Clapton

The Autobiography

By: Eric Clapton

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 10 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Eric Clapton is far more than a rock star. Like Dylan and McCartney, he is an icon and a living legend. He has sold tens of millions of records, played sell-out concerts all over the world, and been central to the significant musical developments of his era. His guitar playing has seen him hailed as "God". Tracks such as "Layla", "Sunshine of Your Love", "Wonderful Tonight", and "Tears in Heaven" have become anthems for generations of music fans. Now, for the first time, Eric tells the story of his personal and professional journeys in this pungent, witty, and painfully honest autobiography.

Eric was born illegitimate in 1945 and raised by his grandparents. He never knew his father, and until the age of nine believed his absentee mother to be his sister. In his teens his solace was the guitar, and he soon became a cult hero in the club circuits of Britain. With the foundation of the world's first super-group, Cream, in 1966, he became a world superstar.

But the rock-star lifestyle has had a darker side. In more than 40 years at the forefront of his profession, he has twice survived near fatal addictions to drugs and alcohol, the death of his four-year-old son, the deaths of friends such as Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon, the break-up of marriage, and the disintegration of relationships with a succession of beautiful women.

These are the memoirs of a survivor, someone who has reached the pinnacle of success, who has had it all, but whose demons have never left him. At the age of 62, Eric is now ready to tell his story as it is, hiding nothing, with a directness and searing honesty that will make this book one of the most compelling memoirs of our time.

©2007 E. C. Music Limited (P)2007 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Both the youthful excesses and the current calm state are narrated with an engaging tone that nudges Clapton's story ahead of other rock 'n' roll memoirs." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Clapton is honest - sometimes, as in the account of his son's death, even searing - and often witty, with a hard-won survivor's humor." ( The New York Times)

...INSPIRATIONAL...

...it is very unique in it's honesty & high degree of integrity. Thank you, E.C. !!!

Clapton reborn

I loved listening to this book. I've always liked his music, but hearing where he came from and his life story told to me as if I was there in person was amazing. I have a much more deepened level of respect for him and his music. His adventure in life was reborn with every word I heard.

Excellent Audio Book On Eric Clapton

This was an excellent audio book if you are an Eric Clapton fan as I am. Simon Vance was a great narrator and now I want to see if he has narrated any other books. as I could listen to that wonderful voice all day.

Excellent, excellent, EXCELLENT!!!

If you could sum up Clapton in three words, what would they be?

Just finished listening to "Clapton" by Eric Clapton. He writes how CranioSacral Therapy helped his youngest daughter when (as a newborn) she was unable to latch onto her mom's breast, and had colic. She had immediate relief after the first session.

I was so impressed with his intelligence. Due to his journaling throughout his life, this book chronicles his experiences with such detail... making this a fascinating read. I was sorry it was over.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Clapton?

It's not a moment, but instead my astonishment at how intelligent he is.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was a profound walk down memory lane, as he is only a few years older than I am.

Any additional comments?

Simply outstanding!

A Legend

This book is like sitting down and having someone tell you their own story. The good, the bad, the really bad and all the ups and downs. It's reassuring that even the most famous and talented have real lives and real stories to tell. So sit down, get a cup of tea and have a nice read.

Meh

The book does not do Eric's life justice I don't think. It was very boring and went into super minute detail about some things and then glazed over others.

Amazing and honest!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I loved this book! Eric is blunt about his addiction; he's honest about his demons and its contents could serve as reminder for all who have substance abuse problems. He's also a success story with the addiction, so it's powerful and encouraging. The history of his music life is done well; I enjoyed reading about that life journey too. For me, it was a chance to understand an honest portrayal of a man suffering from disease.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Eric

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

Being that Eric is British, the British accent was enough to have me thinking that Eric was reading the story himself.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES! I coudln't get enough!

Any additional comments?

Highly suggest that if you like biographies, honest portrayals and the reminder that even celebs can have the problems of the regular guy - great read.

I love this book!

I plan on listening to it again!!! This was a very great story all in all.

Superb narration!

The book started well but got a little mundane. It is worth the listen if you are a big music fan. Another great book is the Biography about Kurt Cobain called Heavier than Heaven.

ERIC CLAPTON:Amazing talent & Musical History

Just finished Eric Clapton's autobiography entitled CLAPTON. Discover his unique childhood and how he got into the "BLUES" and the music business. It is amazing how many great musicians and great friends that he meet along the way. I love how he is a Blues Purest. He had a very deep respect for other Blues players like Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Stevie Ray Vaughn and many others! You have heard before Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll, well that was pretty much most of his life. As a matter of fact, It is a miracle that he even lived through 70's!! After going through Drug and Alcohol Rehab programs several times and in his last time in rehab his life finally changed and he credits a Devine Intervention!! There is no other explanation for his change! Eric also established the CROSSROADS rehabilitation program and how he was committed to help others!! His life after his transformation is so different than the first part of his life! He has a very deep devotion to his Wife and Family and he has been sober over 30+ years. If you enjoy musical history and learning about the stories behind the songs, then this is a great book for you!! Highly recommend! Enjoy a great read! Rick