Eric Clapton has come under criticism for supporting Van Morrison in his fight against performance venues being closed due to the pandemic following the news that Clapton sings a brand new anti-lockdown song written by Morrison.
Numerous complaints have been posted on social media accusing the two of ignoring those who died from the virus.
Jeffrey St. Clair, editor for the news and commentary site CounterPunch, says the news of the rock legends collaborating "confirms everything I’ve ever thought about Clapton, a musician who has spent his entire career appropriating black music and now records his first ‘protest’ song against meager restrictions to slow a disease that is ravaging black communities.”
And novelist Hari Kunzru says, “Last time Clapton weighed in on politics they had to start Rock Against Racism,” referring to the musician movement started in 1976 in part because of Clapton’s racist remarks at a concert that year. "Clapton is the worst. He has always been the worst. He was even the worst member of Cream. Van Morrison is also the worst. Even when making Astral Weeks, a sublime record that still makes me cry, he was (I have reluctantly come to accept) the worst.”
The death rate from the virus in England is close to 58,000.
The song Clapton and Morrison recorded, “Stand and Deliver,” was released last Friday. Proceeds from "Stand and Deliver" will support his Save Live Music Lockdown Financial Hardship Fund, in support of musicians who have suffered financial difficulties during the pandemic.
[courtesy of Classic Hits Today]