Helpful Score: 3
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.
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.
Helpful Score: 2
The book for me was slow in the beginning, and did not pick up until the end. If you are a Clapton fan, there are a lot of details regarding his career, and his romantic trysts. The book also covers his bumpy road as an alcoholic and drug abuser to a person who has been sober over 20 years now. His story gives insight as to the differences his life took when he decided not to allow alcohol to take over his life, and instead to allow his faith to keep him sober.
Each chapter begins with a picture of whatever era or person Eric depicts in that chapter. There is a chapter that discusses the tragic death of his son Conor, and how Eric dealt with that without any substances.
I came away after reading the book, respecting Eric Clapton for who he is now, and the talent and drive that kept him going throughout the many stages of his life.
Each chapter begins with a picture of whatever era or person Eric depicts in that chapter. There is a chapter that discusses the tragic death of his son Conor, and how Eric dealt with that without any substances.
I came away after reading the book, respecting Eric Clapton for who he is now, and the talent and drive that kept him going throughout the many stages of his life.
Helpful Score: 2
I could not get into this book. I am a big Clapton fan, but this could not hold my interest.
Helpful Score: 1
Maybe Clapton should have used a ghost-writer... This was not a compelling read, and lord knows it should've been! Between friendships with iconic musicians, multiple sexual liasons, alcoholism, heroin addiction--it should've been fascinating. But it was ho-hum at best. I liked him a lot better before I read this.
Helpful Score: 1
Very interesting book without going into alot of detail about his road to fame.
Helpful Score: 1
Frankly I'm puzzled by some of the reviews before me cause I enjoyed the book. It is indeed candid and I will second what a previous reader said about thinking more of the man prior to reading the book. I think it took some guts to write this book. The research into the book is pretty comprehensive.I wonder who helped him with it because I looked and could find not any credit. All in all I would say read it!
Helpful Score: 1
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.
Very monotonous in the beginning. I'm only a quarter of a way through the book and I find it hard to pick up and read it some days.
SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) -
This is a very complete picture of Clapton's life. Starting with his childhood, he tells his story with painful hard lessons he learned and amazing honesty of self inflicted problems he slowly managed to conquer. It is a sad book, but a wonderful journey of a life to finally find a path of happiness. It left me amazed that he is alive and inspired at his realizations of the important things in life. I found it fascinating reading.
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.
This is a great history of rock and roll in Europe and then across the pond.
Very interesting book - he was very candid!
I've been a huge fan of Eric Clapton for many, many years and grew up in my teens listening to his music. I still do. Clapton doesn't write as well as he plays guitar and crafts his music, but this was an interesting book nonetheless. Did you know he taught himself to play the guitar? I didn't. I learned more about his addictions than I really knew prior to this and found that his life wasn't easy while growing up. It was fun to read about so many of the other artists that he was friends with and played music with, so many of which I am a fan of. His love of music has always been more bluesy than rocks-y and I saw that during his career, but his interest in fashion and many of the other arts surprised me. Clapton was very open about his life while writing this book and while I saw he had demons, some of which turned me off, I also saw he was willing to lay it all out on the table. He's a real guy, we all have demons - and I love him even more for it.
Clapton's autobiography makes for a good read about his life and transformation into a great guitarist. There is plenty of accurate, Early rock history including the U.S.A. and England. Inspirational for anyone who wonders if the 12 step program works.
