Despite being the only musician inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times, legendary guitarist Eric Clapton is far from impressed with the institution. In a recent interview with The Real Music Observer, Clapton criticized the Hall for excluding pivotal figures in rock and blues, calling it a “frat boys club.”
Clapton’s first induction came in 1992 with The Yardbirds, followed by Cream in 1994, and finally, his solo career in 2000, when his friend Robbie Robertson of The Band inducted him. Despite these accolades, Clapton remains critical of the Hall’s selection process, particularly the snubbing of American blues legend J.J. Cale. “The fact that someone like J.J. has never been suggested is proof of what that thing is,” Clapton said, implying that the Hall overlooks influential yet lesser-known artists.
He also shared his unease with the involvement of Rolling Stone magazine, stating, “It’s not a place for rebels. It’s establishment stuff.” Reflecting on his experience with Cream’s Hall of Fame performance, Clapton acknowledged some magic in reuniting with his former bandmates, but he remains disillusioned with the institution overall, especially for overlooking key contributors to rock history.
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