Eric Clapton has been mesmerizing crowds as a guitar god for the last 50 years starting off as a member of the Yardbirds in 1963.Clapton stayed for two years with the band and then left the group when he felt unhappy about the musical direction the band was taking as they slowly drifted away from the traditional blues outfit.He joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers in 1965 and released one album with the group.Having been a blues purist himself,he formed Cream in 1966 and established the sound that would later shape both hard rock and heavy metal.Cream released four albums that has inspired many latter day bands to explore the power trio format-bands in the 90s such as Nirvana and Green Day were obviously influenced by Clapton,Bruce and Baker teamup as they do the guitar-bass-drums mix up, having no rhythm guitar and just the bass player assisting and doubling the riff of the lead guitarist.He formed and played with various bands most notably Blind Faith and Derek And The Dominoes in the late 60s and early 70s becoming one of the most sought after guitar player both as a session musician and on live concert acts.He had launched a successful solo career that has spanned from the mid 1970s up to the present.
The statement on his facebook page goes:
"Unfortunately Eric Clapton has had to cancel his concerts in Vienna, Austria and Stuttgart, Germany on his current tour due to severe back pain. He is currently with specialists who will be able to better determine the course of treatment.
He was looking forward to these concerts and regrets that he is not to be able to perform for the fans. He would like to apologize for any inconveniences these cancellations may cause and would like to thank the fans for their understanding. All tickets can be returned to the Box Offices for refund."
About two months before he cancelled his recent shows,Clapton expressed his thoughts of retiring by the time he reached the age of 70.Though not entirely quitting from playing gigs,he once told the music press that he'll be doing shows mostly in his hometown in England and would no longer tour by then.One such reason he is citing was his overgrown tiredness of the airport customs and security checks in which he said he couldn't handle anymore.
(c) Keith Vernon Adagio
Check out my tribute blog about Eric Clapton:
Is Eric Clapton The Sixth Beatle?
I can totally understand Clapton not wanting to tour anymore especially if he will be dealing with chronic physical problems. The touring has to stop someday doesn't it....Well except for Macca!!
ReplyDeleteMacca & Jack Bruce were my 2 biggest bass playing influences..