Eric Clapton 'struggling to play guitar' due to nerve damage
"I consider it a great thing to be alive at all"
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Guitar playing extraordinaire Eric Clapton has revealed that nerve damage has hindered his ability to play the instrument.
The musician has suffered from peripheral neuropathy since 2013, a condition that is known to affect sensation and movements.
Clapton told Classic Rock Magazine how the nerve damage started out as lower back pain which forced him to cancel numerous tour dates.
The musician said:
“[It’s] hard work to play the guitar and I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that it will not improve. What I’ll allow myself to do, within reason, is carry on recording in the studio. I don’t want to go off the boil to the point where I’m embarrassing myself."
The 71-year-old is best known for writing classic tracks including "Tears in Heaven", "Wonderful Tonight" and "Layla" as well as performing in bands The Yardbirds and Cream.
“Because I’m in recovery from alcoholism and addiction to substances," Clapton continued, "I consider it a great thing to be alive at all. By rights, I should have kicked the bucket a long time ago.
"For some reason, I was plucked from the jaws of hell and given another chance.”
Earlier this month, NME reported that Clapton has recorded two new songs with The Rolling Stones which are said to be appearing on the band's forthcoming record.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments