Eric Clapton knew how to borrow a tune. He did so at will from African-American blues artists, and there is nothing wrong with that. Good artists borrow, but great artists steal. Which one Clapton is is up to you to decide.
Based on his successful history as a solo artist and also performing in bands like Derek and the Dominoes and Cream, one can say that the guitarist has certainly been iconic. His political opinions have put some off, but that is his right to speak. After all, he has been speaking to us for six decades, and many of us have listened with joy.
But sometimes an artist can stretch our needs too much. Clapton's MTV Unplugged episode in 1992 was certainly one music lovers should catch, but do we really need a revamped 90-minute episode that will be released in theaters for two days and then on Paramount+? Clapton seems to think so because we are about to get that.
Eric Clapton is brining his Unplugged special back in a unique way
The film will be called Eric Clapton Unplugged...Over 30 Years Later and will be available in theaters on Monday, January 27, and Tuesday, January 28. It will hit the streamer on February 12. Asking people to buy expensive movie tickets to sit through something we mostly say three decades ago might be a bit much.
Or, maybe there are enough fans out there who will make the release a fun get-together. Either way, the guitarist has his money in hand so however the film does in theaters is not a concern for him. Plus, two days of a showing, especially on a Monday and Tuesday in January, seems odd.
The film will also include extended discussions about what inspired some of the songs. There is also footage of the crew and Clapton before he goes on stage. That doesn't seem overly needed, but I guess if fans are going to spend their money on a ticket, they at least should get a little something extra.