, like a family member I love him and wish him well.

Clapton Reflects on Stardom, Regrets

Linda Patrick, Rochester, NY — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:24:14 GMT

I am a big fan of Erics. I love his blues music the best. He is one of the greatest guitar players ever. He seems to be very down to earth and a very wise man. I have seen him twice in concert and will never forget. I got goosebumps listening to him play guitar. Thank you,Eric, for keeping it up all these many years. May God bless you.