by Eric Clapton
First published 2021
Eric Clapton opens his legendary guitar collection to readers, revealing how each instrument shaped his musical journey. Through nearly 300 guitars he sold in three record-breaking auctions between 1999 and 2011, Clapton traces his evolution from the psychedelic Sixties through the unplugged Nineties. He discusses the provenance of famous instruments like his "Blackie" Stratocaster alongside previously unknown rarities, sharing anecdotes from each chapter of his career. The musician recalls guitars he bought to emulate his heroes, instruments with mysterious origins that became legends themselves, and pieces that never left his side. Each guitar receives individual photography that captures every curve and scratch, while work from over 80 rock photographers shows the instruments in performance. Historical and technical details complete each story, including playlists and concert dates. All proceeds from these auctions benefited the Crossroads treatment center Clapton founded in 1998.
Genres: history, art, biography-memoir, music
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, intimate
Tropes: memoir, personal-journey
Period: 1960s, 1990s
376 pages · Hardcover · Genesis Publications