Is Eric Clapton Dead? The Truth Behind the Guitar Legends Rumored Demise

Publish date: 2024-06-29

Eric Clapton, one of the most influential and successful guitarists of all time, has been the subject of a death hoax that spread on social media in February 2024. The rumor claimed that the 78-year-old musician had passed away, causing shock and sadness among his fans and admirers. However, the report was quickly debunked by his representatives, who confirmed that Clapton is alive and well.

How Did the Death Hoax Start?

The death hoax originated from a Facebook page called “R.I.P. Eric Clapton”, which attracted nearly one million likes. The page posted a message that read: “At about 11 a.m. ET on Monday (February 26, 2024), our beloved guitarist Eric Clapton passed away. Eric Clapton was born on March 30, 1945 in Ripley. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”

The message was accompanied by a photo of Clapton, which added to the credibility of the hoax. Many fans believed the post and expressed their grief and condolences in the comments section. Some celebrities, such as John Mayer and Sheryl Crow, also fell for the hoax and posted tributes to Clapton on their social media accounts.

How Was the Death Hoax Exposed?

The death hoax was soon exposed by Clapton’s official website, which posted a statement that read: “Eric Clapton is not dead. He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He’s still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet.”

The statement also urged fans to check the validity of the news sources before sharing or believing any information. Clapton’s representatives also contacted the media outlets that had reported the hoax and asked them to retract their stories.

The Facebook page that started the hoax was later removed by the site’s administrators, who apologized for the confusion and distress caused by the fake news. The page was apparently created by a prankster who wanted to see how many people would fall for the hoax.

Why Was Eric Clapton Targeted by the Death Hoax?

Eric Clapton is not the first celebrity to be targeted by a death hoax. In fact, he has been the victim of several fake death reports in the past, such as in 2010, 2012, and 2018.

One of the reasons why Clapton is a frequent target of death hoaxes is his popularity and fame. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, with a career spanning over six decades. He has sold more than 200 million records worldwide and won 18 Grammy Awards. He is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, both as a solo artist and as a member of the bands Cream, the Yardbirds, and Derek and the Dominos.

Another reason why Clapton is a subject of death hoaxes is his history of health issues and personal tragedies. He has struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, chronic pain, hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy. He has also suffered the loss of his son Conor, who died in a tragic accident in 1991, and his grandson Isaac, who died of a rare genetic disorder in 2018.

How Did Eric Clapton React to the Death Hoax?

Eric Clapton has not publicly commented on the death hoax, but he has reportedly taken it in stride and laughed it off. According to a source close to him, he is used to being the target of such rumors and does not let them bother him. He is also grateful for the support and love of his fans, who have always stood by him through thick and thin.

Clapton is currently enjoying his retirement from touring, which he announced in 2018. He still performs occasionally at charity events and festivals, such as the Crossroads Guitar Festival, which he founded in 1999. He is also working on new music projects, such as his latest album Happy Xmas, which was released in 2018.

Conclusion

Eric Clapton is not dead, but alive and well. The death hoax that circulated on social media in February 2024 was a fake news that was quickly debunked by his representatives and website. Clapton is one of the most influential and successful guitarists of all time, who has overcome many challenges and tragedies in his life. He is currently enjoying his retirement from touring and working on new music projects. He is also a philanthropist who supports various causes, such as drug rehabilitation, music education, and disaster relief.