Musical Frictions: 3 Artists Who Have Criticized Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton, acclaimed for his remarkable guitar skills, has not been immune to criticism, especially from peers in the music industry. While his talent with a guitar is widely recognized and celebrated, it's his outspoken opinions and actions off-stage that have stirred controversy and led to disapproval from some fellow musicians.

Phoebe Bridgers: A Genres Apart Critique

Indie singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers represents a younger generation of artists who share little common ground with Clapton. Bridgers has publicly voiced her criticisms of Clapton, labeling his music as 'extremely mediocre' and citing his historical racist remarks as a point of contention. Her song 'Moon Song' includes negative references to Clapton, but her most pointed critiques have been made during interviews.

The Yardbirds: From Bandmates to Detractors

The Yardbirds, a band that once featured Clapton, experienced internal rifts that led to his departure. After Clapton left the group due to musical differences—specifically, the band's move away from pure blues—some members felt a sense of relief. Eric's moodiness and apparent sense of isolation became a point of friction, with drummer Jim McCarty expressing that Clapton's exit was for the best.

Rita Coolidge: A Dispute Over Song Credits

Rita Coolidge's issue with Clapton is rooted in a professional dispute. Coolidge claims she composed a significant part of the piano breakdown for Clapton's famous song 'Layla' but was never given credit. This omission has long been a sore spot for Coolidge, who has also spoken about feeling undervalued and disregarded by Clapton personally, further fueling her discontent.

disputes, criticisms, frictions