George Harrison, a legendary guitarist himself, had a unique perspective on the evolution of music in the 1960s. He boldly stated, "I never liked the loud, distorted guitars that became popular." But here's where it gets intriguing: he wasn't referring to just any guitarist, but the iconic Eric Clapton, whose playing style left a lasting impact on the industry.
The late 1960s marked a significant shift in music, with the electric guitar taking center stage in rock. This transformation was fueled by advancements in amplification and effects, as well as the emergence of influential guitarists like Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, and the legendary Jimi Hendrix.
Before this era, rock and roll was dominated by guitarists like Keith Richards and Harrison, who blended traditional styles with a more blues-influenced approach. Harrison, in particular, admired the single-note lead guitar style popularized by Robbie Robertson of The Band and his friend, Clapton.
However, Harrison's musical preferences took a different turn when Clapton formed Cream, a power trio that pushed the boundaries of blues-rock. Clapton's playing became more aggressive, and this new sound was not to Harrison's taste.
He reminisced, "I'd rather listen to artists like Little Richard or Larry Williams. The late '60s, after Cream's disbandment, brought an overload of distorted Les Paul guitars that I didn't appreciate." But this is the part most people miss: Harrison's dislike wasn't just about the sound; it was a matter of musical evolution.
Clapton's departure from the Yardbirds in 1965 and his subsequent work with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers marked a pivotal moment in British blues. But when he formed Cream, his style evolved into something louder and more intense, influencing the birth of hard rock and heavy metal.
In hindsight, Clapton acknowledged the impact of Cream, stating, "We were one of the early heavy metal bands without realizing it." Yet, Harrison remained partial to the more nuanced guitar work that preceded this era.
He praised Clapton's talent, saying, "Eric is incredible. He could outshine anyone on stage, but he chooses to be subtle." Harrison valued quality over quantity, preferring a few perfectly executed notes to a flurry of notes played without precision.
Interestingly, Harrison's admiration for Clapton's playing didn't extend to his famous guitar solos. Despite their personal history, including a reported guitar duel over Harrison's then-wife, Pattie Boyd, Harrison omitted Clapton from his list of favorite guitarists.
And this raises a question: Can personal relationships truly be separated from artistic appreciation? Share your thoughts on this musical controversy in the comments below!
