Eric Clapton Reveals Health Issues Affecting Guitar Playing

Legendary musician Eric Clapton has revealed a medical condition is hampering his ability to play the guitar. Clapton disclosed he is suffering from peripheral neuropathy which has made it “hard work to play the guitar” for the 71-year-old musician.

In an interview with Classic Rock Magazine, Clapton discussed the symptoms of the ailment, including numbness in his limbs. Clapton issued his 23rd studio album I Still Do weeks ago, but explained it was not without obstacles.

“I’ve had quite a lot of pain over the last year,” Clapton told Classic Rock Magazine. “It started with lower back pain and turned into what they call peripheral neuropathy, which is where you feel like you have electric shocks going down your leg … [It’s] hard work to play the guitar and I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that it will not improve … And I’ve had to figure out how to deal with some other things from getting old.”

Clapton canceled concerts in 2013 due to back pain. In 2014, he commented that “the road has become unbearable” during an interview about his ability to tour. This year he detailed a battle with a severe case of “full-body eczema” that reached his hands just as he planned to work on I Still Do – which he also stated might be his last record. Check out the video for I Still Do track “Spiral”: