Eric Clapton reveals this week of his declining health

Not only that.  He gave pioneer blues artist their due and their royalties.

The thread’s subject is his health, not his talent or generosity.

IMHO Clapton was at his best with Cream. I saw them in 1968. 3 supreme masters on one stage. There are many great guitarists who have never reached Mr. Claptons level of fame. I live near DC, which spawned some of the best: Roy Buchanan, Danny Gatton, (both deceased-seen them both), Link Wray, Tom Principato(still performing). Then there is Larry Carlton, Walter Becker. Many others who never rang the top 40 bell.

Young Clapton was amazing, but old Clapton has been mailing it in fo some years - the slow version of Layla??!!

But his last album, 'I Still Do' proved that he still can. Impressive on vinyl (double 45 rpm).

Have seen him live many times and was glad to see he could still dredge up some of the old fire.

I've been fortunate to have seen Clapton live many times through all stages of his musical career....starting with Cream and still strongly feel his musical journey is truly astonishing. As a musician myself, I view his approach to playing not unlike Miles Davis.....whom I saw a number of times...a true  genius.....though for me, the similarities were in their approach in that it was always equally important when not to play a note....it's not about speed, which too many young guitarists think....but rather making every note count, that's why EC's solo's are so recognizable and memorable,,,..they're integral to the song and not merely about showmanship. Ginger Baker once said, it was always about the music. That's also why why his good friend and fellow guitarist George Harrison, whom I admire enormously as well for his body of work....also had EC play on his signature song....George recognized EC's incredible talent for bringing something special to every song. As others have noted, EC always credits those who came before him and his quite comfortable handing it off to the next generation of great young guitarists.....that speaks volumes about his character.