Eric Clapton Labels the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a “Frat Boys Club”

When it comes to lists discussing the greatest guitarists in history, no list seemed complete without naming Eric Clapton. Throughout his decades in the music industry, the musician solidified himself as one of the best guitarists in music. Looking at his solo career, Clapton sold over 100 million albums and landed a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While many artists hope to gain entry into the HOF, Clapton entered not only once but three times thanks to his contributions to groups like Yardbirds and Cream. Although a massive achievement, Clapton recently criticized the HOF for being a “Frat Boys Club.” 

Sitting down to discuss his career with The Real Music Observer, Clapton held nothing back when the topic of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame came up. “I think of it as a frat boys club that happened to lure [me] in.” Expanding on his comment, the musician added, “I think the fact that they had [former Atlantic Records president and Hall of Fame chairman] Ahmet Ertegun was the ticket for me. He was doing it for people like Ruth Brown and the Drifters, all those early Atlantic artists that were being forgotten. And then, it just kind of started to snowball.”

[RELATED: Live Album & Concert Video Documenting Eric Clapton’s Star-Packed 2023 Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 Due Out Soon]

Eric Clapton Admits Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Not For Rebels

Not thrilled about some of the people who helped create the Hall of Fame, Clapton listened to the advice of his friend Robbie Robertson. With Clapton embracing the organization, the musician got an in-depth look into the HOF and how they continuously left out iconic musicians like J.J. Cale.

Shocked that Cale never received any recognition from the HOF, Clapton insisted, “The fact that someone like J.J. has never even been suggested is proof of what that thing is, or proof of what it isn’t. It’s not likely he’ll ever come up. It’s not their thing. I don’t know what their thing is. But he’s too anonymous for those guys.”

While a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Clapton declared the organization catered to the establishment and as always – rebels aren’t welcomed.

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Crossroads Guitar Festival)