Eric Clapton Tickets

Eric Clapton is easily one of the most successful musicians of his time, with three inductions to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and often lauded as one of the best guitarists of all time.

Clapton grew up in England and Canada, a self-described "nasty kid." At 13, the legendary artist received his first guitar for his birthday and almost gave up because the instrument was so difficult. He practiced obsessively, and eventually learned the chords and formed an extreme interest in blues music.

In 1963 Clapton joined The Yardbirds, a rock band rooted in the blues, and he became one of the most talked-about young artists in England. Around this time, he earned the nickname "Slowhand," because he immediately replaced broken guitar strings on stage - audiences would slowly clap until he was finished restringing the guitar and ready to play again.

In 1966, Clapton formed Cream, one of musics first super groups. Jack Bruce, formerly of Manfred Mann, was on bass and Ginger Baker, formerly of Graham Bond Organisation, played drums. While Clapton spent his time with The Yardbirds perfecting his guitar craft, his time with Cream was spent honing his singing and songwriting. The band initiated the blues jam sessions and extended solos at live shows, and keeping their studio work shorter and more focused.

By 1967, Clapton was without a doubt the top guitarist in Britain, with the beginnings of a rivalry from up-and-comer Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix drew the attention of the top UK performers, including Clapton, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles - this began the second phase of Claptons career - American dominance.

Cream was extremely successful in the U.S., and Clapton was hailed as a guitar hero. The band as a whole emphasized the skills of instrumentalists and the flashiness that can come from performing. Hits from the band during their reign included "Sunshine of Your Love," "Crossroads" and "White Room." While the group broke up due to growing tensions between the members, they have reunited from time to time and certainly left their mark on the music industry.

While Clapton worked with a number of collectives, he is well known for his time with Derek and the Dominos. Hits from the band include "Layla," and the group is also known for including another legendary guitarist, Duane Allman of The Allman Brothers Band, on a number of tracks. The group eventually dissolved under unfortunate circumstances, and Clapton retreated to England to recover from drug addiction and shape up his life.

By 1974, Clapton quit drugs and was back to recording with his band. "461 Ocean Boulevard" was the first album, and included the cover of "I Shot the Sheriff." The legendary artist produced a number of critical and commercial successes over the years, including "Wonderful Tonight," "Cocaine," and "Tears in Heaven."

Clapton has certainly reached the pinnacle of guitar success - he now opts for a strong focus on the blues, often collaborating with blues legends that shy from the mainstream, including Robbie Robertson and J.J. Cale.