Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 [Interview]

Eric Clapton announces the 7th installment of the Crossroads Guitar Festival. The Festival, which has become legendary in its own right for hosting performances and impromptu collaborations from the world’s most renowned guitar players, will take place over two nights on September 23rd and 24th at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. Clapton will gather the past, present and future of guitar music onto one stage for an unparalleled musical.
Tickets to the Festival are on sale now via Ticketmaster. Please note that each day will be sold as its own ticket and there will not be 2-day passes. For more information, visit crossroadsguitarfestival.com.
Donate to Crossroads Centre Antigua here: crossroadsantigua.org/donate-...
In addition to the concerts, Guitar Center, a co-sponsor since 2004 and a strong supporter of the Crossroads At Antigua Foundation, will once again host the Guitar Center Festival Village on-site adjacent to the arena on Xbox Plaza and Chick Hearn Court at L.A. LIVE. Some of the world’s best guitar and gear manufacturers, including Fender, Gibson, Martin, BOSS, D’Angelico, Ernie Ball, Focusrite, Ibanez, Mark Bass, Marshall, Mitchell, PRS, Shure, Yamaha, and more, will host interactive exhibits where guitar enthusiasts can plug in and play new products and classic favorites. In addition to the guitars and gear exhibited throughout the Village, Guitar Center will again be exhibiting important selections from its must-see, multi-million dollar Legends Collection of historically significant guitars, including Clapton’s “Blackie” Strat and cherry ES-335, as well as Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Lenny” Strat. Additionally, Guitar Center, in partnership with Eric Clapton, will unveil the 25th Anniversary Crossroads Guitar Collection - a rare series of meticulously crafted, limited-edition guitars, based on vintage, iconic instruments that Clapton played early in his career with Cream, Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominos. This collection will be of interest to both passionate players and serious collectors alike, and available exclusively through Guitar Center stores with a significant share of the profits going to the aid of Crossroads Centre at Antigua.
The Guitar Center Festival Village will open at 9:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with exclusive access strictly limited to Crossroads concert ticket holders. One of the recurring highlights of the Village will be nonstop live performances on the outdoor Village Stage on Xbox Plaza, on which main stage artists, other world-renowned guitarists, and next-gen virtuosos will be featured throughout both days. Meanwhile, local food trucks will offer a convenient selection of Southern California cuisine throughout the Village’s operating hours, while Toyota will also be an exhibitor in the Village.
Since its inception, Clapton’s vision for the Crossroads Guitar Festival has been to create an event where his friends and contemporaries can have fun and perform together for the benefit of a good cause. This year, the Festival will partner with Heritage Auctions to once again conduct an online, global event featuring items including the one-of-a-kind reproduction prototypes of the Crossroads Guitar Festival 25th Anniversary Guitar Collection - as well as guitars handpicked
by participating Festival performers from Guitar Center’s high-end vintage collection, and donations from the 2023 Artists and Village Exhibitors. The auction will run online for three weeks in October following the Crossroads event, culminating in a live auction on October 21st. All profits from the Festival and auction will benefit The Crossroads Centre at Antigua, a treatment and education facility founded by Clapton for chemically dependent persons.
The first Crossroads Guitar Festival, held June 2004 at the Cotton Bowl and State Fairgrounds in Dallas, was an unprecedented collection of guitar icons from blues, rock and contemporary music. The sold-out show was chronicled in a two-disc DVD that has since gone on to become one of the world’s top-selling music DVDs. The Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007 and 2010 were the second and third such concerts by Clapton and were staged at Toyota Park in Chicago. Both Festivals were filmed for DVDs and also achieved multi-platinum status. The fourth Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2013 brought the world’s best guitar players to the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden in New York and met with huge critical acclaim, similar to the most recent sold-out festival in 2019 that was held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, a return to the city that hosted the first-ever Crossroads Guitar Festival.

[@jerryjazzbo2845]

It's a blessing that Eric is still here with us.

