Behind the Music: Yardbirds Drummer Reveals the Mysterious Moodiness of Eric Clapton
0 reactions
1 day ago
Beatbounty
Guitar Player is wrapping up 2025 by revisiting 25 of the most beloved stories from the past year. We appreciate your support throughout the year and are excited to bring you more captivating tales in 2026.
As the sole drummer in the illustrious history of the Yardbirds, Jim McCarty spent six transformative years in the 1960s witnessing the evolution of three of rock’s most iconic guitarists: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. This unique position granted him an unparalleled view of their early journeys.
“Its incredible, isn’t it? And as time passes, it only gets more remarkable,” McCarty shares from his residence in France, where he continues to lead the band. “Back then, we where all learning and growing together. Each of them brought something distinct to the table, and we were all just having a blast playing that music.”
McCarty’s insights into his former bandmates, particularly Clapton, reveal a nuanced understanding of their personalities. Clapton was part of the Yardbirds from October 1963 until March 5, 1965, the very day their first hit, “For your Love,” was released. Discontent with the band’s pop-oriented direction, Clapton departed to join John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.
“Eric had a challenging upbringing; he was raised by his grandmother, whom he believed to be his mother,” McCarty explains. “We met her, and she was a delightful, chatty woman. However,this upbringing shaped Eric’s perspective on life,leading him to embrace the blues as a personal mission.”
The Yardbirds perform for Lord Ted Willis (seated at left). (Image credit: Jeremy Fletcher/Redferns)
“He was incredibly passionate about the blues and had a strong sense of ambition, always conscious of his appearance.He made sure to wear the latest fashions, even at his audition, where he was impeccably dressed. His style evolved rapidly-from an Ivy League look with a crew cut to longer hair and sideburns, transforming his image entirely.”
“You could tell Eric was destined for greatness. His drive was evident,and he was already gaining a reputation while with us. He would meticulously replicate blues solos from legends like Matt ‘guitar’ Murphy and Buddy Guy before carving out his own sound. Despite his serious dedication to the blues, he ofen lightened the mood with jokes and impersonations.”
“However, he had a moody side. During our travels in the van to gigs, he would often sit quietly in a corner, detached from the rest of us who were joking around.It was clear he was not content with the direction things were heading.”
“A very moody sort of guy.” Clapton (lower right) sulks at a 1964 shoot with the Yardbirds. (Image credit: Michael ochs Archives/Getty Images)
“we were eager to produce a hit single and tried various ideas Eric suggested, including songs like ‘Putty in Your Hands’ and ‘Hang on Sloopy.’ While they were solid tracks, they lacked the standout quality of ‘For Your Love.’ When Paul Samwell-Smith proposed a unique arrangement featuring harpsichord and bowed bass, Eric felt we were compromising our sound. Yet, he seemed content with his new direction under John Mayall.”
For Your Love - Original - YouTube
Clapton joined Mayall shortly after leaving the Yardbirds and quickly established himself as a premier blues guitarist with the release of Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton in July 1966. By then, he had already formed Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, marking the beginning of a prolific career that would see him transition through various iconic bands, including Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominos, the latter of which he believed would endure for years, though they disbanded less than a year after releasing their acclaimed album, Layla & Othre Assorted Love Songs.
Behind the Music: Yardbirds Drummer Reveals the Mysterious Moodiness of Eric Clapton
Behind the music: Yardbirds Drummer Reveals the Mysterious Moodiness of Eric Clapton
The Yardbirds: A Brief Overview
The Yardbirds, a pivotal British rock band formed in 1963, are renowned for their innovative sound and the legendary guitarists who passed through their ranks. With Eric Clapton, Jeff beck, and Jimmy Page as members, the band played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of rock music. Jim McCarty,the band’s drummer,offers a unique perspective on this iconic group and its enigmatic guitarist,Eric Clapton.
Jim McCarty’s Insights on Eric Clapton
jim McCarty, the only drummer in the Yardbirds’ history, spent six formative years in the 1960s observing Clapton’s evolution as a musician.His firsthand experiences provide a engaging glimpse into Clapton’s character and the dynamics within the band.
