Motherless Child: The Definitive Biography of Eric Clapton

by Paul Scott

From the Yardbirds to Cream , Blind Faith to Derek and the Dominos , and a hugely-successful solo career, Eric Clapton's fifty years in the music business can look like an uninterrupted rise to become one of the greatest guitar players who ever lived. But his story is as complicated as it is fascinating.

Clapton's god-like skill with a guitar was matched by an almost equal talent for self-destruction. He has never shied away from telling the truth about his battles with drink and drugs - or the sometimes catastrophic impact they had on the other people in his life, including his first wife Pattie Boyd. And without those deep personal lows we may never have had the musical highs that won him millions of fans. His story is also one of a long but successful road to sobriety, redemption and happiness.

Motherless Child chronicles Clapton's remarkable the music, the women, the drugs, the cars, the guitars, the heartbreak and the triumphs are all here. The book includes interviews with some people close to Clapton who have never spoken on the record before. It explores his musical legacy as one of the most influential musicians of his generation, and as the keeper of the flame for the blues.

Genres: Music, Biography

352 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2015

About the author

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Reviews

[Tony Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paul Scott's Eric Clapton biography is a no holds barred expose which ramps up Clapton's own frank autobiography published in 2007. As a decades long Clapton fan some of the content in Motherless Child challenges the perception of the man. Sure, from his own admissions, we know that he carried a heroin habit, got clean, then did the addiction thing all over again with booze. Its not unusual of course for bad habits to dog a high profile musician and none of that comes through in a surprising way from Scott's detailed coverage of Clapton's life, most of which is pretty much on the record and well known. The aspect of this book, compared to others, which does make you pause is how he has (mis)treated women but again it is difficult to walk in his shoes to gain perspective. His life as far as relationships go was a train wreck until he became sober, and its gratifying that he seemingly has a happy and fulfilling life with his second wife Melia and their four daughters. Scott's book is a good read, obviously painstakingly researched. I am not sure that Eric Clapton deserves the degree of detail in its coverage of his failings. The plotting of his music career though is thorough and takes the edge off the salacious content.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a most comprehensive look at the life of Eric Clapton. Tight storyline, well written, and inclusive of other musical personalities of the times, but I closed the book at last with an odd feeling of mourning. The Eric Clapton I know and love may be a product of those times and experiences, but I was happier before I knew what went into his music. I love what it has become, however, so I will hush. Read this book at your own risk....

[Dane Cobain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: While I aim to be unbiased, I received a copy of this for free to review.

Motherless Child is presented as “the definitive biography of Eric Clapton”, and I’ll be the first to admit that it gives you a great insight into his life and his career, although considering it was published in 2015, the last decade or so seems a little bare. That said, Clapton’s getting on a bit by now, and he’s also started to settle down.

It’s also well-written and well-presented, and it’s obvious that a lot of research has gone into it. That said, the main sources that Scott uses are other biographies of Eric Clapton, as well as Eric’s own autobiography. It does sort of beg the question of why you’d need another Eric Clapton biography, especially when this one makes so little of the recent years.

But if you can put that aside and judge this for what it is, which I can because I’ve never read anything else about Clapton, then you’ll realise that this is actually a cracking autobiography, especially because of its relative neutrality. Scott is a Clapton fan, but that doesn’t stop him from telling you about what a douchebag the guitarist can be.

And he can be a bit of a douchebag, too. I mean, let’s face it – he was a womanising, alcoholic drug abuser. But still, he seems to have settled down a bit in his later years, and it’s not as though he hasn’t witnessed his fair share of tragedy. I found it an interesting enough read, and I’m not a particularly big Clapton fan, and so if you fancy taking a chance then go out and get it. Just make sure you come back and let me know what you think, afterwards.

[Kartik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad life of a philanderer.

[Barbara Haller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much more readable than Clapton's autobiography. Fills in the holes, tells the story from an unbiased position which of course isn't possible when one tells his own story. But still covers nothing new. Just leaves you with feeling of how messed up Clapton really was. Of course, that is all behind him?? Uses the autobiography as a major source. Hopefully Clapton really is as boring and content and fairly normal as he comes off in this but I still have doubts. He was such a mess, a hateful person, with all kinds of problems. Doesn't really answer the question of how that all goes away especially in someone who had a "charmed" aka spoiled life early on. Clapton was and is a very complicated human being, and not one easily read. But fascinating nonetheless.

