Latest news with #Clapton
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Tributes pour in as iconic rock star dies aged 77
He was best known for his work with legendary musicians such as Eric Clapton and George Harrison. Bobby Whitlock, iconic singer-keyboardist and co-founder of 70s blues-rock band Derek and the Dominos alongside Eric Clapton, has died aged 77. His manager, Carol Kaye, confirmed the news to Variety. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on March 18, 1948, Whitlock was signed to Stax Records at an early age and played with artists like Booker T. and the MG's and Sam & Dave. He later became an integral member of Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, meeting Clapton while his band opened Clapton's supergroup Blind Faith. Following the release of Delaney & Bonnie's live album On Tour with Eric Clapton in 1970, Whitlock was invited to reunite with Clapton on his debut solo album and to accompany George Harrison in the studio for All Things Must Pass. Accompanied by Carl Radle and Jim Gordon, Clapton and Whitlock started Derek and the Dominos as a blues-rock group, releasing their 1971 double LP Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, widely considered to be one of rock's greatest albums. Speaking to Best Classic Bands in 2015, Whitlock commented on the supergroup's early breakup by calling it 'lightning in a bottle'. 'We did one club tour, we did one photo session, then we did a tour of a bit larger venues,' he continued. 'Then we did one studio album in Miami. We did one American tour. Then we did one failed attempt at a second album. 'Everybody was doing entirely too much drugs and alcohol,' he admitted at the time, while also recognising that Drek and the Dominoes were 'the very best band on the planet… We were better than anybody.' Following the band's breakup, Whitlock went on to release a string of studio albums in the 70s, including a self-titled record in 1972, which included all the members of the recently split group. He also made an uncredited appearance on the Rolling Stones' Exile on Main Street, and has claimed to have been cheated out of a co-writing credit for the song 'I Just Want to See His Face'. He also appeared as a guest musician on self-titled albums by Clapton and Doris Troy, Dr. John's The Sun, Moon & Herbs and Stephen Stills & Manassas' Down the Road. In 2024, Whitlock was awarded a Brass Music Note on Memphis' own Beale Street Walk of Fame for his work.
Business Upturn
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Bobby Whitlock passes away at 77: A look back at his life and career
On August 10, 2025, the music world mourned the loss of Bobby Whitlock, who passed away at 77 in his Texas home after a brief illness, as confirmed by his manager, Carol Kaye. Best known as a co-founder of Derek and the Dominos, Whitlock's soulful contributions as a pianist, guitarist, singer, and songwriter left an enduring mark on rock and soul music. This article reflects on his remarkable career, from his Memphis roots to his work on iconic albums like Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs . Memphis Beginnings and Stax Records Born on March 18, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, Bobby Whitlock grew up steeped in the city's vibrant soul and blues scene. As a teenager, he became the first white artist signed to Stax Records, a label synonymous with soul music. At Stax, Whitlock honed his craft, playing organ and contributing handclaps to Sam & Dave's 1967 hit 'I Thank You.' His early exposure to legends like Steve Cropper and Booker T. Jones shaped his distinctive, gospel-infused style. Whitlock's raw talent and Southern roots—his family background included 'River Rats, Moonshiners, Whores, and a Southern Baptist preacher' father—gave him a unique musical authenticity. Joining Delaney & Bonnie and Meeting Clapton In 1968, Whitlock joined Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, a soul-revue band where he played keyboards and sang. His dynamic performances caught the eye of Eric Clapton, who joined the band as a guest guitarist. Clapton later praised Whitlock's energy, noting he was 'the most energetic sideman I had ever seen.' This collaboration led to Whitlock's involvement in sessions for Doris Troy's 1970 Apple Records album and a performance at John Lennon's 'Peace for Christmas' concert. These experiences connected him with George Harrison, setting the stage for his most iconic contributions. Derek and the Dominos: A Rock Masterpiece In 1970, Whitlock co-founded Derek and the Dominos with Eric Clapton, bassist Carl Radle, and drummer Jim Gordon. Their only studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970), is a rock classic. Whitlock co-wrote seven tracks, including 'Bell Bottom Blues' and 'Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?' His soulful vocals, often duetting with Clapton, and his Hammond organ work added depth to the album's blues-rock sound. The album, driven by Clapton's unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, was a critical success but initially a commercial disappointment. Tragically, drug use and personal conflicts led to the band's breakup in 1971. Whitlock later recalled, 'We scored an enormous amount of drugs… that was the beginning of the end.' Iconic Collaborations: Harrison and The Rolling Stones Whitlock's talents extended beyond Derek and the Dominos. He played keyboards, piano, and tubular bells on George Harrison's 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass , contributing to tracks like 'Beware of Darkness.' He described these sessions as 'spectacular.' In 1972, he added uncredited keyboard work to The Rolling Stones' Exile on Main Street , further showcasing his versatility. Whitlock also collaborated with artists like Dr. John and Manassas, solidifying his reputation as a sought-after session musician. Solo Work and Artistic Evolution Whitlock released solo albums in the 1970s, including Bobby Whitlock and Raw Velvet (both 1972), featuring Clapton and Rick Vito. After a quieter period in the 1980s and 1990s, he returned with It's About Time (1999) and later collaborated with his wife, CoCo Carmel, on albums like Other Assorted Love Songs, Live from Whitney Chapel (2003). In his later years, Whitlock embraced painting, creating over 1,800 pieces since 2018, reflecting his emotional depth. In 2024, he was inducted into Memphis' Beale Street Walk of Fame, honoring his musical legacy. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Business Insider
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
How to get Eric Clapton tickets: Columbus, Nashville, Boston, and more
With a career spanning over 50 years as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, it's no surprise that the announcement of Eric Clapton's return to the US for a tour sparked great interest. The 'Layla' star recently concluded a residency in Japan earlier in the year, which was followed by several stops across Europe. September 2025 sees the global star back in the US for a limited seven-show tour. Original standard tickets have already sold out for several locations, but luckily, there are still options available if you are looking for how to get tickets to see Eric Clapton this year. Clapton originally announced his 2025 limited US tour to be only six stops, but later added an additional show on September 5 in Columbus, Ohio. The tour marks the first US performance for Clapton in over a year and has been highly anticipated by his fans, who have been eagerly awaiting his return. Eric Clapton has openly discussed that he finds touring difficult, due to the length of time it takes to go from place to place. He was even once quoted as saying he would quit touring when he reached the age of 70. This year saw the star turn 80 years old, and luckily for his fans, he didn't follow through on that. Considering Clapton's increasingly selective tour schedule, each concert date feels like a special event. Unlike artists who tour extensively every year, Clapton's live appearances have become rare opportunities for fans to experience his iconic hits performed in person. Eric Clapton's musical band for his limited tour will consist of bassist Nathan East, drummer Edward 'Sonny' Emory III, guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, keyboardists Tim Carmon and Chris Stainton, and backing vocalists Sharon White and Katie Kissoon. If you want to score tickets to see the legendary Eric Clapton himself onstage this September, we've got you covered. Here's our breakdown of Eric Clapton's tour schedule, purchasing details, and price comparisons between resale and original tickets. You can also browse concert and ticket specifics on StubHub and Vivid Seats at your convenience. Eric Clapton's 2025 tour schedule After finishing a residency in Japan followed by European tour stops, Eric Clapton is ready to grace the stage of the continental US. The tour has seven dates on the roster, starting September 5 in Columbus, Ohio. It is scheduled to finish on September 20 with a performance in Uncasville, Connecticut. September 5, 2025 Columbus, OH $328 $360 September 8, 2025 Nashville, TN $130 $135 September 11, 2025 Cleveland, OH $135 $130 September 13, 2025 Philadelphia, PA $297 $291 September 16, 2025 Boston, MA $208 $205 September 19, 2025 New York, NY $301 $330 September 20, 2025 Uncasville, CT $421 $401 Follow our WhatsApp channel and Instagram for more deals and buying guides. How to buy tickets for Eric Clapton's 2025 concert tour You can buy standard original tickets for Eric Clapton's 2025 concert tour on Ticketmaster. As of writing, the standard original tickets for most locations are either low in stock or entirely sold out; however, there are still a limited number of original standard tickets listed for the Nashville and Boston performances. You can check Ticketmaster for the latest standard original ticket availability. As the tour is in extremely high demand and remaining standard tickets are