[@TomTom-xp2jb]

Yes. Some would even say it's a miracle that he made it through all the trials and tribulations inherent in the rock world. So happy he came out relatively unscathed. What a role model he has become. Bless you Eric. ❤️

[@robertmcaree7016]

@@TomTom-xp2jb Too bad about his politics!

[@cubnation]

​@@robertmcaree7016 What would that be?

[@TomTom-xp2jb]

@@robertmcaree7016 Please elaborate.

[@Robin-Cale17]

​@@robertmcaree7016Well?

[@narrowboat-nonsense]

Total respect for EC, He's been there, Done that, Done stuff he knows he shouldn't. Had tragic moments in his life & STILL is the master, Long live the King.

[@matteowatteo1296]

The king? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@geoffpoole483]

Music wise he's done nothing of any note for over 50 years. He's the original heritage act.

[@hartze4946]

​@@geoffpoole483 It doesn't matter, he is still God.

[@susanbezio6708]

Stills, Santana and Clapton WOW what a group of talented guitarists. Love them all. Stay healthy Eric, we need you here with us.

[@markmcmyn8967]

It is good to have Eric Clapton in the world.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

I've said before that the day he leaves this earth they might as well take me too. I just love knowing I live on the same planet as Eric Clapton. No other guitar player has ever had such an impact on me as him. What a legend.

[@bobareeniobobareenio2935]

A racist and bigot !

[@anauticalgate5496]

One of the few things right with it !

[@blucheer8743]

Here here!!

[@butthead4761]

He's racist and should be worried about his fucced up British teeth

[@michellerutt6683]

You are a beacon of light for love, hope, and recovery, and a generous soul with your gifts, as you heal many. Personally, I’ve been able to heal through your music, 12 steps and being a member of ACOA for many years. Your gift will last into the future! Thank you EC, stay blessed 🙏💫

[@user-ql1zn5op2z]

😇💫💞🙏🌹🌞🌺🤩🕊️🕯️🛐☦️

[@stevehughes1510]

He's come through the ups and downs and great pain of this life, he's a journeyman and a surviving leader in music.........what a legacy. God bless him.

[@MysteryZen77]

truth is EVERYONE is a LEGEND- my hero is my CAT. ...Clapton comes 2nd

[@stevehughes1510]

@@MysteryZen77 what pronoun does the Cat prefer ??

[@martindelaney1139]

He is a good man as well as a brilliant guitarist. He does a lot for people that no one knows about ❤❤

[@davejohnston5158]

This is a great man who truly understands addiction and doing everything he can to help others recover. Genius musician and gift to humanity.

[@fern6114]

What a man and great human, thanks for your music and compassion

[@jimbanda]

His compassion extends to ordinary people subsidising rich people in an idyllic far away heaven . I love Eric's music but Crossroads needs to be put in perspective, it's a clinic for wealthy people.

[@brucelee4996]

@@jimbanda Actually your wrong. Read about Crossroads, before exercising your useless drivel. Also, who cares. You sound whiny about Rich people/institutions. If that was the case for Crossroads. booboo hoo. Rich people pay to do rich things. Tough lesson about life you have to swallow.

[@Mws556]

I, too, have been in recovery for over 8yrs, and I am so grateful EC has spoken out about substance abuse as well as putting his $ where his mouth is. Along with his life of being the best in his business, this will also be a large part of his stellar legacy. Love you, Bro! Keep sending the message that there's life after addiction.

[@thorsden5562]

I've been a fan of Eric Clapton since the early 70's. I was a little too young in the 60's to appreciate his awesome talent. I still listen to Slowhand and other albums. He's one of my music heroes. It's sad that so many of my other favorites have passed away. I've been to Antigua and I'm familiar with his work there. Thank you Eric for your talent and your caring heart.

[@dwstoeckel4740]

Much respect to you sir. You spoke your mind when people were terrified to say anything at all. I will always be a fan.

