The guitar extraordinaire was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy 3 years ago, a condition which hinders sensation and movements.
Referred to numerous times as one of the most influential and important guitarists of all time, Clapton's career has spanned over 50 years. Unfortunately the condition that Clapton is living with is becoming more prevalent and interfering with his work.
However, Clapton's condition is not affecting his outlook on life. Despite the difficulty to play his beloved instrument, he 'considers it a great thing to be alive at all.'
Speaking to Classic Rock Magazine, Clapton explained why he's been forced to cancel tour dates of late. "[It’s] hard work to play the guitar and I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that it will not improve. What I’ll allow myself to do, within reason, is carry on recording in the studio. I don’t want to go off the boil to the point where I’m embarrassing myself."
Clapton's career success was parallel to a personal life of drug and alcohol addiction for many years. His emergence from addiction has given Clapton a sense of acceptance for dealing with his peripheral neuropathy condition. “Because I’m in recovery from alcoholism and addiction to substances I consider it a great thing to be alive at all. By rights, I should have kicked the bucket a long time ago," Clapton reasons, "For some reason, I was plucked from the jaws of hell and given another chance.”