going quickly, it is expected that these will sell out soon, similar to the other tour dates. Tickets are also available from verified resale vendors such as StubHub and Vivid Seats. Considering the limited availability of remaining original tickets, you may have better luck purchasing from these websites instead. Both sites also have a variety of options in terms of seating location and price points, as well as ticket availability for tour stops that have already sold out their original tickets. How much are Eric Clapton tickets? Ticket prices for Eric Clapton's 2025 performances vary depending on each show's date, location, and demand for tickets. While most of the seven scheduled performances have already sold out, Nashville and Boston still have options remaining for original standard tickets available on Ticketmaster. Nashville has options priced at $124 remaining, although all of these options are toward the back of the venue. Boston currently has floor options remaining priced $370 to $400. StubHub offers various options at various price points for all tour stops. The most affordable options range from $130 for Clapton's September 8 performance in Nashville to $421 for the stop in Uncasville, Connecticut. Most tickets on StubHub average $200 to $800, with pricier options available for those looking for the most exclusive options close to the stage. These prices are before additional taxes and fees are factored in. Vivid Seats offers similar pricing to StubHub. The most affordable options range from $130 for Eric Clapton's September 11 performance in Cleveland to $401 for his Uncasville, Connecticut show. Overall, Vivid Seats tickets range from $300 to just over $1,000, with some higher-end options even ranging over $2,000. Similar to StubHub, pricier tickets are for more premium seating and offer an exclusive chance to see the star from a once-in-a-lifetime close-up location. Also similar to StubHub, these prices are before additional taxes and fees. There are currently no VIP packages being offered on Ticketmaster for Eric Clapton's 2025 tour stops. Who is opening for Eric Clapton's tour? It has been confirmed that The Wallflowers will support Eric Clapton for all of his 2025 tour dates. There is currently no information on whether any other acts will open for or support the tour in other capacities. Will there be international tour dates? Eric Clapton's remaining 2025 scheduled tour dates do not include any more international stops. The artist recently returned from an eight-show residency in Tokyo, followed by performances in the UK, Italy, and France. Considering Clapton is known to tour on a limited basis, it is unlikely he will add additional international dates this year.
Forbes
29-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Eric Clapton Blocked From No. 1 — By One Of The Biggest Movies Of The Year
Eric Clapton's Slowhand reenters Billboard's Blues Albums chart, reappearing at No. 2 nearly five ... More decades after its release, blocked only by the Sinners soundtrack. Musician Eric Clapton poses for a portrait in 2003 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by) Eric Clapton changed the trajectory of his career when he released Slowhand. The fifth solo set by the celebrated guitarist dropped in the mid-'70s and produced some of the most popular singles in his catalog. Tracks like 'Lay Down Sally,' 'Cocaine,' and 'Wonderful Tonight' still rank among Clapton's most familiar hits, and they continue to power the full-length to this day – and nearly back to the top of a Billboard ranking this week. Slowhand returns to the Blues Albums chart this week in America. Clapton's project nearly climbs back to the summit – where it didn't manage to find space just a few days ago – on the tally of the most consumed blues full-lengths and EPs in the nation, but it misses the top spot by just one space, and it's a somewhat surprising title that keeps him from reaching No. 1 again. The soundtrack that accompanies the movie Sinners blocks Slowhand from another turn at No. 1. The album — built around the largely blues tracks performed in the Ryan Coogler-directed box office smash — has now spent five weeks on the Blues Albums chart. The full-length debuted in that position a month ago and has yet to budge from the top position. While it was originally released in 1977, Slowhand didn't appear on the Blues Albums ranking until just a few months ago, in January of this year. The set has bounced on and off the genre-specific roster and has now spent seven nonconsecutive frames somewhere on the 15-spot list. Three of those frames have seen it rule the tally, though interestingly, it didn't debut in first place. Clapton's full-length waited until April to reach the summit. When it did, it became his twelfth leader after first breaking in and becoming one of his 14 top 10s on the tally. Throughout his career, Clapton has pushed 15 titles to the Blues Albums chart. Just one of them has missed out on the loftiest space on the roster.
