Clapton: The Autobiography

Years ago I remember walking into the music store to purchase my first electric guitar knowing EXACTLY what I wanted; the guitar that looked like Clapton's!! For decades EC has thrilled millions with his guitar wizardry and for my money he's among the top 2 or 3 guitarists of all time. So I was excited about the release of his autobiography and to be able to get his first hand perspective on the events that made up his fascinating life.

In addition to providing detailed accounts of his musical development, Clapton spends a fair amount of the time describing his emotional journey that occurred off stage, beginning with his earliest memories as a young boy. The pain he felt as a child after his mother's abandonment and rejection profoundly affected him, and would remain at the center of the substance abuse problems that would take him many years to shake.

EC candidly recalls his indulgence in hard drugs, alcohol addiction, the tragic loss of his son Conor and difficult relationships with many women before ultimately cleaning up and finding peace and love in functional family life. Clapton seems to try his level best not to glorify his drug use and the over indulgent rock n' roll lifestyle that he led. At times, some of the thoughts he conveys even seem to border on "preachy" but the author makes no apologies. "Staying sober and helping others to achieve sobriety will always be the single most important proposition in my life.

Throughout the uncertainty and confusion in his personal life, Clapton continued to deliver the musical goods. From the Yardbirds, to his most recent disc with JJ Cale (an outstanding LP by the way), it's all chronicled within these 328 pages. Even for those who have read previous books on EC like yours truly, there are new interesting and enlightening pieces of information. I had no idea for instance how much of a musical bond Eric had formed with the late great, Duane Allman during their short collaboration. "He was like the musical brother I'd never had but wished I did." Oddly enough, many years later EC toured with another of the Allman's guitar players, Derek Trucks and heaped heavy praise upon him ."Trucks' playing was stunning, like nothing I had ever heard before.. he seems to have no limit". Clapton pays homage and expresses his respect throughout the book to many other musicians that he has played with and to many of the greats that inspired him along the way.

Clapton appears to have finally found solace in his family life. And with a revamped band ready to hit the road in '09, including an 11 night Royal Albert Hall run slated for May, "Slowhand", is still going strong. Clapton: The Autobiography is a must for any holiday shopper looking for the perfect gift for the rock aficionado in their family.

-A