[Cees Oomens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Het derde levensverhaal van Eric Clapton dat ik nu in heel korte tijd heb gelezen. Ik heb dat bewust gedaan om het sensatie deel en het genuanceerde deel enigszins uit elkaar te kunnen trekken. Beide biografieën zijn verschenen na de autobiografie van Clapton in 2007 en putten uitvoerig uit die bron. Het boek van Phil Norman uit 2018 lijkt bijna overgeschreven uit de biografie en legt vooral de nadruk op de sappige details. Paul Scott (2015) besteedt meer ruimte aan de muziek, de instrumenten en de betekenis van veel van de eigen composities van Clapton, maar spaart hem ook niet. Verder put hij veel uit interviews en gesprekken met betrokkenen. Uit alle verhalen, inclusief dat van Clapton zelf, blijkt dat deze rockster zich tot over de 50 gedragen heeft als een verwend kind, dat mede door zijn heroïne en alcohol verslaving heel veel mensen (vooral vrouwen) ongelofelijk gekwetst en misbruikt heeft en pas sinds hij nuchter is en helaas zijn zoontje op ongelukkige wijze verloren heeft volwassen is geworden en wat empathisch vermogen heeft opgebouwd. Ik ben altijd fan geweest van zijn muziek en zijn fantastische gitaarspel en begrijp niet hoe zo'n akelige figuur zulke mooie muziek heeft kunnen maken. Zijn critici vinden dat, sinds het goed met hem gaat, zijn muziek achteruit gaat (zouden zij liever zien dat hij zich dood gezopen had?). Ik vind dat dit wel mee valt. De muziek is anders en hij speelt veelvuldig met andere muzikanten en dat gaat hem goed af. Wat steeds meer blijkt in zijn algemeenheid hoe de idyllische jaren 60 en 70 met zijn flower power, vrije sex en zeer overvloedig gebruik van drugs ook een extreem zwarte kant had, waar veel mensen aan onderdoor zijn gegaan of ernstig onder geleden hebben. Daarvoor alleen zijn deze biografieën al de moeite waard om te lezen

[Allan Heron · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable if frustrating biography of Clapton. Definitive it certainly isn't, not least because the focus is on the person and not his music.

The author has a bad habit of including snidey remarks about some of those involved in Eric's life. And there are times if you wonder if he has any liking for Eric other than funding a book project for him.

To counter that, the black aspects of Clapton's life are covered well. And the section covering his son's death was as detailed as I've seen and emotionally gripping.

[Lyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t feel that the author liked Clapton very much and as a result it was hard to find any empathy for the man. Good musician but bit of a tosser. Certainly his entitled, emotionally immature relationship with women was awful. Here is the whole rock and roll lifestyle. Not an attractive picture.

[Jimmy C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book hard to read because Clapton was so self destructive. To be given so much talent and success only to waste it away drunk and addicted, well, made me not want to read any more of this story of a wasted life. Yes, he came around late in life, kudos to him, but what a sad account overall. Such a talented guy.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Majority of the book's information is in other books or publications except for the last chapter. If you knew little or bits and pieces of Clapton's life it would be a good read.

[Miguel Leffelaer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sensationeel, misschien te.

[Jan Vermoesen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Focus ligt meer op de persoon dan op de muzikant.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnific! Și absolut cutremurător! Aceste lucruri îmi vin în minte acum, la finalul acestei biografii. Clapton, pentru mine, e magnific, genial, e Dumnezeu pe Pământ din punct de vedere muzical. Dar povestea vieții lui e absolut cutremurătoare! Cu toate că încă nu i-am citit autobiografia, Paul Scott pare să fi făcut o treabă bună în privința surselor utilizate pentru scrierea acestei cărți, discutând cu multe alte persoane care au fost în preajma artistului pe parcursul vieții. Zic asta pentru că îmi vine greu a crede că în urma cantității enorme de droguri și alcool consumate de Clapton de-a lungul vieții, acesta să mai aibă amintirile suficient de clare în ce-i privește propria viață. Ce e cu adevărat cutremurător pentru mine este, de fapt, cauza atâtor dependențe ce au marcat existența și destinul acestui om: aceea de a fi părăsit de mamă, și nu o dată - ci de două ori. Cu toate că a avut niște bunici iubitori care l-au crescut ca pe copilul lor, aceștia au încercat să umple golul lăsat de părinți în viața micului Eric cu obiecte - cadouri, ceea ce a reprezentat pentru el, din punctul meu de vedere, o influență la fel de negativă precum aceea de a fi părăsit de mama. Copilul a crescut crezând că nu merită să fie iubit, că oricum va fi părăsit și a pus mai mare preț pe lucruri decât pe oameni.
Cu toate acestea, Eric rămâne o prezență de neegalat pe scena muzicii, iar faptul că a reușit să formeze în cele din urmă o familie normală poate fi o lecție de viață pentru cei care se află în situații similare.
La urma urmei, pe noi - fanii - ne interesează, de fapt, rodul muncii sale. Şi pe Copilul nimănui trebuie să îl iubești cu atât mai mult, pentru că iubirea vindecă rănile sufletului. Încet, dar sigur.
#ClaptonIsGod

