Eric Clapton, the man once dubbed “God” for his groundbreaking guitar playing and profound influence on rock music, has never been a stranger to controversy.

Known for his smooth blues playing and lyrical solos, Clapton’s career has been defined by more than just musical brilliance — it’s also been shaped by intense rivalries, deep resentments, and shocking betrayals.

As Clapton approaches 80, he has finally revealed a side of himself that has been hidden for decades — one filled with jealousy, personal animosities, and heated feuds that rocked the world of rock and roll.

From fellow guitar legends to former bandmates, Clapton’s list of musicians he allegedly hated is as explosive as it is revealing.

This is not your typical rock-star drama.

Clapton’s battles went far beyond the stage, spilling into personal lives, friendships, and even marriages.

Insiders claim that Clapton was often driven by a deep sense of rivalry, believing that some of his peers were stealing the spotlight — or worse, undermining his status as one of the greatest guitarists in history.

So, who were the ten musicians Clapton despised the most? And what drove this legendary figure to harbor such deep resentments against the very people who shared his stage?

At number 10, we have Ginger Baker, Clapton’s bandmate in Cream, a partnership that was as legendary as it was toxic.

According to sources, Clapton and Baker had one of the most volatile relationships in rock history.

The tension started almost immediately when the band was formed in 1966, with Clapton reportedly saying that Baker’s violent temper and reckless behavior made recording sessions “hell.

” The animosity became so intense that their final tour together was marked by screaming matches backstage before every show.

Sources claim that Clapton once said working with Baker was “the worst experience” of his career and even refused all reunion offers involving Baker.

The feud was a defining chapter in Clapton’s life, and it seemed the bad blood between the two never truly healed.

At number nine is Jack Bruce, another of Clapton’s Cream bandmates.

Clapton allegedly felt betrayed by Bruce’s dominance over the band’s songwriting and his growing influence within the group.

While Bruce took control as the primary songwriter and vocalist, Clapton’s resentment began to fester.

According to insiders, Clapton thought Bruce’s compositions were too complicated and “pretentious” for blues rock, and he even labeled them “nonsense” that alienated the band’s fan base.

Their rivalry reached its peak after Cream’s breakup, with Clapton blaming Bruce for the band’s demise.

The bitter rivalry continued for decades, with Clapton reportedly never forgiving Bruce for overshadowing his role in the band.

Number eight on Clapton’s hate list is Pete Townshend of The Who.

Clapton reportedly couldn’t stand Townshend’s aggressive, destructive approach to guitar playing, particularly his infamous windmill guitar technique.

Clapton is said to have felt that Townshend was more of a showman than a true guitarist, mocking his “primitive power chords” and the theatrics that defined The Who’s stage presence.

Clapton allegedly criticized Townshend’s songwriting as “overrated” and his solos as “basic,” fueling a deep animosity between the two legends.

This rivalry is still a talking point in British rock circles, where their tension was palpable.

At number seven is George Harrison, Clapton’s close friend and another victim of Clapton’s jealousy.

Despite their long friendship, Clapton allegedly resented Harrison’s fame as a Beatle, believing that Harrison’s success was more about his association with the band than his actual guitar skills.

The tension between them grew even more intense when Clapton infamously fell in love with Harrison’s wife, Patty Boyd, leading to a painful and highly publicized love triangle.

This betrayal rocked their friendship, and Clapton’s feelings of inadequacy seemed to fester for years, further complicating their relationship.

Number six on Clapton’s list is Phil Collins, who rose to prominence as a drummer-turned-pop-superstar in the 1980s.

Clapton reportedly mocked Collins’ transition into pop music, calling his success “cheesy” and “soulless,” and claiming that his commercial success was nothing more than “mediocre music for housewives.

” Clapton was particularly offended by Collins’ dominance in the charts, with sources claiming that Clapton saw Collins’ rise as a betrayal of what real musicians stood for.

The rivalry reached new heights during charity events, where Clapton was allegedly dismissive of Collins’ music and production style.

At number five is Mark Knopfler, the lead guitarist of Dire Straits, who Clapton allegedly resented for his unique fingerpicking style.

Clapton reportedly couldn’t understand why Knopfler was hailed as a guitar hero despite his unconventional technique.

Sources claim Clapton thought Knopfler’s playing was “gimmicky” and “limited,” with Clapton dismissing his tone as “weak” compared to his own.

This rivalry split guitar fans into two camps, with Clapton’s followers downplaying Knopfler’s influence.

Clapton’s bitterness only deepened when journalists compared the two guitarists in interviews, something Clapton refused to acknowledge as legitimate.

Number four on Clapton’s list is Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Texas blues legend.

Clapton reportedly felt threatened by Vaughan’s explosive playing and the growing admiration he received as the new “guitar god.

” Sources claim Clapton resented Vaughan’s raw power and authenticity, feeling that Stevie was overshadowing his own status as the greatest blues guitarist.

Clapton allegedly dismissed Vaughan’s technique as “loud and flashy,” with no emotional depth.

Clapton’s jealousy was so strong that he reportedly went to Vaughan’s shows just to critique him afterward.

Coming in at number three is Prince, who Clapton reportedly couldn’t stand due to his flamboyant style and guitar versatility.

Clapton allegedly saw Prince as a pop star who was only pretending to be a serious guitarist, accusing him of using flashy solos to gain attention.

Clapton thought Prince’s playing was technically impressive but lacked the blues soul he cherished.

Their rivalry reached new heights when Prince began to appear in guitar rankings above Clapton, something the latter apparently found unacceptable.

At number two is Jimi Hendrix, the ultimate guitar legend who Clapton could never escape from.

Clapton’s jealousy of Hendrix’s revolutionary approach to guitar playing is said to have haunted him throughout his career.

Clapton reportedly attended Hendrix’s early shows and felt overshadowed, even telling friends that Hendrix’s playing was “all theatrics” and lacked the blues authenticity Clapton valued.

Their rivalry became legendary, with Clapton’s obsession with Hendrix’s success fueling a deep resentment that would never fade.

At number one is not a musician, but Patty Boyd, the woman who destroyed Clapton’s relationship with George Harrison.

Clapton’s obsession with Boyd, Harrison’s wife, led to a bitter love triangle that caused irreparable damage to their friendship.

Clapton’s jealousy of Harrison’s seemingly perfect life, combined with his obsessive love for Patty, caused one of rock’s most scandalous betrayals.

Clapton’s obsession with Boyd consumed him, and the fallout was so intense that it destroyed one of the most cherished friendships in rock history.

These intense rivalries show a side of Clapton that fans rarely saw — a man consumed by jealousy, competition, and deep personal grudges.

His feuds with some of the biggest names in rock are as legendary as his music, but they reveal a darker side of the guitarist that proves even legends have their flaws.

Was it pure jealousy or justified resentment? You decide.