Eric Clapton creates the cult of the guitar hero

April 1965: Number 7 in our series of the 50 key events in the history of rock musicNothing is more central to rock mythology than the cult of the lead guitarist. And no one did more to create that cult than Eric Clapton. He had already been a member of the Yardbirds before joining John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, the clearing house for guitarists, in April 1965. His two stints with Mayall saw his reputation grow to the extent that a famous graffito captured the popular appraisal of him among rock f...

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23:38 on June 11 2011

Led Zepplin formed by Jimmy Page

Guardian Music — September 1968: Number 13 in our series of the 50 key events in the history of rock musicBack in 1968, Jimmy Page was a hard-nosed rhythm'n'blues session musician. When h... more info

Led Zeppelin The Yardbirds

23:44 on June 11 2011

Eric Clapton creates the cult of the guitar hero

Guardian Music — April 1965: Number 7 in our series of the 50 key events in the history of rock musicNothing is more central to rock mythology than the cult of the lead guitarist. And no ... more info

Eric Clapton The Yardbirds John Mayall John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers