At 80, Eric Clapton Names The Six Rockstars He Hated The Most
Eric Clapton, the legendary guitarist known for his work with Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and his solo career, has never been one to shy away from controversy. Now, at 80 years old, he’s opening up about the rockstars he couldn’t stand during his decades in the music industry.
From creative clashes to personal grudges, Clapton’s list includes some of the biggest names in rock history. Who made the cut? And what were the reasons behind these explosive feuds? Let’s dive in.
1. Jimi Hendrix – A Rivalry of Guitar Gods
Though Hendrix is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Clapton wasn’t always a fan. According to Clapton, Hendrix’s flashy style and showmanship clashed with his own blues-rooted approach.
“I remember one night when he played a gig and set his guitar on fire. I thought, ‘This isn’t music; this is a circus.’” – Clapton in a 2014 interview.
Despite this, Clapton later admitted respect for Hendrix’s talent, but the initial rivalry was real.
2. Keith Richards – The Feud Over Women and Music
Clapton and Richards had a rocky relationship, partly due to their shared love interests (including Pattie Boyd, whom Clapton famously stole from George Harrison). Richards once called Clapton “a crybaby” in his autobiography, while Clapton dismissed The Rolling Stones as “a glorified bar band.”
“Keith never took music seriously. It was all about the image.” – Clapton in Uncut Magazine.
3. Pete Townshend – The Who’s Loudmouth
The Who’s guitarist Pete Townshend and Clapton had a public war of words in the ’70s. Townshend once mocked Clapton’s “slow, boring solos,” while Clapton fired back, calling The Who “a bunch of noise-makers.”
“Pete was always trying to prove something by smashing guitars. Real musicians don’t need gimmicks.” – Clapton, 1981.
4. Jimmy Page – The Battle of the Blues
Both Clapton and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page emerged from the British blues scene, but their approaches differed drastically. Clapton found Page’s heavy, distorted style excessive.
“Jimmy took the blues and turned it into something else—something I didn’t always like.” – Clapton in Guitar World.
Fans debated for decades over who was the better guitarist.
5. Mick Jagger – Ego Clashes
Clapton and Jagger’s feud was more about personality than music. Clapton found Jagger “insufferably arrogant,” while Jagger reportedly dismissed Clapton as “a blues purist with no sense of fun.”
“Mick acted like he was God’s gift to rock. I just couldn’t stand the ego.” – Clapton in a 2000 interview.
6. Yoko Ono – The Ultimate Outsider
Though not a rockstar herself, Yoko Ono made Clapton’s list due to her controversial influence on The Beatles. Clapton, a close friend of George Harrison, blamed Ono for breaking up the band.
“She destroyed something beautiful. John was never the same after her.” – Clapton in Rolling Stone.
Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz
When Clapton’s comments resurfaced, fans flooded social media with mixed reactions:
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Twitter: “Clapton spitting facts or just being bitter?”
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Reddit: “He hated everyone who was more innovative than him.”
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Facebook: “Respect for saying what others won’t!”
Conclusion: A Legend’s Unfiltered Truth
At 80 years old, Eric Clapton has nothing left to lose, and his candid confessions reveal the cutthroat rivalries of rock’s golden era. Whether fueled by jealousy, ego, or artistic differences, these feuds shaped music history.
Do you agree with Clapton’s picks? Who would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments!