[@jonathannewby5795]

If you are referring to his anti-vax, it was garbage.

[@jonnimbus5671]

Those of us who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s who enjoyed the music of the day were blessed to have had Eric Clapton entertain us from then til now , always iconic. But he is indeed a wonderful human being. So humble, so sincere, so fantastic! God bless Eric.

[@glennbzt]

The festival he runs has some formidable talent for sure looking fwd to the next version ..thanks mr Clapton😊

[@killereverb3928]

That festival is why Eric is still here, still vital, still playing like the monster player legend he’s always been, and still inspiring millions of players and music listeners the world over. God bless you Eric!

[@brucelee4996]

I love All Eric Clapton's music. From Badge to Bad Love, to Tears in Heaven.

[@samstone6032]

He's THE coolest EVER! WHAT a beautiful heart!

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤much love and respect for you Eric Clapton. Thanks for your devotion to music, it is precious to us

[@jims5922]

I first heard Eric when I was fifteen, going thru a tough time having just lost my Dad. I remember exactly where I was the first time I heard BBB. It struck me in a way I still can't describe. Eric and the blues have been with me on my journey ever since. Looking forward to this years festival!

[@rayadray9279]

Eric is a great human being on many levels and if you ever read this"....Your the inspiration behind my guitar playing for well on 50 plus years" and remarkably thanks to my dear family I will be at your Crossroads show in September appreciate you EC💯×💯

[@paulwooton4390]

You're a wonderful human being, Mr. Clapton. Thank you for bringing back the Festval. Is it too late to persuade Bobby Whitlock to play one song with your band?

[@steely_Bob]

The Great Eric Clapton! Thanks for the great music. Pray you’ll be around for a long while.

[@andrewk7731]

I've always been a fan This gentleman described himself as a nasty piece of work a while back to face ones demons And some of the harsh reality that have come to pass in his life And end up positive with what's left Is a credit to Eric and his family Inspirational character Thanks for being a part of my life Through thick and thin In a lot of aspects

[@mikebillinghay5036]

He speaks as eloquently as he plays. I could listen to him play and talk for hours. One of a small band of musicians who have stayed to course. Thanks for everything Eric. 🎸

[@DaedalusHelios]

He comes from an era where the British education system was one of the best in the world. It is only a fraction of what it once was, yielding higher illiteracy rates than the USA now.

[@thomasrouh2258]

Eric you're an Angel from heaven in the form of a humble rock star.....God Bless you Eric Clapton.....One great person right here.....

[@ellonysman]

He'd be a bigger person if he helped his half brother here in Vancouver, BC 🇨🇦 Global news did a story about his addiction and how he reached out to Eric, half brother for help. No response 😮😢

[@thomasrouh2258]

@@ellonysman Maybe there's more to the story than we know or at least I know......prayers....🙏

[@ellonysman]

@@thomasrouh2258 you're right but I wish Eric had made a comment explaining why, to clear up any questions people have

[@thomasrouh2258]

@@ellonysman I hear ya my friend....All I can do is offer prayers for everyone involved......

[@jevmobile]

Eric Clapton your a global super star, loved your music for years and now my 15yr old son @nickev29 is drumming to many of your tracks and it’s great as I get to relive some of my favourite Clapton tracks. Your work is timeless and your skill amazing.

[@elcienechagas1981]

Eric Clapton 🎸🎶🎙️👑👏👏

[@user-cl6cl5ec3k]

Eric, it's wonderful to see and hear your music, beautiful guitar playing, listening to playing, many highly qualified musicians... I love listening to guitar music, blues, which is accompanied by guitars more loudly... Thank you for your music and beautiful songs, Eric ..

[@sandraaraya8625]

Great legacy... and above all... the music 🎶🎸🎶

[@jammergreg]

Eric Clapton is one of my favorite guitar players. What a great soul. I remember in the late 60s with the wheels of fire album…I must’ve ruined three or four vinyl albums trying to figure out the guitar part to CrossRoads by ear. Love that guy!

