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Eric Clapton: Live At Wembley

Mick Brown, The Guardian, 1984

ONE HAS ALWAYS suspected that Eric Clapton's worst enemy was his own reputation. Few people live with – much less live up to – the absurdly obsequious hyperbole of his 'guitar hero' days and Clapton soon gave up the ghost, becoming an honorary Okie, and retreating to the relaxed and undemanding pastures of Southern countrified shuffle. Alas, Clapton confused relaxation with lethargy, and has never fully recovered. An oppressive torpor has overshadowed his work since the early Seventies as he lost the capacity not only to surprise his audience but, worse, himself.

Total word count of piece: 410

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