In the late ’60’s the subways of London became the target of Eric Clapton fans. As Clapton emerged as one of the great blues guitarists his fans would spray paint “Clapton is God” all over. This embarrassed Clapton and motivated him to begin recording incognito. Hence, the formation of Derek and the Dominoes. The ruse did not work. The spray painters covered the city with “Derek is Eric” signs. The real reasons for the Derek moniker are myriad. The more likely answer is simply a sideman’s use of “Derek” instead of Eric. Clapton’s only album as Derek is heralded as a benchmark of developing blues/rock. This is the famous Lyla album which was a tribute to George Harrison’s wife, Patti. Clapton lusted after her for years; finally marrying her. They divorced five years later. The album featured Duayne Allman on guitar and four other Americans. The band toured extensively, mostly in the US, until Derek, now as Eric, slipped further into his heroin addiction. In ’71 the band dissolved and Clapton “retired” from music and retreated to his house in Surrey where he indulged his habit. Over the next two years he would only appear for Harrison’s Japan tour. Allman died in a motorcycle accident that same year.
This live version of my favorite cut from the album is a bit slower than the original and in the words of one reviewer it kind of plods, but still terrific. ERIC CLAPTON LIVE BELL BOTTOM BLUES
We have the world’s largest optical fiber plant in Wilmington. Corning had dismissed hundreds of workers last fall. It is now hiring some back. The demand? China’s 3G (third generation) cell phone roll-out.
Overheard at the gym on Sunday morning: Old man #1: “Looks like the bankers are finally getting theirs they’ve been gauging us for too long.” Old man #2: “Yeah, like them (sic) ATM fees.”
Is there more than one Obama? He seems to be everywhere.
