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Eric Clapton  

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Legendary British guitarist, Eric Clapton (born March 30th, 1945) has forged an extraordinary career lasting over six decades, playing with some of the most influential groups of the 60s and 70s before establishing his talents as a solo artist.

Eric Clapton first made a name for himself as a guitarist through playing alongside British rock group, the Yardbirds, before then joining John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, time during which he penned some of the finest guitar work of the 60s, proving himself one of the best guitarists to arise out of the UK. Forming the supergroup Cream, with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce, Clapton helped set the tone for the rocking 60s, with his blues-heavy rock. Yet whilst being recognised as one of the best guitarists of his generation, his solo career was slow to start off, taking a number of years before his first solo effort arrived.

After achieving a Top 40 hit with “After Midnight,” Clapton recorded a landmark album with Derek & the Dominoes, “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” in 1970. A period of inactivity followed due to drug addiction but in 1974, with the release of “461 Ocean Boulevard,” Clapton topped the charts, bolstered by the successful number one single, “I Shot the Sheriff,” a cover of Bob Marley’s classic tune. Clapton continued to release hit after hit as the decade progressed, finding success with his 1977 album, “Slowhand,” which featured the singles “Cocaine,” “After Midnight” and “Lay Down Sally,” selling in the millions. Further Top Ten hits followed with 1978’s “Backless” and the live album, “Just One Night,” which displayed Clapton’s guitar prowess.

Clapton’s success quietened in the 80s, although in 1989, he returned to form with “Journeyman.” After the tragic death of his son in 1991, Clapton recorded the gut-wrenching song “Tears in Heaven,” which went on to become a huge hit. The guitarist also found widespread acclaim for his appearance on MTV’s Unplugged series in 1992, turning in some beautiful acoustic blues on an album that would become one of his biggest selling. Clapton returned to his blues roots in the 90s, with the hugely successful “From the Cradle,” before then releasing an album new material in 1998, with “Pilgrim.”

Clapton continue his exploration of his blues roots through a collaborative album with B.B. King in 2000, as well as creating “Me and Mr. Johnson” in 2004, an album in honour of the legendary Delta Blues guitarist, Robert Johnson. A collaborative effort with longtime idol, JJ Cale, 2006’s “The Road to Escondido” helped show a different side to Clapton, with Clapton continuing to collaborate with legendary artists throughout the decade, featured on several live albums.

Clapton set up his own imprint, Bushbranch, releasing the Top Ten album, “Old Sock,” in 2013, which collected several old songs that Clapton loved dearly. In respect of the late J.J. Cale, Clapton recorded a tribute album, “The Breeze: An Appreciation of J.J. Cale,” in 2014, which featured a number of artists including Willie Nelson, John Mayer, Tom Petty and Mark Knopfler.

Live reviews

It is early 1967. I am sitting in a record shop in Liverpool in a special box where customers have a private listening opportunity before buying a new record. In my hands is the new John Mayall with Eric Clapton mono LP which I put on the turntable and then carefully lower the arm of the machine.

The next 20 minutes I will be sitting there, totally shocked and deeply moved by what I hear. I knew John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers and I owned Yardbird's records with Eric Clapton on the guitar. I also had tape recordings at home with Sonny Boy Williamson and Eric Clapton playing Blues in live sessions but this was something totally different with a drive and tone that opened up a new feeling and understanding about Blues and Rock for me.

Since then I went to see Eric playing whenever there was a chance to do so. I was happy to be at some of Cream's rare life events and also could be there during live TV recordings. In the following 45 years I collected Eric Clapton's music which changed and improved always staying in a high quality zone while exploring new exciting concepts moving from Blues-Rock to Reggae, Ballads, acoustic Folk-Blues, Jazz and back to the roots.

During concerts in London's Royall Albert Hall in 2011 I could hear Eric playing old tunes in a new fresh arrangement together with a changing array of the best musicians you could ask for as partners on stage. One of the secrets of this unbelievable career is the way how Eric always finds other extremely good guitarists to partner with during his many live tours and studio sessions. He also helps new extraordinary talents by inviting them into his band.