[@Robylazarus]

A brilliant musician and God's gift to humanity. Thank you Mr. Clapton. Much love from India.

[@sandrabogan859]

Eric is a living recovery saint. Thank you Mr. Eric Clapton. Gratitude is my attitude. Onward & Upward, my friend....

[@erbafj71]

If you want to learn blues based rock guitar, the most important album to own is Disraeli Gears - it's rock guitar perfection. Perfectly crafted guitar solos, relatively simple chord progressions, but genius level playing on every instrument. Thank You Eric!

[@tallpaul1020]

May God bless you Eric. You are a true beam of light in a dark world sometimes. Your music and your goal to help people in pain is extraordinary. Thank you and keep up the great work 🎸

[@5150show]

5150 percent

[@fizzyelephant0138]

Fax

[@michaelbrickley2443]

The God of the Universe is the Light. Love is the only thing that grows when you share it. Amen

[@PriorityNewsNow]

Glad to see it back! Good work you do with Crossroads.

[@desdichadoperofiel9264]

I grew up listening to Eric Clapton... if I had to choose one album that is absolutely precious to me it is FROM THE CRADLE. THANK YOU, ERIC!

[@TwoIndians]

same

[@ranjanindrasena2689]

god bless you Eric. I missed your concerts when I lived in New York. you are a great guitarist we ever had. bless you again

[@Hrishi1970]

As ardent fans, we got to make this a grand success! Dear Eric, we ❤ you!

[@grazynasz.6350]

Eric you are The BEST ❤

[@larryp58]

I would love to hear Eric and Steve Stills jam together again! Eric is da man!

[@redduketeleman]

Yep..."Go Back Home" would be amazing

[@jltrem]

@klopek24 Great idea. Would love to see Bobby invited. He's such a tender soul.

[@user-kz8wf7yz7s]

I would truly love to see Stephen Stills get together with Eric again and see where the music takes them. Bringing Carlos into the mix would be incredible 🙏

[@jeffgarmon1]

@@redduketeleman what an incredible piece of music with those two guys just going off.

[@TomTom-xp2jb]

@@redduketeleman I was thinking that and Black Queen would also be great. Thx for the post. 👍

[@joelbeltran6645]

le musicien est grand l homme encore plus.merci d embellir nos vies. que Dieu vous garde Mr Clapton.

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

Love to see the Legendary Player’s at the C.R. festival while they’re still playing on this Earth. Years Pass and Tears fall like rain. God Bless Clapton’ he has done much to help humanity ❤️ I got to go to Clarksdale’ MS in May this year. Beale Street Memphis too. Saw Little Jimmy Reed’ on Beale street. He’s 82 and still playing. Most authentic Blues I have witnessed live in person 🇺🇸

[@johnnyscoolstuff8427]

thank you for all that you do Eric I’m 64 and I’ve been listening to you since I was a little kid

[@eightinches3671]

I've always loved this guy.

[@ArjantinErmeni]

THANK You Mr. Clapton for all. Your music walk with me for decades, like a soundtrack: joy, depth, feelings, light, pleasure, sadness, and all the emotions. And many times , some of your Masterpieces and live performances (as some recorded rehearsals too) brings me near to The Highest Presence, Our Lord. THANKS GOD FOR YOU & YOUR MUSIC. BEST REGARDS FROM BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA.

[@JM-io6966bili]

Long Live Eric .

[@kjisnot]

I know there are the DVD's released of the festivals but I always wanted to see more stuff on the backstage action, rehearsals, etc. That would make a great documentary at this point.

[@JRussUT]

A great musician ... and an even better person.

[@TomTom-xp2jb]

Thankyou for giving back Eric and everyone involved in this amazing event. Much appreciated. 👍

[@mikeennis851]

Love it. Wheels of Fire was the second record album I bought when I was a teen way back when. I'm 70 in two days. Think I'll listen to me some Cream for me B-Day.