The Guardian
26-05-2025
- The Guardian
Mother of 18-year-old killed in London police chase welcomes inquest findings
The mother of a gifted young footballer who died after police chased him at high speed while he was riding his moped has welcomed the findings of an inquest jury that found there were multiple failings by officers involved in the case. Lewis Johnson, 18, a former Crystal Palace youth player, died in February 2016 when the white Vespa scooter he was riding collided with a van in Clapton, east London, after a three-minute high-speed police chase. Officers were pursuing him after reports that he had been snatching mobile phones. It has taken nine years since Johnson's death for the inquest to take place. During that time there have been a series of legal challenges and investigations into the fatal incident. Johnson's mother, Ann Torpey, said she felt a weight had been lifted from her after the inquest concluded. 'The jury agreed with us. I was in shock at first after fighting for the truth to come out for nine years,' she said. 'I left the court and got on the train and by the time I got off a smile was spreading across my face. I felt as if a 10-stone weight had been lifted from me.' 'My Lewis had had bad experiences with the police. He never would have stopped for them in that chase. When I started to fight for justice for him I wasn't clued up about legal things but it was Lewis who made me stronger every day.' In a narrative conclusion on Thursday, a jury at Bow coroner's court in east London found that Johnson died after colliding with a traffic light pole close to Clapton Common. They found that the way Johnson rode his moped while being pursued, at times in excess of the speed limit, on the wrong side of the road and mounting the pavement, was influenced by the manner of the police pursuit, with the police car following him too closely at times, 'a factor that placed additional pressure on Mr Johnson, affecting his decision-making'. The jury also found that opportunities to reduce the risk to Johnson and to the public by the driver of the police vehicle were missed, in particular by continuing to drive too close to the moped at times. Their conclusions highlighted the fact that the police driver involved in the chase did not have the relevant qualification, known as initial pursuit certification, to pursue motorbikes and there was a lack of knowledge amongthe police driver, vehicle operator and Metropolitan police control room staff of the policy in relation to the pursuit of motorcycles and lack of adequate communication of these policies. Torpey believes her son did not stop when the police were pursuing him because he was scared of them. Relating to the allegations that Johnson had been stealing mobile phones, Torpey said her son had done 'wrong things' but was not a 'bad person' and had become involved in postcode disputes. She said: 'Lewis was my absolute. He had an aura around him. Everybody loved him and hundreds of people came to his funeral. Our last conversation was about pancakes as it was pancake day and I asked him what he wanted on his pancakes later that day. The last thing he said to me was: 'I love you mumsie'. I will continue to live my life for my other children but every night when I go to sleep I know that when I wake up the next day I'll be a step closer to being with Lewis again.' Taylor Rose are the solicitors instructed in the case. Andre Clovis, a consultant solicitor, said: 'Ms Torpey has never made any excuses for Lewis's behaviour but she has been badly let down by the legal system. 'It has saddened me that unless she fought tooth and nail through every obstacle placed in her way for nine years, she would not have received that which she is entitled to under the law, a full understanding of circumstances in which Lewis met his death.' Chief Supt Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in the area, said: 'Our thoughts and condolences remain with Lewis's family and friends for their loss. We are aware of the outcome of the inquest and we will respond to any recommendations from the coroner in due course. 'We have a clear policy on when and where a police pursuit should take place. We recognise the dangers of these incidents and officers should adhere to the national guidelines issued by the College of Policing. 'Officers driving police vehicles, or those who have responsibility for monitoring or authorising a pursuit, are trained on how they should respond to these dynamic incidents.' On 4 March 2022, a misconduct hearing found misconduct proven against two officers involved in the pursuit, the force said. A PC who was the driver of the police vehicle was found to have initiated and continued the pursuit without the appropriate authority. An outcome of misconduct was recorded. The panel found the officer had the mistaken belief that the pursuit had been authorised. On 12 October 2021, that officer was found not guilty at Kingston crown court of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Misconduct allegations against a former, now retired, sergeant was found to be proven relating to a training matter, while allegations against a second former (retired) sergeant were not proven. According to data from the Independent Office for Police Conduct in the year 2023-24 there were 24 deaths as a result of police pursuits in England and Wales. Freedom of information data from the Metropolitan police reveals that the number of police pursuits has almost doubled from 2,779 in 2019-20 to 4,111 in 2024-25, when about a quarter of these pursuits, 1,179, resulted in a collision.