Some of these fantastic young guitar players were kids when they first heard Eric playing because of their dad's music collection and are now members of Eric's touring band while individually having bands and a great career on their own (at example Derek Trucks, which first name was given to him because his parents loved Derek and the Dominos, Erics early 70's band, Derek is now one of the best slide guitarists on the planet).

As a summary I can only say that the music of Eric Clapton has influenced and enriched my life and I hope that he will have many years to come to let us enjoy his creativity and ongoing reinvention of Blues+ music.

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I was looking in the winter months for some summer festival fun in 2015, when I spotted Eric Clapton was playing the Albert Hall to celebrate his 70th birthday. First of all I know Eric has been around for ever but I couldn't believe he was now 70 years old. Anyway, I booked two tickets at a face value of £100 each and thought this would buy me something close to the stage but in reality the seats were two rows from the back of the first tier of seats. The good thing is the Albert Hall is pretty good wherever you are but still, an investment like that should carry some reward. The concert itself was fantastic but I had hoped for some mention of BB King, who I know Eric knew well but perhaps by the time my night came along, he'd done all of that but I did appreciate the acoustic version of Rock Me Baby, which was one of BB's favorites. After all is was Eric Clapton we had come to see, so this was fitting. Back to my point of Eric being 70, he still plays as tightly as ever and that distinct Strat sound is unmistakable. I hope to make it to one of the Crossroads Festivals next time and in the meantime I'd like to express my sincere thanks for the music.

CBE Eric Clapton is considered to be the UK's greatest guitarists by a great number of people. Having achieving success with both his former bands Cream and The Yardbirds as well as a celebrated solo career, the demand to see this icon of British music is still very much there. A frequent visitor to London's ambient Royal Albert Hall, Clapton is once again ready to thrill and amaze his audience.

Having worked as a musician since 1962 he shows no sign of losing those indescribable skills with his trusty instrument. His set lists tend to reach mainly from his solo career, beginning with a poignant rendition of 'Hello Old Friend' which Clapton delivers with such sincerity that each audience member feel it is personal to them. He also covers some of his favourite musicians including The Wailers, Hop Wilson and Robert Johnson. He re-interprets these classic tracks in his own way though with his brilliant supporting band.

The audience remains engaged throughout partly due to Clapton sneaking in fan favourites such as 'Tears In Heaven' and also due to watching this incredible artist working his guitar. His live show proves the reputation profusely.

I was raised on the songs of Eric Clapton as he is my Dad's favorite musician. The first real song (not a children's song) that I knew all the words to was Wonderful. I knew it forwards and backwards by age 2. My favorite song at age 6 was a toss up between PROMISES and LAY DOWN SALLY.

In Sept 2017 I surprised my Dad and took him to see Eric play at MSG. The show was just a couple weeks from both of our birthdays. I never thought I'd get to see him play live and I'm so grateful that I did. Watching Eric Clapton play was the greatest birthday gift I could think of. He is so natural and calm that it seems he's not even trying. Like the guitar is part of his body. If I could re-live that night, I would. Probably a couple times a month. At the end of the concert, my Dad and I hugged as we literally wiped tears of joys from our eyes. It was a magical night of music and we were so fortunate to be able to enjoy it together. Clapton is truly a master and I will see him again, every chance I have, no matter the cost.

The show was postpone for September .. although the cats elation appear to be very sudden it didn't appear that Ticketmaster was on top of this. Everything seem to be rushed late with overlapping messages. Fortunately we were able to exchange your tickets which we were told we couldn't do but we ended up being able to do it and we got better seats. I'm afraid though that many people didn't get the messages and actually showed up to the forum. Oh well hopefully Ticketmaster will learn from us they certainly have enough money to do so. . instead generated only automatic messages ... this website should be better on top of his artists .

Postpone postpone postpone

It was a great show, I still cant beleive that we've seen Eric Clapton! He played all the songs that we were waiting for. They played about 1 hour and 45 minutes with no breaks. Overall we really enjoyed the show, I definetely recommend it!

The only problem is many people just buying tickets to resale them on viagogo for fortunes. In my opinion it is disgusting and it should be illegal! Thankfully I managed to buy tickets from the Royal Albert Hall website but only to the 15th row... Still close but I would buy tickets to see him from closer.