[@rrr40]

WHAT TREMENDOUS AMAZING MAN GOD BLESS ERIC CLAPTON

[@garethgoodchild2643]

Wonderful that Eric is still going strong and trying to help others. Had the fantastic opportunity of seeing Eric with Jeff play in Toronto a few years back. What a great memory.

[@bruzrkgro-malog2953]

What a real and genuine human being, let alone a brilliant and humble guitarist.

[@acousticarchivefortwayne930]

What a great and caring cause. Addiction is such a wicked whirlpool for people who get caught in its undertow and it takes a massive effort to escape. A hand offered in friendship and kindness can make all the difference. Thanks Eric. Been listening to and enjoying your music for 50 + years and am currently stealing as many chords from your acoustic version of "Bell Bottom Blues" as I can! Much love and take care buddy.

[@plschwartzx]

I was born about the same time as John Lennon. I lived the 60"s in Greenwich Village. I was quite Counterculture. I am grateful I was able to live in that era. What is missing from most descriptions of that time was the sense of exploring. And of community and sharing. And our music. Ian Tyson said of those early days "There were no rules. We made it up as we went along." When I get nostalgic for those times I watch Blind Faith's free Hyde Park Concert. Eric Clapton and Crossroads are the finest symbol of those times.

[@roelantonioona517]

Thank you Eric. Your talent and your heart comes together. ❤

[@atikaspaan8503]

Je vous aime Monsieur Clapton vous êtes formidables Thank your 🤲🏻❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻🌺🌺🌺

[@robertozanconi1360]

God bless you, ERIC.

[@riccardomusiu510]

Ciao Eric, sei un grande, sempre e per sempre. The Best my Idol 🎸❤️🇮🇹

[@jeffcurran7452]

My guitar hero will always be Clapton!

[@miopinion6092]

Siento en mi pecho cuando escucho sus canciones, no soy de su generación pero lo admiro. Gracias por dar su talento al mundo.

[@lezlee8704]

I hope cross roads comes back it’s the best music event in the world,unfortunately there is not enough music events in the world.

[@patriciacestare232]

You have done so much good in the world..❤

[@patriciacestare232]

@Eric-yn8eg love and hugs to my favorite human being

[@semiproactive9625]

And you go all the way back to high school in the 60s filling the car from an 8 track player. Thanks Eric for everything.

[@E-katerina.]

Nice my dear Eric!!

[@nancystevens7447]

Still playing,still able to rock the world. The greatest of all time and in my lifetime,how lucky am I!

[@amandafawcett3425]

Thankyou Eric for doing a gig to help the people of Maui as well as all you good work your a great man with a heart of gold x x x

[@amandafawcett3425]

@ericpatrikclappton from Newcastle Upon Tyne Eric thankyou Godbless you take care

[@ryank9910]

Long live Eric! Slowhand!

[@perijetton9275]

❤

[@SetInStoneNow]

I have so much respect for Eric Clapton. He is a true survivor who has given back so much.

[@steverogers2635]

God bless you Mr. Clapton and thank you for all the great music and all the good things that have come from these festivals.

[@nealhartsell3880]

He's just all class.

[@timv2084]

Thank you Eric for all you have done my friend. I saw you many years ago, in Arlington Heights IL, at the Cellar. Of course you (and I ) were much younger then. Your wisdom comes across Eric....its just who you are....

[@rastamanch-b4964]

С любовью и благодарностью!!! ❤

[@zackwilliams9912]

He’s long overdue for his well deserved Kennedy center honors for his exceptional contributions to American culture with his unforgettable riffs and music that had lasted for half a century

[@Starlight03690]

So BEAUTIFUL! Love & Blessing ALL!💜🙏😇 ROCK ON ERIC, SOULTRIBE! 🌈⭐️🌈☀️🌈☀️🌈☀️🌈 Clear & SOBER is the way to allow the "MAGIC" to happen PURE N SIMPLE SRRENDER So Grateful. 🙏🌈🌎💞🕊☀️🎶🌻🎸☮️⭐️💚😇💞🐬

[@stevew406]

Have played now for 44 years and EC has always and still is my inspiration to play and has shaped my playing and sound throughout, a true living guitar legend, thanks for all your do. I live and breathe playing the blues at 52 it and it will to I can play no more.

