I was wondering where the relationship between Mark and Eric Clapton was at these days. I know that Mark (and Guy) often mentioned what I lovely chap Eric seems to be, and Mark mentioned him in relation with the Local Hero project recently. But did Mark (or Guy) ever comment on the trouble Clapton gets himself into again and again with his political remarks?
I’m just wondering because Mark always seems to be such a reasonable person in every respect, and his songs leave no room for doubt about where he stands on the most important political matters. That’s why I can’t imagine him not having a problem with some of Clapton’s comments.
I’ve listened to Clapton being interviewed on the podcast below yesterday, and could hardly believe my ears. He went as far as to defend Vladimir Putin, and mentioned that one of his “closest friends” (Bernie Ecclestone, I believe) said he would “take a bullet for him” (Putin). There was other outrageous stuff in that interview, but I actually had to rewind and listen again to that particular part, it was just … unbelievably ignorant.
If anyone knows whether Mark himself or someone close to him ever reacted to such comments, I’d be interested to know.
Clapton has cancelled his shows in Russia, following Ukraine’s invasion. So he’s probably not that much of a putinist.
Interesting topic though, Mark is not politically correct, but yes, he is quite moderate and mainstream, compared to Clapton.
Yesterday was my first ever Clapton concert, in Paris. What I can ensure you is they the audience went hysterical, they didn’t care at all about politics, and cared much about the amazing guitar and even voice skills of this 79-year old! In much better shape than Mark… Mark who was missed, would have loved to hear him on Badge, like in 1988…
You have to really listen carefully here.
He is supporting Palestine, so far so good.
About Putin: he’s not saying that he or his friend are supporting Putin now, but is referring to the past. Some 10-15 years ago, western investors doubted that Putin was trustworthy, and Ecclestone (or whoever) said “I’d take a bullet for him”, meaning “he’ll stick to what he says” and it was safe to invest a lot of money in Russia. It’s not about literally taking a bullet, it’s just an idiom.
The stuff about covid and kiwis sounds confusing to me, and I just don’t like an artist who says “I love you” to fans in a show and then goes on to make jokes about those people. Not very professional imho.