EC is fantastic, especially live. I’ve followed him for 50 years & seen him so many times that I’ve probably paid for one of his Ferraris or at least the 4 wheels & several Armani suits! At £200 a ticket, plus travel to London & the cost of accommodation, I decided I couldn’t afford or justify the outlay this time. I’m sad that only wealthy people can afford the prices & the less well off lose out. Hope everyone had a great time, the set list was amazing!

The Guitar God still has it and like a fine wine only improves with age. His new reggae sounds to change up some of his oldies made them sound brand new again. The new songs from his new album were fantastic.

Only missed Nathan East but the bassist he pivked was spot on. Love Eric!!!

Eric is still fantastic. I was on 8 his concerts and this one is among three best ones I have ever been. Venue is astonishing. Band was playing really good.

I cannot find any complaints. Yes concert lasts only for an hour and a half, but that one and a half hour was memorable.

Eric Clapton was awesome! My wife and I are big concert goers and this was one of the best we have seen. His voice is spot on, and he is the best slow guitarist of all times and you can feel the emotion it in his music. We would pay to see him again.

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Eric Clapton Reveals Five-Date 2023 North American Tour

by Tina Benitez-Eves March 27, 2023, 11:12 am

Days before his 78th birthday on March 30, Eric Clapton has revealed a five-date tour. He says the shows will be his only dates in North America in 2023.

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Featuring special guest Jimmie Vaughan, Clapton’s short run of shows is set to kick off on September 8 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Additional stops will be made in Ontario, Canada; Missouri, and Minnesota before wrapping up in Denver, Colorado, on September 16.

Clapton’s current band joining him on tour features Sonny Emory, Chris Stainton, Doyle Bramhall II, Paul Carrack, and Nathan East, with backing vocalists Katie Kissoon and Sharon White.

In 2022, Clapton released his 21st album, and first-holiday release, Happy Xmas . He also dropped a number of singles since the pandemic, including his most recent, “ Pompous Fool ,” which he said was inspired by former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s retirement announcement.

Clapton, who has been outspoken against the Covid vaccine and the policies surrounding the pandemic lockdown, and Van Morrison collaborated on another anti-lockdown song “Stand & Deliver” in the midst of the pandemic in 2020. By 2021, Clapton also released the song “ This Has Gotta Stop ,” which was followed by “ Heart of a Child ,” a song he co-wrote with vaccine skeptic Robin Monotti.

NEW SHOW DATES ANNOUNCED! 9/8/23 – Pittsburgh, PA 9/10/23 – Toronto, ON 9/12/23 – St. Louis, MO 9/14/23 – St. Paul, MN 9/16/23 – Denver, CO Tickets go on sale this Friday, 3/31 at 10am local pic.twitter.com/Lf9ybYIM4n — Eric Clapton (@EricClapton) March 27, 2023

The guitarist said that he suffered severe reactions to the AstraZeneca vaccine, which left his hands and feet numb for weeks, making him question whether he would ever be able to play guitar again.

On his previous tour in 2022, Clapton tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after his second concert at Royal Albert Hall in London and was forced to cancel several dates on his European Tour.

In April, Clapton will also perform six nights at Budokan in Tokyo, followed by two Jeff Beck   tribute concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London on May 22 and 23. The tribute show will also feature guests including Johnny Depp, Rod Stewart, Billy Gibbons , and Gary Clark Jr., among others.

Clapton, who was replaced by Beck in The Yardbirds in 1965, paid tribute to Beck in the wake of his death, posting a photo of the late guitarist with the caption “Always and ever.” 

A percentage of the proceeds from the two concerts will be donated to Folly Wildlife Rescue located in Tunbridge Wells in Kent, England.

Eric Clapton North American Tour 2023 Sept. 8 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena Sept. 10 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena Sept. 12 – St. Louis, MO @ Enterprise Center Sept. 14 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center Sept. 16 – Denver, CO @ Ball Arena

Photo: Frank Hoensch/Redferns

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Eric Clapton Kicks Off 2023 Tour with Tribute to Robbie Robertson

via Paolo Giorgio / YouTube

Eric Clapton, the iconic guitar virtuoso, kicked off his highly anticipated 2023 U.S. tour with a heartfelt tribute to Robbie Robertson, a legendary figure in the world of rock music. Clapton’s opening performance at Pittsburgh’s PPG Paints Arena featured two iconic songs by The Band, a group closely associated with Robertson’s musical genius.

