Eric Clapton’s Take on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Legendary musician Eric Clapton has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times, but his experiences with the institution have been far from straightforward. In a recent interview, Clapton shared his candid thoughts on the Hall of Fame, revealing both his initial enthusiasm and eventual disillusionment.
The Initial Attraction
Clapton’s initial interest in the Hall of Fame was sparked by the involvement of Ahmet Ertegun, the former Atlantic Records president and Hall of Fame chairman. Ertegun’s efforts to recognize the contributions of early Atlantic artists, such as Ruth Brown and the Drifters, resonated with Clapton. He explained, "I think the fact that they had Ahmet Ertegun was the ticket for me. He was doing it for people like Ruth Brown and the Drifters, all those early Atlantic artists that were being forgotten. And then, it just kind of started to snowball."
The Influence of Rolling Stone
However, Clapton’s enthusiasm was tempered by the involvement of Rolling Stone magazine, whose founder, Jann Wenner, also played a key role in establishing the Hall of Fame. Clapton admitted, "I was very suspicious of it, to be honest with you." However, the endorsement of friend Robbie Robertson, a fellow musician and Hall of Fame inductee, helped to alleviate his concerns.
The 1993 Induction Ceremony
Clapton’s induction into the Hall of Fame with Cream in 1993 was a highlight of his career. He recalled, "I think I enjoyed the reunion with Cream, to be honest with you. It was a great experience." However, his overall assessment of the institution has since become more critical.
Omissions and Criticisms
Clapton has been vocal about the Hall of Fame’s omissions, particularly the lack of recognition for influential musicians like J.J. Cale. He declared, "The fact that someone like J.J. has never even been suggested is proof of what that thing is, or proof of what it isn’t. It’s not likely he’ll ever come up. It’s not their thing. I don’t know what their thing is. But he’s too anonymous for those guys."
Clapton also criticized the Hall of Fame’s failure to recognize Paul Rodgers, the former lead singer of Free and Bad Company. He stated, "He’s a rebel. It’s not a place for rebels. It’s establishment stuff."
Conclusion
Eric Clapton’s experiences with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame serve as a reminder that even the most iconic musicians can have complex and nuanced views on the institution. While Clapton’s initial enthusiasm was sparked by the Hall’s recognition of early Atlantic artists, his subsequent disillusionment was fueled by the omissions and biases that have come to define the institution.
FAQs
Q: Why did Eric Clapton initially support the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
A: Clapton was initially drawn to the Hall of Fame because of Ahmet Ertegun’s efforts to recognize the contributions of early Atlantic artists.
Q: What changed Clapton’s opinion of the Hall of Fame?
A: Clapton’s opinion shifted due to the institution’s omissions, particularly the lack of recognition for influential musicians like J.J. Cale and Paul Rodgers.
Q: Has Clapton been inducted into the Hall of Fame multiple times?
A: Yes, Clapton has been inducted into the Hall of Fame three times, with the Yardbirds, Cream, and as a solo artist.
Q: What does Clapton think about the Hall of Fame’s recognition of rebels?
A: Clapton believes that the Hall of Fame is not a place for rebels, citing Paul Rodgers as an example of a musician who has been overlooked due to his rebellious nature.