[@mackette54]

God Bless you and Antiga ! Yea #MartinGuitar #PennsylvaniaPROUD

[@vonrock6862]

I’m in my 70’s, I never thought I’d see us old an dying

[@sarahcoulter5763]

God Bless you always Mr Clapton 🙏✝️🕊️

[@katekelly1]

♥

[@lfader]

My friend Jon Sutherland interviewed you and you gave him a copy of your book I was @the fork unsure in sobriety your book so helpful gaining back my life swag 16yrs sober still playing ducks in a row living. Infinite Love appreciation Mr Clapton. Lance.

[@rudymikula7129]

Congratulations for being sober for 35 years. I think that Eric is playing as well as he's ever played. He may not have the fire of the Bluesbreakers, Cream or Derek and the Dominos, but he is just as intense, just maybe not as flashy. The Robert Johnson and JJ Cale albums are beautiful. I just finished his autobiography and I think he is no longer a tortured artist. He seems happy and focused on what's important, i.e. family and guitar. I have always loved him as a musician. He has inspired me from the first time I picked up a guitar.

[@thermality]

I think he's made the best music of his life in his 70s. That 70th bday bash at the RAH is the gold standard, imo.

[@johnoswald9143]

Clapton, Stills and Santana. Epic.

[@DannyHolland-tu9ks]

❤😂🎉😢😢😮😅I Love you Yes God Really knew what He Was Doing when He Made Eric Clappton!@!!?? ❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊

[@stephenreese9841]

I’m wish I could be there for this one… I missed the last one very near in Dallas not all that long ago…. Those who are able to go, feel joyful, appreciative, and knowing that you may be helping a need soul…

[@jodie3278]

I have so much love and respect for you Mr. Clapton. I started listening to you in my teens. You've been with me in good times and dark but a constant you remain after 50 years. I'm Thankful. Be blessed as you help others.

[@kylepalmer8730]

I saw him twice in my life and he did not fail me.....Jesus H. Christ this man can play the blues. Thank you for all the memories you gave me.

[@wimweender1306]

😊❤

[@raffaellaromeo7674]

Ti stimo Eric Clapton saluti dall'Italia 🇮🇹

[@sallyford-fitzwilliams1724]

A beautiful and courageous legend.

[@jamescopeland5358]

Great video EC!

[@markchronister4620]

Have been a fan since the Beano album I guess. I’ve just always enjoyed his music. He’s very versatile. Surrounds himself with excellent talent. I like what he’s done with Crossroads, I listen to parts of 2013 almost everyday. A great cause and the players are just drop dead fantastic. Eric is a good guy I like to believe.

[@ruthboykin9873]

Love and hope and commitment; you give it all! Beautiful beautiful music always! God bless you Eric.

[@shippenman5977]

Went to Crossroads festival in 2004, Dallas,to see JJ Cale. What a wonderful experience.

[@jasonkiesling]

I love this man ...

[@GuitarTimeWithBillyC]

He played a huge part in my recovery. Sober almost 18 years now and have a life second to none. Playing guitar without being drunk is so much better.

[@13thRaven]

Thankyou Mr Eric Clapton. Im 9 years sober and your music has got me through some dark moments. God bless you my brother in recovery

[@rundbaum]

thank you for helping me things w/WAY more clarity tonite!! i have missed two decades of this . . .

[@brownsfan7753]

Love this!!

[@ilrenizesilva7371]

Esse cara é um monstro na guitarra e na voz adoro ele as músicas são lindas grande Erik clapton