A Musical Salute

Clapton’s tour debut began with a rendition of “The Shape I’m In,” a track from The Band’s 1970 album, “Stage Fright.” This was swiftly followed by another classic, “It Makes No Difference,” from The Band’s 1975 album, “Northern Lights – Southern Cross.” Following these soulful performances, Clapton delivered a simple yet profound statement: “Robbie Robertson.”

Remembering Robbie Robertson

Robbie Robertson, celebrated as both a guitarist and the primary songwriter for The Band, passed away in August at the age of 80 after battling an undisclosed illness. His contributions to the world of music have left an indelible mark on countless artists, including Eric Clapton.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Guitar Center (@guitarcenter)

Clapton’s admiration for Robertson and The Band’s influence on his musical journey is a well-documented part of rock history. During his induction speech for The Band into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, Clapton shared the profound impact they had on his career. In a revealing moment, he recalled a pivotal juncture when Cream, the band he was part of, was on the verge of breaking up. Clapton contemplated joining forces with Robertson and The Band, a decision that could have altered the course of rock music.

“I went and told Jack [Bruce] and Ginger [Baker] that I couldn’t go on anymore, there was something else happening… I really sort of went there to ask if I could join the Band, only I didn’t have the guts to say it, I didn’t have the nerve. I just sort of sat there and watched these guys work… From that day, I spent the rest of my career, until ‘The Last Waltz’ anyway, trying to imitate what they had.”

A Musical Connection

Eric Clapton’s tribute to Robbie Robertson and The Band serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of their music. The connection between these iconic musicians continues to resonate with audiences, highlighting the profound influence that rock legends like Robertson have had on shaping the sound of a generation.

Watch the tribute performance below:

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Three lucky audiences on Eric Clapton’s 1974 tour saw him joined on stage by half of The Who.

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Eric Clapton was a busy man in the summer of 1974. In the US touring his new 461 Ocean Boulevard album since mid-June, the schedule took him on August 1 to Atlanta, and a gig at the Omni Coliseum that became widely celebrated and much-bootlegged among Slowhand aficionados.

That was partly because of what happened on stage that night. 24 hours later in Greensboro, North Carolina, it happened again, and another two nights down road in West Palm Beach: Clapton was joined on stage by Pete Townshend and Keith Moon.

Clapton plays Cream

Clapton’s band featured George Terry as second guitarist, his Derek and the Dominos colleague Carl Radle on bass, Dick Sims on keyboards, Jamie Oldaker on drums, and the backing vocals of Yvonne Elliman. Starting the set with “Smile,” Clapton featured such songs as “Let It Grow,” “Willie and the Hand Jive,” and the Cream favorite “Badge.”

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But as the Atlanta show came to a conclusion, who should appear from the wings but half of The Who . Townshend jammed with Clapton on “Layla” and Moon sang along with Chuck Berry ’s “Little Queenie,” performed in a medley with “Baby Don’t You Do It.” Pete then proceeded to smash a plastic ukulele over Eric’s head.

Listen to uDiscover Music’s Eric Clapton Best Of playlist.

The following night in Greensboro (ticket price: $7.50), Townshend appeared earlier in the set for “Hand Jive” and “Get Ready,” returning with Moon for an encore that included “Little Queenie” as well as “Layla” and “Badge.” The Clapton, Townshend & Moon combination would happen once more, on August 4, when the tour headed into a break of several weeks with a gig at the West Palm Beach International Raceway. Townshend, Moon, and even Joe Walsh were on hand to join in the festivities, including a version of The Who’s ”Can’t Explain.”

None of those shows have been officially released, but we can give you a taste above of Eric’s 1974 tour as it sounded at his Long Beach Arena show about two weeks before that Atlanta escapade.

Buy or stream Eric Clapton live in 1974 and 1975 on E.C. Was Here.

21 Comments

August 1, 2014 at 9:33 pm

I was at that concert in Atlanta backstage,and on stage…I had been in the dressing room showing Eric and Carl Radle Alembic guitars from my friend Melvin Cohen’s store,Reliable Music. . Some details..They showed up 1/2 way thru the show in a big limousine…Keith Moon was totally drunk..(and whatever). Pete was chugging Jack Daniels right out of the bottle..and smoking a cigar….Clapton was kinda shocked to see their condition….Keith Moon wanted to try and play…he got behind the drum set,but proceeded to fall over and knock down half the drums…they escorted him off,and Jamie Oldecker got back on the drums ….But later, he actually fell 10 feet off the back of the stage onto the concrete floor…got up…brushed off…no damage ! One tough guy ! We sold an Alembic bass to Carl Radle,but Clapton did not like the Alembic guitar…great to meet him anyway..I also played Clapton’s “Blackie”Strat backstage..he had a female guitar tech..We also made it to Greensborop the next night…not as exciting..but great show too.. (where can you get that bootleg audio ? )

Rusty Barkley

August 1, 2014 at 11:18 pm

I was at the show in Greensboro, Poco opened. I’m not sure about the dates,I was under the impression it was Clapton’s 29th birthday. Who knows?

December 6, 2014 at 5:31 pm

I have seen that Alembic bass II sold Carl. It is now owned by a guitar collector in Arkansas.

I’m envious that you got to meet and spend time with these gents. I had the opportunity to be one friends with Dick Sims before he passed and I’ve also become friends with Jamie. Great stories they both have told me.

Thanks for the post !

mike navalinski

December 7, 2014 at 8:10 pm

June 10, 2015 at 9:28 am

I was at the Fl. concert. Mudfest as I remember. Strangely, I don’t remember Townsend. Joe Walsh opened and played a full set, and I do remember Keith Moon running around with a tambourine.Clapton was doing his farmer thing with overalls on.Good show.

Dan Hiveley

January 13, 2016 at 4:53 pm

I was at the Palm Beach International raceway show August 4 1974. I took a bus there from Tampa watching it rain all the way there. The 15 mile road that led to the raceway was jammed with cars parked off to the side of the road. A complete mess. The rain had turned the dirt track into a sea of mud that we all stood up to our shins in for the whole evening. The show was suppose to start at 4pm. but didn’t get going till 8. The opening act was Ross which I remember being great but never heard of again. Joe Walsh did a great Barnstorm era set starting around 10pm. Clapton didn’t hit the stage till midnight and played most if not all his 461 album as well as a bunch of Derrick and the Dominoes stuff. For the encore Townsend and Moon from the WHO came out and played Layla. One of the greatest shows I’ve ever been to. Being 17 years old at the time I feel blessed to have withstood and witnessed this great part of Rock history.

November 22, 2020 at 12:21 am

You’re not allowed to leave the ‘h’ out of TOWNSHEND.

March 31, 2016 at 10:13 pm

The reason you don’t remember Townsend is because he wasn’t there in West Palm. Clapton opened with I can’t explain Moonie doing the falsetto bits . You’re absolutely right about the mud and the traffic. The cops deliberately created the traffic jams . Crazy. What a great show. EC closed the show with Smile . I’ll never forget it. What a treat. Worth the slog through the mud

No, MuddyFan, TOWNSHEND, and you know it.

August 1, 2016 at 5:05 pm

As I recall, in Greensboro, Moon came out pre-show and did some air guitar during Pinball Wizard being played on the PA – Townsend came out later – easy to spot in his “Who Came First” attire – white Esso jumpsuit.

Robert Frazer

August 1, 2016 at 7:34 pm

Actually Townsend WAS at the West Palm show. I know because I was a stage hand on that show sitting in the wings SL. The wind blew the Handley roof into the SL PA stack and they had to reconfigure the PA with what they had left. Moon came out initially with a white wedding dress on and they chased him around the stage and ripped it off. Townsend came out for Layla at the end, and they both chased a huge frog around the stage. The mosquitoes were as big as hummingbirds because this place was out in a swamp. Fun gig.

November 22, 2020 at 12:20 am

There is no Townsend, only TOWNSHEND! C ya!

August 3, 2016 at 11:39 pm

I attended the West Palm Beach “mudfest” as well. Mahogany Rush opened, followed by Walsh who was ttouring behind “The Smoker You Get………..” LP. Pete Townsend was on stage for the “Layla” encore. I’m not certain about Moon. Wasn’t Keith Relf on stage for “Layla”?

