George Harrison Traded His Wife To Eric Clapton For a Gibson Les Paul Guitar
Did George Harrison really trade his wife to Eric Clapton for a guitar? Eric Clapton told Madhouse News that contrary to popular reports, he did not steal George Harrison’s wife. Clapton confirmed that he did however, trade his prized guitar for Pattie Boyd Harrison in 1974.
George married Pattie in 1965. Clapton and Harrison became close friends, at which time Clapton became infatuated with Boyd. Eric famously wrote the song “Layla” for her, which no one understands, because her name is Pattie and not in fact, “Layla”. After Pattie rebuffed him, Eric sank into a 3 year long heroin fueled period of isolation and self loathing.
George Harrison & Eric Clapton
Pattie must have had had some powerful mojo, as basically every song in the 1960’s and 1970’s was written about her. Songs written for Pattie include: “Layla”, “Something”, “Piggies”, “I Shot the Sheriff”, “Wonderful Tonight”, “Free Bird”, “Mississippi Queen”, “Disco Duck”, “Cat Scratch Fever” and “Convoy”.
Harrison confirmed the story himself in a rare interview. In the interview, Harrison told Claude Balzac, “I knew Eric wanted my wife back in 1970. He is a real perv. I told him to shag off, but I would consider a trade. I told him I will trade straight up, Pattie for Lucy. He said forget it and offered me Ginger Baker in exchange for Pattie. I refused that offer. ”
Lucy
“Lucy” is the name of the unique red Gibson Les Paul guitar owned by Clapton and coveted by Harrison. Previously owned by John Sebastian, Rick Derringer, Harry Truman and LBJ, Lucy is one of the most famous electric guitars in the world.
Finally Harrison agreed and delivered the guitar to Harrison in August, 1974. Clapton left with Boyd and promptly cheated on her. The couple remained together and were married in 1979. Harrison attended the wedding with “Lucy”. Eric and Pattie were miserable. Clapton’s drinking problem and infidelity caused them to separate in 1984; they finally divorced in 1988. George remained happily with Lucy the rest of his days.
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