- Music
- 12 Jan 18
But the music icon insists that the show must go on despite his many health problems.
"The only thing I’m concerned with now is being in my seventies and being able to be proficient. I mean, I’m going deaf, I’ve got tinnitus, my hands just about work," he revealed.
During a BBC Radio 2 interview, the legendary guitarist said: "I’m hoping that people will come along and see me just because, or maybe more than because I’m a curiosity,” he continued. “I know that is part of it, because it’s amazing to myself I’m still here.
“I have to get on the bottom of the ladder every time I play guitar, just to tune it. Then I have to go through the whole threshold of getting calluses [on the fingers] back, coordination.”
While speaking to Classic Rock Magazine recently, Eric Clapton told them: “I’ve had quite a lot of pain over the last year.
"It started with lower back pain, and turned into what they call peripheral neuropathy – which is where you feel like you have electric shocks going down your leg…
"I’ve had to figure out how to deal with some other things from getting old.”
Clapton also talked about his battle with the demon drink during the BBC radio interview. He said that he would drink "special brew with vodka”, but wants people to know that if you're willing to seek help that “there’s light at the end of the tunnel”.
He added: “I think it’s important to see that it’s a happy ending, it’s like a redemption. If you’re gonna go and see it, be prepared for a heavy ride.”