Search - Clapton: The Autobiography

In the past year, I have read quite a few biographies and autobiographies of rock artists from the 60s and 70s. The last one I read before this was Twenty Thousand Roads about Gram Parsons, and that one left me very haunted. Before that I had read Marianne Faithful's autobiography. I could not help but feel that so many talented artists were ridiculously reckless with their talents and, more importantly, their lives. I swore that I was going to take a break from reading about my generation's heroes because I was quickly becoming disillusioned. But I had this book on Clapton and, since I had already read Patti Boyd's account of their relationship, I figured I would read it and close the book on tempestuous rock stars.

This book? I am very pleased to say that I was pleasantly surprised to find I have gained a new respect for Mr. Clapton. I have always respected his talent, but now I have a respect for the man. It starts out the usual way - drugs and other crazy self-indulgent behavior. But this man got help, and he stumbled and got more help. He lost a child. Even in his grief he didn't succumb to his old ways. In fact, through soulsearching and hard work, he became more determined to fight his demons and stay sober. And even more impressive, he sought to help others who were fighting the same battle.

I am glad that I decided to read this book. At last, an autobiography of a musical genius who didn't self-destruct.

Great book. Slow getting started, but I am of a "younger" generation and so I didn't know a lot of the names he throws out there in the beginning. It got really interesting for me about page 50 or so, because he starts talking about The Beatles and the Stones and then I "got it". A very interesting life story. I am not a huge Clapton fan, I actually read the book for my book club and it's something I would have never picked, so I am glad I had the opportunity to peek in on his life. It's amazing to me that he's still alive. Overall, a great read, I highly recommend it to anyone whether you're a Clapton fan or not.

This is a great history of rock and roll in Europe and then across the pond.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is an account of his life and his addiction and how he has struggled with it and why. I knew pretty much nothing about Eric Clapton before I read it other than I enjoy a few of his songs. I found it to be interesting, however at times it talked about a bunch of people I have never heard of before and kept dropping names. There were times when I was frustrated with reading it and his addiction, but otherwise it was very compelling.