*SATURDAY NIGHT: 29TH MARCH*
Ahead of his 80th birthday the next day, BBC2 are having an evening of ERIC CLAPTON
20:15 - Eric Clapton at The BBC (new)
A celebration of legendary guitarist and singer-songwriter Eric Clapton that spans some of the highlights of his career and features the very best of his appearances on a selection of BBC shows.
Including some of Eric’s greatest hits, from reggae-infused rock on I Shot the Sheriff to 80s love songs like Wonderful Tonight, as well as appearances with such artists as Smokey Robinson, Bobby Whitlock and Tina Turner. This journey through the BBC archives demonstrates why Eric has come to be known as one of rock music’s greatest.
21:15 - The Old Grey Whistle Test
Eric Clapton in concert at the BBC Television Theatre in Shepherd's Bush from June 1977.
22:20 - Life In 12 Bars
Documentary charting the life of Eric Clapton, widely renowned as one of the greatest performers of all time. But behind the scenes lay restlessness and tragedy. The insatiable search to grow his artistic voice left fans surprised as he constantly quit successful bands, from the groundbreaking Yardbirds to 60s supergroup Cream. His isolated pursuit of his craft, and fear of selling out, served as a catalyst for his evolution as an artist.
Stretching from his traumatic childhood living in a 'house of secrets', to his long struggle with drugs and alcohol, and the tragic loss of his son in a heart-breaking accident, Eric Clapton always found an inner strength and healing in music.
Told through his own words and songs, as well as those of his family, friends, musical collaborators, contemporaries and many heroes - including BB King, Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison.
00:25 - Eric Clapton at The BBC: The Rock'n'Roll Years
A journey through Eric Clapton's live performances at the BBC and elsewhere, from his 60s blues days to the noughties. Clapton has been described as the best guitarist in the world and has a life story and career that would make anyone's hair curl.
By way of extensive BBC archive footage, the programme charts his varied and ever-changing career - from the beginnings with The Yardbirds until he left to join the purist blues of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, to the dynamism and musical synchronisation with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce, which produced the turbulent Cream, to Clapton's collaboration with Stevie Winwood that would spawn Blind Faith, to his brief sojourn in the Plastic Ono Band and his unforgettable contribution to Lennon's heroin hell tribute Cold Turkey, to his low-profile spell with rootsy US act Delaney and Bonnie, to the band he formed with Bobby Whitlock, Derek and the Dominoes, that produced one of the most famous unrequited love songs in Layla, and on to his successful solo career since then.
Along the way, Clapton has successfully survived heroin and alcohol abuse, been accused of being a racist, stolen his best friend's wife, changed bands as often as his shirt and lost a son in a tragic accident. Through it all, he has produced some of the best music of the 20th century.
When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons. Why were the lemons free? What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...