Larry Ridge

August 5, 2016 at 6:35 pm

I was on the stage for the Palm Beach concert I can affirm that Keith Moon was on stage in a wedding dress. 100% they closed with Layla, which Clapton always did at the time. The fence at the bottom the hill the stage was perched on came down when Layla started. Mudfest and traffic jame for sure for sure! The reason I was backstage was because I broke my wrist jumpin a fence so I didn’t have to slog thru the mud at the gate. he medical people took me backstage and I never left. I seem to remember a lot of bands being there that day, but the names escape me and I lost all my ticket stubs.

Alan L. Burge

August 1, 2017 at 7:38 pm

My wife and I were at the Atlanta show and Zan described it perfectly. I still have a copy of the next-day’s newspaper article about it.

Chuck Shepherd

August 2, 2017 at 9:49 am

Saw this show in Greensboro Friday August 2nd 1974,festival seating for $7.00. My first Clapton concert.

August 2, 2017 at 11:21 pm

Some great stories here. I first saw Eric one year later in 1975 at The Fabulous Forum and Keith Moon was there. Didn’t play but he ran across the stage during a song, knocking over most of Eric’s guitars. He was not amused. Saw him again 2 days later at the Swing in San Berdoo. No Moon, Santana opened both shows and joined Eric for the encores. This September I will see Eric at the Forum again. My 20th time seeing Eric. Not counting seeing him come on with the Stones a couple of times and Live Aid back in 85 in Philly.

March 1, 2018 at 11:18 pm

Anyone remember if Keith Moon was wearing a White with red and blue stripes Colorado Springs jersey for one of these shows? Thanks.

February 28, 2019 at 9:45 pm

I was also at the show in Greensboro. Poco didn’t open, though. It was some RSO band I’d never heard of and haven’t heard of since. Poco did open for the Stills/Young Band in Gboro a year or two later. We’d waited in line for the doors to open, and with festival seating we were very close to the stage. One of the loudest concerts I’ve attended, but maybe that’s because it was my first and I was up front. Before the bands came out there was speculation that Townshend and Moon might appear. After the opening act and intermission, Legs Larry Smith came out, followed by Moon, with a broom, I think. Photos of the show are floating around on the internet. Seeing Clapton set my musical sights in a new direction that would lead to a deep love of the blues in all forms.

December 7, 2021 at 3:14 pm

Hugh MACRAE , David Jones and I were at the Greensboro NC show. Great show and then the two WHO clowns came out for the encore. Townsend doing his 360 arm action gave them away to the crowd. It was as good as it gets!

Rick Siegfried

August 3, 2022 at 10:08 pm

I was at the Long Beach show. It would have been nice for Pete and Keith had shown up for this show! Despite the no-show of half The Who, the show was awesome! And I was very pleased when the show was officially released!

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Concert Details

26 aug 90 - eric clapton.

Venue: Alpine Valley Music Theatre

City: East Troy

State/Province: WI

Country: United States

Band Lineup:

Eric Clapton – guitar / vocals Phil Palmer – guitar Greg Phillinganes – keyboards Alan Clark – keyboards Nathan East – bass / vocals Steve Ferrone – drums Ray Cooper – percussion Katie Kissoon – backing vocals Tessa Niles – backing vocals

Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray Band

Show Notes:

The second of two concerts at Alpine Valley Music Theatre which would sadly end in tragedy. Support at both performances was Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble and The Robert Cray Band featuring The Memphis Horns. On the 26th, the concert ended with a 20 minute encore jam of "Sweet Home Chicago" featuring Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, Buddy Guy and Robert Cray. Shortly before 1AM on 27 August, a helicopter carrying Vaughan and members of Clapton’s crew crashed within seconds after takeoff, killing all instantly. It was enroute to Chicago.

Excerpt from The New York Times (28 August 1990): EAST TROY, Wis., Aug. 27— Stevie Ray Vaughan, one of the nation’s top blues guitarists, and four other people were killed in a helicopter crash here early today after a performance with Eric Clapton at an outdoor theater. Mr. Vaughan was 35 years old.

