“I’m a curiosity.»
Rock and blues guitar virtuoso Eric Clapton has said he’s basically falling apart with old age. But when you’re a musician, some indignities are worse than others.
In his career, Clapton has played with all the greats, including B. King, Buddy Guy, Steve Winwood, George Harrison, Robert Cray and Keith Richards.
Before becoming a solo artist, Clapton played in a number of bands, including the Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominos, and the Bluesbreakers.
He’s a living musical legend.
But the 72-year-old told the BBC 2 in a new interview that he’s losing the ability to hear his music:
“I mean, I’m going deaf, I’ve got tinnitus, my hands just about work. I mean, I’m hoping that people will come along and see me just because, or maybe more than because I’m a curiosity.”
In addition to being on stage for decades and not protecting his ears, Clapton is a huge Formula One racing fan. That can’t be easy on his ears, either.
It’s a passion he shares with another rock legend, Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin:
Clapton is the subject of a new documentary, “Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars,” and he still tours even though he recently told Rolling Stone that he’s had issues with his hands.
He admitted to BBC 2 that «it’s amazing to myself that I’m still here.”
He may be amazed, but the rest of us are just glad.
