Yardbirds drummer Jim McCarty has looked back on Eric Clapton’s spell in the band, and reflected on why the blues guitar great left for John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.
During the 1960s, McCarty played with three of Britain’s greatest guitarists under the Yardbirds bracket. Clapton was the first of that trio, and was later to be followed by Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page – both of whom also left to explore other projects.
“They were all learning how to do it,” McCarty says, reflecting on that wild, history-making spell with Guitar Player. “They were all part of the team. We were all trying to play and having good fun playing that sort of music. And they were all very different.”
None of their stays were permanent. Clapton, especially, had his reasons.
“Eric was coming from a difficult upbringing, because he wasn’t really brought up by his parents,” the drummer details. “He was brought up by his grandmother, who he thought was his mother. That gave him a challenged outlook on things, and I think he took the blues up as his personal crusade.
“He was totally dedicated to the blues, and very ambitious. Eric was obviously gonna go somewhere,” McCarty continues. “You knew that, yes, one day he’ll be a big star, ’cause he was driven to do that, and he was getting a reputation while he was playing with us.”
During this period, many British players looked overseas to the Black blues guitarists of America who gave birth to, and pioneered, the genre for inspiration. Clapton was among those doing his homework.
“He used to copy blues solos – Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy or Buddy Guy or somebody – and copy them note for note before he got his own thing going,” McCarty says. “But he loved blues and he was very, very serious about it, even though he did actually mess around quite a lot with us in terms of jokes and funny voices.”
Disharmony crept in, though, with McCarty believing Clapton was unhappy with the band’s progress – or lack thereof.
“We were trying to get a hit single. We were quite desperate, actually,” he confesses.
Indeed, Clapton had accused the band of selling out when they agreed to record Graham Gouldman’s For Your Love. He jumped ship to Mayall’s group, which, as history dictates, also had a knack for making guitar stars who would go on to bigger things.
There was another reason, too. As Clapton reflected after Mayall’s passing last year, his new bandleader “rescued” him when he was on the brink of quitting music entirely.
“I Think He Took the Blues Up as His Personal Crusade”: Why Eric Clapton Left the Yardbirds and Joined the Bluesbreakers, According to His Former Bandmate
The Catalyst Behind Eric Clapton’s Departure from the Yardbirds
Eric Clapton’s decision to leave the Yardbirds in 1965 was a pivotal moment in rock and blues history. Speaking candidly, his former bandmate reflected, “I think he took the blues up as his personal crusade,” underscoring clapton’s unwavering devotion to authentic blues music. While the Yardbirds were leaning towards a more commercial and pop-oriented rock sound, Clapton sought deeper roots in the customary blues genre.
From the outset, Clapton was profoundly influenced by American blues legends such as Robert Johnson, B.B. King, and Freddie King. His desire to preserve and elevate the pure form of blues clashed with the Yardbirds’ tendency to experiment with pop and psychedelic sounds, leading to creative tensions.
Why the Bluesbreakers? Pursuing Authenticity in a Transforming Music Scene
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers presented Clapton with an ideal platform that aligned perfectly with his blues crusade.Joining the Bluesbreakers allowed him to immerse in a milieu intensely focused on “electric blues” – a genre that emphasized raw emotion, complex guitar work, and storytelling through music.
- Musical freedom: The Bluesbreakers gave Clapton the space to expand his guitar technique and expression without compromises.
- Respect for Tradition: The band’s deep thankfulness for blues roots resonated with clapton’s personal values.
- Creative Growth: Collaboration with accomplished musicians like John Mayall enhanced Clapton’s mastery of blues guitar.
the move was less about chasing commercial success and more about staying true to a genre that meant everything to him.
The Impact of Clapton’s Transition on Blues and Rock history
Clapton’s leap to the Bluesbreakers is widely recognized as a transformative step, influencing the growth of blues rock and inspiring countless guitarists. His tenure with the Bluesbreakers resulted in highly acclaimed recordings, notably the album Blues Breakers with Eric clapton, often nicknamed the “Beano Album.” This record showcased his blistering guitar style and secured his reputation as a leading blues guitarist.
Key Outcomes of Joining the Bluesbreakers
| aspect | Significance |
|---|---|
| Musical Style | Emphasized traditional blues roots blended with electric rock elements |
| Guitar Technique | Developed iconic sustained bends and fluid phrasing |
| Influence | Helped popularize blues-rock genre in the UK and internationally |
| collaborations | Worked with prominent blues musicians, enhancing his artistry |
Firsthand insights: Former Bandmate’s Viewpoint on Clapton’s Blues Crusade
According to his former bandmate, Clapton viewed the blues not simply as a musical style but as a “personal crusade.” This phrase reveals how passionately Clapton identified with the genre – almost a mission to revive and honor its legacy amidst the rapidly evolving 1960s music scene.
His departure from the Yardbirds wasn’t a rejection of rock but a declaration of his artistic identity. This move highlights:
- Commitment: An uncompromising dedication to blues authenticity.
- Integrity: Choosing personal values over commercial trends.
- Influence: Setting a precedent for musicians prioritizing genre purity.
Benefits of Pursuing Authentic Blues Like Eric Clapton
clapton’s journey teaches aspiring musicians and blues enthusiasts several valuable lessons about embracing musical authenticity and passion:
- Artistic Fulfillment: Aligning your work with personal passion leads to deeper satisfaction.
- Skill enhancement: Dedication to a genre like blues hones intricate musical techniques.
- Legacy Building: Staying true to roots frequently enough results in lasting influence and respect.
- Creative Freedom: Pursuing authenticity opens doors to innovative expressions within a genre.
Practical Tips Inspired by Clapton’s Blues Commitment
Musicians eager to deepen their blues experience can take practical cues from Clapton’s crusade:
- Study Blues Legends: Listen to and analyze the works of original blues greats.
- Master Blues Scales & Techniques: Emphasize bending, vibrato, and soulful phrasing.
- Join or Form a Blues-Oriented Band: Immersing yourself in live blues sessions accelerates learning.
- Participate in Blues Jams: Collaborate with peers to develop improvisation skills.
- Record and Reflect: Document your playing to monitor growth and authenticity.
Case Study: The “Beano Album” and Its Enduring Legacy
The 1966 album Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton symbolizes the fruition of Clapton’s blues crusade. This project demonstrated a raw, powerful sound that merged British rock energy with American blues tradition. It became a benchmark, inspiring an entire generation of guitar players such as Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck.
| Track | Highlight |
|---|---|
| All Your Love | Showcases Clapton’s explosive guitar riffing and emotional depth |
| hideaway | Instrumental blues classic with masterful soloing |
| Ramblin’ On My Mind | Deeply faithful to Robert Johnson’s original blues style |
Eric Clapton’s Legacy: A Blues Crusade That shaped Modern Music
As of his bold decision to leave the Yardbirds, Eric Clapton’s career blossomed into one deeply intertwined with blues traditions. His former bandmate’s observation – that Clapton took blues as a “personal crusade” – reflects not only a defining moment in Clapton’s life but one that forever reshaped the music world.
The story of Clapton’s transition remains a compelling example of artistic conviction and the power of music as a lifelong mission.