The helicopter, owned by Omni Flight Helicopters Inc., crashed into a hill shortly after midnight after taking off in dense fog, said Bill Bruce, an investigator with the Naitonal Transportation Safety Board.

The other victims were the pilot and three members of Mr. Clapton’s entourage. There were no survivors. Those killed were Bobby Brooks, Mr. Clapton’s agent; Nigel Browne, his bodyguard; Colin Smythe, one of his tour managers; and the pilot, Jeffrey Brown.

Mr. Vaughan, a native of Dallas, won Grammy Awards this year and in 1985.

Mr. Clapton and another blues performer in the Sunday night show, Robert Cray, were in another helicopter, which landed safely in Chicago. the helicopter that crashed was to have landed at Chicago’s Midway Airport.

The musicians had appeared together at the Alpine Valley Theater, an outdoor auditorium near the alpine Valley Ski Resort in southern Wisconsin, about 75 miles northwest of Chicago.

Mr. Clapton issued a statement through his spokesman, Ronnie Lippin, saying that the victims ”were my companions, my associates and my friends,” and adding, ”This is a tragic loss of some very special people.”

After the helicopter was reported missing, the Civil Air Patrol discovered the wreckage in a field early this morning. The area was cordoned off today. The cause of the crash has not been determined.

Air crashes have killed several prominent rock performers over the years, including Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, Otis Redding, Jim Croce and Rick Nelson.

Mr. Vaughans brother, Jimmie, was the guitarist for The Fabulous Thunderbirds, popular Texas band. The brothers ad recently collaborated on an album.

In 1985 Mr. Vaughan shared a Grammy Award with other musicians for the Album, ”Blues Explosion,” in the traditional blues category. He also won a Grammy Award this year inthe contemporary category, for his album, ”In Step.”

Mr. Vaughan is perhaps best known for his album, ”Couldn’t Stand the Weather,” released in 1984. About 25,000 people attended his concert on Sunday night. Besides his brother, Mr. Vaughan is survived by his mother, Martha.

Excerpt from People Magazine (September 1990): Shortly afterward, at 12:15 A.M. on Aug. 27, the exhilarated musicians left the stage through a rear exit. Vaughan, 35, had planned to make the two-hour drive back to his Chicago hotel with his brother and sister-in-law, Connie, but at the last minute he chose to board a Bell 206B Jet Ranger, one of four helicopters waiting nearby. According to his New York City publicist, Charles Comer, Vaughan had learned from Clapton’s manager that there were seats enough to accommodate all three in his party. When he found only one place was actually available, Vaughan said to Connie and Jimmie, "Do you mind if I take the seat? I really need to get back."

The helicopter took off in fog around 12:40 A.M. with Vaughan and four others aboard. Sweet Chicago would never be reached. Moments later the chopper’s remains lay spread across more than 200 feet of a man-made ski slope in a field dotted with bittersweet and Queen Anne’s lace. All on board were killed instantly in what National Transportation Safety Board investigator William Bruce later described as "a high-energy, high-velocity impact at a shallow angle."

Fans leaving the noisy concert site did not hear the crash, which occurred on the far side of the nearby hill. In fact a search for the lost copter wasn’t begun until 5 A.M. — more than four hours later — after an orbiting search-and-rescue satellite picked up the craft’s emergency-locator transmitter signal. At 7 A.M. searchers found the bodies of Vaughan; Bobby Brooks, Clapton’s Hollywood agent; pilot Jeff Brown (who may have been unfamiliar with the hilly site’s tricky take-off procedures); Clapton’s assistant tour manager, Colin Smythe; and Clapton’s bodyguard, Nigel Browne. Later that morning Clapton and Jimmie Vaughan were summoned by the Walworth County coroner to identify the bodies.

The crash stilled the music of a man that many had considered on the lip of true stardom. Vaughan’s last album, In Step, had gone gold and won a Grammy, and a new LP had already been recorded for release later this month. The latter, titled Family Style, was a pet project of Vaughan and brother Jimmie, 38, who had quit his job as lead guitarist with the Fabulous Thunderbirds to work on the LP.

