Eric Clapton cover art

Eric Clapton

The Autobiography

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Eric Clapton

By: Eric Clapton
Narrated by: Bill Nighy
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About this listen

 Eric Clapton is far more than a rock star. Like Dylan and McCartney, he is an icon and a living legend. He has sold tens of millions of records, played sell-out concerts all over the world, and been central to the significant musical developments of his era. His guitar playing has seen him hailed as "God". Tracks such as "Layla", "Sunshine of Your Love", "Wonderful Tonight", and "Tears in Heaven" have become anthems for generations of music fans. Now, for the first time, Eric tells the story of his personal and professional journeys in this pungent, witty, and painfully honest autobiography.

Eric was born illegitimate in 1945 and raised by his grandparents. He never knew his father, and until the age of nine believed his absentee mother to be his sister. In his teens his solace was the guitar, and he soon became a cult hero in the club circuits of Britain. With the foundation of the world's first super-group, Cream, in 1966, he became a world superstar.

But the rock-star lifestyle has had a darker side. In more than 40 years at the forefront of his profession, he has twice survived near fatal addictions to drugs and alcohol, the death of his four-year-old son, the deaths of friends such as Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon, the break-up of marriage, and the disintegration of relationships with a succession of beautiful women.

These are the memoirs of a survivor, someone who has reached the pinnacle of success, who has had it all, but whose demons have never left him. At the age of 62, Eric is now ready to tell his story as it is, hiding nothing, with a directness and searing honesty that will make this book one of the most compelling memoirs of our time.

©2007 Eric Clapton (P)2007 Random House Entertainment & Celebrities Biography Celebrity Guitar Witty Memoir

Critic Reviews

"Engrossing....some overwhelmingly poignant and wrenching personal meditations make the book a success." ( Kirkus Reviews)
"Both the youthful excesses and the current calm state are narrated with an engaging tone that nudges Clapton's story ahead of other rock 'n' roll memoirs." ( Publishers Weekly)
All stars
Most relevant  
It’s a good listen. There are sizeable chunks of time missing and I have heard other audio versions of the book which had more details than this one so this edition abridged. [Edit: I see it says that in the description now]

A fascinating story which is more focused on his personal life and problems. Music talk is mainly about the touring regime though he speaks very highly of many great musicians.

A great tale about self-esteem and a search for peace with oneself.

Great but truncated

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I enjoyed the book, the narrator is good. But I wish it was at least twice as long. Would have been good to get more details on the things spoken about

Good but wish it was longer

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I didn't know anything about Eric Clapton before listening to his audible biography but I am over the moon I did! It is only 5 and a half hours long but the things he has achieved and his humble beginnings make for a great listen!

Quick listen... But what a listen!!

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Great honest account of his life. Inspiring that he overcame his challenges. Must listen too.

Great

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This is a really honest look at Clapton’s ups and downs and ultimate lifelong battle with alcoholism.
Loved hearing the background behind many of his hit songs and learning of the tragedies and successes throughout his life.
My one criticism is that it was over waaay to soon. A very short biography of a life that deserved more detail and insight.

Tears in heaven

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Loved it! my only criticism is the fact that it's abridged so seems like it's missing parts of the chronology.

Great book!

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Really enjoyed the book. Certainly lived a rock n roll life style! I am a bit of a cream fan but didn't realise how much other stuff Clapton had done. Enjoyed discovering music like Delaney and Bonnie. Also interesting to hear about things like George Harrison writing Here comes the Sun on Eric's Lawn. Bill Nighy was great to listen too.

Learned a lot about Clapton.

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This is incredibly brief and barely goes into any detail around his life or his work.

It's almost as if it's a readying of his Wikipedia page

Just go on Wikipedia

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