But by the early-70s tastes started changing, the hits started drying up and it was looking like the Bee Gees were going to ride their wave of fame into musical oblivion. With their harmonies, numerous hit singles and well-selling records, the Bee Gees even received comparisons to the Beatles. They strived constantly for commercial success while remaining (somewhat) loyal to band members. This literal band of brothers – Robin, Barry & Maurice – were the opposite of what Clapton was doing.

In 1974, Clapton records an album at an old house on 461 Ocean Boulevard in Miami reviving his career and providing his first #1 hit.Ĥ61 Ocean Boulevard provided Clapton a comeback, but nothing near the comeback that was about to happen.īefore the Brothers Gibb became the sound of the late-70s, they were making it big in the 60s music scene.

Ironically, at the benefit concert to address his drug problem Clapton was “stoned out of his head” but it did eventually achieve the goal of getting him into treatment to kick heroin.Īnd where does a guy like Clapton go after his first rehab attempt? Townshend, Steve Winwood, Ronnie Wood and others joined Clapton on stage while ¾ of the Beatles, Jimmy Page, Elton John and more gathered in the audience for the sole purpose of asking Clapton to go to rehab. Harrison reluctantly obliged but apparently his shit didn’t pass the Pepsi challenge for Clapton who remained in a fetal position in his hotel room during the weeklong practice, only able to make the show last minute thanks to heroin’s lil’ helper: methadone.Īfter the show, Clapton retreated back into a spiral of drugs and remained out of the spotlight for several years until old pal and Who guitarist, Pete Townshend, decided to put on another benefit concert.Įric Clapton’s Rainbow Concert was to force him out of hiding and remind him of what he was put on this earth to do. When asked to participate in George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh – which would become the first real rock & roll benefit, raising millions for the war-torn area – Clapton’s only request was for a steady heroin hookup while in New York. You’re welcome.īut by the 1970s, the excesses of partying, touring, losing love and band hopping finally caught up with Clapton at the ripe old age of 28. Wanna feel sad? That dog probably has been dead for over 50 years. Let’s start with the man responsible for all these crimes against humanity. This is a story of how Eric Clapton’s heroin addiction drove him to the bottom only to rise from the ashes and unknowingly reanimate disco’s bloated carcass – making the Bee Gees the most famous band in the world while also propelling John Travolta’s career to Face Off levels of fame. Sometimes not doing drugs can have disastrous consequences.

Eric clapton alive