Special Guest(s):

Buddy Guy – guitar / vocals* Robert Cray – guitar / vocals* Stevie Ray Vaughan – guitar / vocals* Jimmie Vaughan – guitar / vocals*

01. Pretending 02. No Alibis 03. Running On Faith 04. I Shot The Sheriff 05. White Room 06. Can’t Find My Way Home 07. Bad Love 08. Before You Accuse Me 09. Old Love 10. Badge 11. Wonderful Tonight 12. Cocaine 13. Layla 14. Sunshine Of Your Love 15. Sweet Home Chicago*

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When Eric Clapton’s Bigoted 1976 Rant Sparked Rock Against Racism

Eric Clapton was visibly intoxicated onstage at a concert in Birmingham on Aug. 5, 1976. But the message he spoke at the mike was clear. As he advocated his support for Enoch Powell, a controversial right-wing British politician well-known for his anti-immigration views, the guitarist took things even further, asking the audience if there were any foreigners present.

“I don’t want you here, in the room or in my country,” Clapton said . “Listen to me, man! I think we should vote for Enoch Powell. Enoch’s our man. I think Enoch’s right, I think we should send them all back."

His words echoed much of the sentiment Powell had espoused in his infamous 1968 Rivers of Blood speech , in which he staunchly criticized mass immigration and implied that the majority of immigrants arriving in the U.K. were doing so "with a view to the exercise of actual domination, first over fellow immigrants and then over the rest of the population."

Clapton, however, was much more blunt. "Stop Britain from becoming a black colony," he said. "Get the foreigners out. Get the wogs out. Get the coons out. Keep Britain white. I used to be into dope, now I’m into racism. It’s much heavier, man. Fucking wogs, man. Fucking Saudis taking over London. Bastard wogs. Britain is becoming overcrowded, and Enoch will stop it and send them all back. The black wogs and coons and Arabs and fucking Jamaicans and fucking … don’t belong here, we don’t want them here. This is England, this is a white country, we don’t want any black wogs and coons living here. We need to make clear to them they are not welcome. England is for white people, man. We are a white country. I don’t want fucking wogs living next to me with their standards. This is Great Britain, a white country. What is happening to us, for fuck’s sake?”

His comments were so inflammatory that they served as the kick-starter for 1976's Rock Against Racism (RAR) movement, a campaign of carnivals and tours created in reaction to a rise in racist attacks on the streets of Britain. Up until Clapton's rant, the campaign was " just an idea ," but in the wake of his words, several of RAR's founders - Red Saunders, Roger Huddle, Jo Wreford and Pete Bruno - moved forward with their plan, even writing a letter to NME to protest their disgust.

"Come on Eric ... own up," they wrote . "Half your music is black. You're rock music's biggest colonist. ... We want to organize a rank-and-file movement against the racist poison music ... we urge support for Rock Against Racism." They concluded their open letter with a reference to Clapton's No. 1 cover of Bob Marley 's "I Shot the Sheriff": "P.S. Who shot the sheriff, Eric? It sure as hell wasn't you!"

Just a few months after the incident, Clapton, who at that point was struggling with intense drug and alcohol addictions, was not quick to apologize, brushing the matter off as random and even comical to him.

"I thought it was quite funny, actually," he said in October 1976. "I don't know much about politics. I don't even know if it would be good or bad for him to get in. I don't even know who the prime minister is now. I just don't know what came over me that night. It must have been something that happened in the day, but it came out in this garbled thing."

The exact wording of Clapton's quote has been debated, as there is no official transcript from the concert, but multiple sources corroborate the event, and Clapton himself has effectively confirmed that it did happen. Even so, decades later he insisted the rhetoric doesn't sound like him. "There’s no way I could be a racist, it would make no sense," he said in 2004 , noting that his opinion on immigration policies "hasn’t changed" and that Powell was "outrageously brave."

In 2018, Clapton stated that while he knew his comments were offensive, he wasn't the racist he appeared to be onstage that evening. "I was so ashamed of who I was, a kind of semi-racist, which didn't make sense," he said at a Q&A following a screening of   Life in 12 Bars , a documentary film about his life. "Half of my friends were black, I dated a black woman and I championed black music.

"I'm not excusing myself, it was an awful thing to do,"  he reiterated in 2018, doubling down on an excuse he used decades earlier: "I think it's funny, actually."

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