Clapton’s Early Days with the Yardbirds
Clapton joined the Yardbirds in October 1963 and remained until March 1965, a period marked by significant musical experimentation. McCarty recalls, “Eric was dedicated to the blues and had a unique ambition. He was always well-dressed and conscious of his appearance, which set him apart.”
The Blues Crusade
Clapton’s passion for the blues was evident from the start. McCarty explains, “He took the blues up as his personal crusade, often replicating solos from legends like Buddy Guy and Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy.” This dedication laid the foundation for Clapton’s future success.
The Moodiness of Eric Clapton
Despite his talent and ambition, Clapton was known for his moody demeanor.mccarty shares, “While traveling in the van to gigs, Eric would often sit quietly, detached from the rest of us. It was clear he was not content with the direction the band was taking.”
Understanding clapton’s Moodiness
Clapton’s moodiness can be attributed to various factors:
Personal Background: Raised by his grandmother, Clapton’s upbringing influenced his outlook on life.
Musical Direction: Discontent with the band’s pop-oriented sound, Clapton felt a disconnect from the group’s evolving style.
Ambition vs. Reality: His drive for success frequently enough clashed with the band’s goals, leading to frustration.
Case Study: The departure from the Yardbirds
Clapton’s dissatisfaction culminated in his departure from the Yardbirds shortly after the release of their hit single, “For Your Love.” McCarty recalls,”Eric was unhappy with the pop direction we were taking. He felt we were selling out.” This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Clapton’s journey with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, where he would further develop his blues identity.
Impact on clapton’s Career
Clapton’s time with the Yardbirds was instrumental in shaping his future. After leaving, he quickly gained recognition as a leading blues guitarist, releasing the acclaimed album Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton in 1966. This album solidified his status in the music industry and showcased his remarkable talent.
Benefits of Understanding Clapton’s Moodiness
Understanding Clapton’s complex personality can provide valuable insights for aspiring musicians and fans alike:
emotional Depth: Recognizing the emotional struggles of artists can foster a deeper gratitude for their music.
Creative Expression: Moodiness can often lead to profound artistic expression, as seen in Clapton’s later works.
Resilience: clapton’s journey illustrates the importance of resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Musicians
For those looking to navigate the complexities of a music career, consider these practical tips:
Stay True to Your Passion: Like Clapton, prioritize your musical roots and stay connected to what inspires you.
Embrace Change: Be open to evolving your sound and style, but remain authentic to your artistic vision.
Manage Your Emotions: Recognize that moodiness can be part of the creative process; find healthy outlets for your feelings.
First-Hand Experiences from Jim McCarty
McCarty’s reflections on Clapton provide a unique perspective on the guitarist’s character. He notes, “Eric was always serious about his music, but he also had a playful side. He would often joke around with us, showing that he was not just a serious musician but also a fun-loving person.”
Memorable Moments with Clapton
Some memorable moments shared by McCarty include:
Jamming Sessions: Clapton’s improvisational skills during jam sessions were legendary, often leading to spontaneous musical creations.
Fashion Statements: Clapton’s evolving style was a topic of conversation among band members, showcasing his keen sense of fashion.
Musical Experiments: Clapton’s willingness to experiment with different sounds and techniques influenced the band’s overall sound.
Table: Key milestones in eric Clapton’s Career
Year
Milestone
Significance
1963
Joined the Yardbirds
Started his journey in rock music
1965
Released “For Your Love”
First major hit with the Yardbirds
1966
Joined John Mayall’s bluesbreakers
established himself as a leading blues guitarist
1966
Released Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton
Solidified his reputation in the music industry
1967
Formed Cream
Launched a successful supergroup career
Join the Beatbounty Community
If you’re passionate about music and want to connect with like-minded individuals,consider creating an account on the Beatbounty platform. Share your experiences, submit ads, and engage with a vibrant community of music enthusiasts.