[Malcolm Frawley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is way more revealing, perhaps unsurprisingly, than Clapton's own autobiography of a few years ago. And what it reveals is a man who, for much of his life, was a pretty nasty piece of work. Gifted with a talent that had tremendous currency as he came of age (had he been born 20 years earlier, or later, his career might not have happened) he never really had to grow up. Like many rock/ pop stars of that period he was indulged from his late teens & accrued wealth (in spite of several dry periods) that enabled him to indulge his every whim - including cars, watches, fishing. Which he did. He treated people who loved him, & he apparently 'loved', abominably at times & didn't find a meaningful family life until his 50s - long after his 4 year old son died so tragically. His relationship with Conor didn't really blossom until the very night before the child's death & he already had an older daughter he had not even acknowledged. It appears he finally found himself, & worked out how to be a husband & father, late in life but, for a lot of this book, I didn't like him at all. Which doesn't diminish his position in the rock pantheon. In Cream & Blind Faith particularly he made some fantastic music.

[Max Gwynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A BOOK! Paul Scott has done an amazing job of charting a truly definitive biography of master English guitarist Eric Clapton. Clapton is without doubt one of my favourite musicians, and this biography really sheds the light on the man's life. From his childhood in the Guildford area, to his rise through Derek and the Dominos and Cream, to his relations with fellow great musicians such as George Harrison, Mick Jagger etc, to his many many love affairs, to his addictions and his overcoming them, to his solo career this biography has it all. A gripping read indeed! Will read and re-read many many times!

'CLAPTON IS GOD!' "I'm not God" he (Eric) said almost despairingly, "I'm just a guitarist".

[Barry Beaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you start a review with the phrase, well researched, you know there is something missing from the book. I think it comes down to the impression that the writer does not like Clapton. I'm not sure that was the case before he started writing the book, even given a fascination for a subject why would you decide to biog someone you don't like?
It must be remembered that Clapton the musician has never wanted to be anything else there is a lot of rationalisation of his actions and addictions which end with a conclusion that blues are drawn from pain. Not sure that any blues fan will need to be told that. Interesting read but not engaging.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book about a mother blaming, woman hating man written by another man that continues to enable this thinking. Neither the writer or subject have shown any insight into the bigger picture of Pat being born into a very religiously conservative patriarchal system that stole babies from young women, and enforced the cutting off of ones emotions after the effect, let the effects of this severed attachment on the child. All the wounds of patriarchy. What hope did Pat have of ever being a loving mother to Eric and what hope did Eric ever have of overcoming his attachment needs or seeing things differently? A very disappointing book set to blame Eric’s life on his mother.

[Filip Konrad · Rating 2 out of 5]

1st star for complete coverage of Clapton life since birth to 2015

2nd star because its Eric Clapton and I wanted to know about his life's journey

NO 3rd star because of poorly written storyline and narative - it was very boring to read at times and I actually had to skip a few parts

NO 4th star - very few personal thoughts from Eric on his life and feeling, its a book that just connects the dots within the time frame like police report with very few quotes

NO 5th star because it is a life story that should go deeper and uncover much more intimate and delicate insights

[Josef Horký · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pořád si myslím, že autobiografie jsou většinově mnohem lepší, než když někdo povídá o někom. Ale Scott sebral dost materiálu skrze rozhovory, něco si vypůjčil právě z autobiografie Claptona a rozepsal se docela dobře. Až moc se na můj vkus soustředí na to, kolikáté bylo které album v prodejnosti a kolik Eric utratil za obrazy, drogy a štětky, ale proč ne. I tak jsem toho o Claptonovi zjistil mnoho nového, našel jsem spoustu tipů na další hudbu... a o tom to je.

[Kamil Świątkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it's just my love for biographies or maybe it's Scott's gift, but it was a sheer nice read. Although it wasn't that clear with emotions - author was honest to the extent of criticising Clapton for his behaviour and life's choices. and yet - his music is anything he needs to be thought of better.

I loved it even though I knew of most of Clapton's history. Never before, however, was it served in that manner. Shocking, emotional and honest. That's the blues...

[Geoff Sheehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book, a good read. :)
I have the Clapton Autobiography and this book gives a slightly different take on a few things, as well as adding some events. It also brings us up to 2015, though with not as much detail as the earlier times. Some nice photos as well.

I'm pleased to have this book on the shelf.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but mainly derivative.