Story behind Clapton’s nickname

The Story Behind Eric Clapton’s Nickname “Slowhand”

Introduction

Eric Clapton, the renowned guitarist and musician, is widely known by his nickname “Slowhand.” The origins of this nickname have intrigued fans and music enthusiasts for years. In this article, we delve into the fascinating story behind how Eric Clapton acquired the moniker “Slowhand.”

Giorgio Gomelsky and the Ironic Nickname

One account of the origin of Clapton’s nickname comes from Giorgio Gomelsky, Clapton’s music manager at the time. Gomelsky is credited with coining the nickname as a play on words, considering Clapton’s reputation as a fast and skillful guitarist. The irony of the nickname “Slowhand” was intended to highlight Clapton’s exceptional speed and dexterity on the guitar [1].

The Slow Handclap Incident

Another intriguing story surrounding Clapton’s nickname is attributed to Chris Dreja, Clapton’s bandmate in the Yardbirds. According to Dreja, Clapton had a tendency to break guitar strings during live performances. As Clapton replaced the broken string on stage, the audience would sometimes respond with a slow handclap, a British slang term indicating a sarcastic applause. This incident led to Clapton being referred to as “Slowhand” [2].

Clapton’s Confirmation in his Autobiography

In his autobiography, “Clapton – The Autobiography,” Eric Clapton himself confirmed both accounts of how he acquired the nickname “Slowhand.” He revealed that he used light-gauge guitar strings, including a very thin first string, which allowed him to bend notes with ease. Consequently, breaking at least one string during intense playing was not uncommon for him. While changing the string onstage, the audience would often respond with a slow handclap, inspiring Gomelsky to adopt the now-iconic nickname [3].

The Influence of the Album “Slowhand”

The success and popularity of Clapton’s 1977 album titled “Slowhand” further cemented his association with the nickname. The album featured several hit songs, including “Cocaine,” “Wonderful Tonight,” and “Lay Down Sally.” With over 3,000,000 copies sold in the United States alone, the album’s impact solidified Clapton’s identity as “Slowhand” in the public consciousness [1].

Conclusion

The nickname “Slowhand” has become an integral part of Eric Clapton’s legacy. Whether it was coined by his manager Giorgio Gomelsky as an ironic tribute to his guitar prowess or inspired by the audience’s slow handclap during string changes, the nickname encapsulates Clapton’s unique style and talent. It serves as a testament to his exceptional musical abilities and continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

References:

1. American Songwriter. (2018, January 10). The Story Behind Why Eric Clapton is called Slowhand. Retrieved from https://americansongwriter.com/why-is-eric-clapton-called-slowhand/
2. American Blues Scene. (2018, January 10). The Story Behind Why Eric Clapton is called Slowhand. Retrieved from https://www.americanbluesscene.com/2018/01/why-eric-clapton-called-slowhand/
3. Far Out Magazine. (2023, October 15). How Eric Clapton got the name “Slowhand”. Retrieved from https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/how-eric-clapton-got-the-name-slowhand/

FAQs

The Story Behind Eric Clapton’s Nickname “Slowhand”

How did Eric Clapton get the nickname “Slowhand”?

Eric Clapton acquired the nickname “Slowhand” through a combination of different stories. Giorgio Gomelsky, Clapton’s music manager, coined the nickname as a playful reference to Clapton’s exceptional speed and skill as a guitarist. Additionally, there is a story from Clapton’s bandmate, Chris Dreja, who mentioned that Clapton would sometimes break guitar strings during live performances, leading the audience to respond with a slow handclap, which eventually led to the nickname “Slowhand.”

Who gave Eric Clapton the nickname “Slowhand”?

The nickname “Slowhand” was given to Eric Clapton by Giorgio Gomelsky, his music manager at the time. Gomelsky coined the nickname as a playful irony, considering Clapton’s reputation as a fast and skillful guitarist.

What is the significance of the slow handclap in Eric Clapton’s nickname?

The slow handclap refers to a British slang term for a sarcastic applause. It became associated with Eric Clapton’s nickname when, during live performances, Clapton would break a guitar string and replace it onstage. In response to this, the audience would sometimes give him a slow handclap. This incident contributed to the adoption of the nickname “Slowhand.”

Did Eric Clapton confirm the stories behind his nickname?

Yes, Eric Clapton confirmed both accounts of how he acquired the nickname “Slowhand” in his autobiography, “Clapton – The Autobiography.” He mentioned using light-gauge guitar strings, which made it more likely for him to break a string during intense playing. While changing the string onstage, the audience would often respond with a slow handclap, inspiring Giorgio Gomelsky to adopt the nickname.

How did the nickname “Slowhand” become popular?

The nickname “Slowhand” became popular due to the success and popularity of Eric Clapton’s 1977 album, titled “Slowhand.” The album featured several hit songs, including “Cocaine,” “Wonderful Tonight,” and “Lay Down Sally.” The album’s commercial success solidified Clapton’s association with the nickname and further popularized it among fans.

Is Eric Clapton still known as “Slowhand” today?

Yes, even after several decades, Eric Clapton is still widely known by his nickname “Slowhand.” The nickname has become an integral part of his musical identity and continues to be used by fans, the media, and the music industry to refer to him.

Are there other famous musicians with similar nicknames?

Yes, several famous musicians have acquired distinctive nicknames throughout their careers. For example, Jimi Hendrix was often referred to as the “Voodoo Child,” and Carlos Santana is known as the “King of Latin Rock.” These nicknames often encapsulate certain aspects of the musicians’ styles, personas, or signature traits.

What other albums or songs contributed to Eric Clapton’s legacy as “Slowhand”?

Apart from the album “Slowhand” released in 1977, which featured popular songs like “Cocaine,” “Wonderful Tonight,” and “Lay Down Sally,” Eric Clapton has had a prolific career with various albums and songs that have added to his legacy as “Slowhand.” Some notable examples include the album “461 Ocean Boulevard” (1974) with the hit song “I Shot the Sheriff” and the iconic “Unplugged” album (1992) featuring the acoustic rendition of “Tears in Heaven.”