Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 [Interview]

In addition to the concerts, Guitar Center, a co-sponsor since 2004 and a strong supporter of the Crossroads At Antigua Foundation, will once again host the Guitar Center Festival Village on-site adjacent to the arena on Xbox Plaza and Chick Hearn Court at L.A. LIVE. Some of the world’s best guitar and gear manufacturers, including Fender, Gibson, Martin, BOSS, D’Angelico, Ernie Ball, Focusrite, Ibanez, Mark Bass, Marshall, Mitchell, PRS, Shure, Yamaha, and more, will host interactive exhibits where guitar enthusiasts can plug in and play new products and classic favorites. In addition to the guitars and gear exhibited throughout the Village, Guitar Center will again be exhibiting important selections from its must-see, multi-million dollar Legends Collection of historically significant guitars, including Clapton’s “Blackie” Strat and cherry ES-335, as well as Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Lenny” Strat. Additionally, Guitar Center, in partnership with Eric Clapton, will unveil the 25th Anniversary Crossroads Guitar Collection – a rare series of meticulously crafted, limited-edition guitars, based on vintage, iconic instruments that Clapton played early in his career with Cream, Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominos. This collection will be of interest to both passionate players and serious collectors alike, and available exclusively through Guitar Center stores with a significant share of the profits going to the aid of Crossroads Centre at Antigua.

The Guitar Center Festival Village will open at 9:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with exclusive access strictly limited to Crossroads concert ticket holders. One of the recurring highlights of the Village will be nonstop live performances on the outdoor Village Stage on Xbox Plaza, on which main stage artists, other world-renowned guitarists, and next-gen virtuosos will be featured throughout both days. Meanwhile, local food trucks will offer a convenient selection of Southern California cuisine throughout the Village’s operating hours, while Toyota will also be an exhibitor in the Village.

Since its inception, Clapton’s vision for the Crossroads Guitar Festival has been to create an event where his friends and contemporaries can have fun and perform together for the benefit of a good cause. This year, the Festival will partner with Heritage Auctions to once again conduct an online, global event featuring items including the one-of-a-kind reproduction prototypes of the Crossroads Guitar Festival 25th Anniversary Guitar Collection – as well as guitars handpicked
by participating Festival performers from Guitar Center’s high-end vintage collection, and donations from the 2023 Artists and Village Exhibitors. The auction will run online for three weeks in October following the Crossroads event, culminating in a live auction on October 21st. All profits from the Festival and auction will benefit The Crossroads Centre at Antigua, a treatment and education facility founded by Clapton for chemically dependent persons.

The first Crossroads Guitar Festival, held June 2004 at the Cotton Bowl and State Fairgrounds in Dallas, was an unprecedented collection of guitar icons from blues, rock and contemporary music. The sold-out show was chronicled in a two-disc DVD that has since gone on to become one of the world’s top-selling music DVDs. The Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007 and 2010 were the second and third such concerts by Clapton and were staged at Toyota Park in Chicago. Both Festivals were filmed for DVDs and also achieved multi-platinum status. The fourth Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2013 brought the world’s best guitar players to the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden in New York and met with huge critical acclaim, similar to the most recent sold-out festival in 2019 that was held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, a return to the city that hosted the first-ever Crossroads Guitar Festival.

[jerryjazzbo]

It's a blessing that Eric is still here with us.

[markmcmyn]

It is good to have Eric Clapton in the world.

[fern]

What a man and great human, thanks for your music and compassion

[susanbezio]

Stills, Santana and Clapton WOW what a group of talented guitarists. Love them all. Stay healthy Eric, we need you here with us.

[narrowboat-nonsense]

Total respect for EC, He's been there, Done that, Done stuff he knows he shouldn't. Had tragic moments in his life & STILL is the master, Long live the King.

[michellerutt]

You are a beacon of light for love, hope, and recovery, and a generous soul with your gifts, as you heal many. Personally, I’ve been able to heal through your music, 12 steps and being a member of ACOA for many years. Your gift will last into the future! Thank you EC, stay blessed 🙏💫

[davejohnston]

This is a great man who truly understands addiction and doing everything he can to help others recover. Genius musician and gift to humanity.

[martindelaney]

He is a good man as well as a brilliant guitarist. He does a lot for people that no one knows about ❤❤

[thorsden]

I've been a fan of Eric Clapton since the early 70's. I was a little too young in the 60's to appreciate his awesome talent. I still listen to Slowhand and other albums. He's one of my music heroes. It's sad that so many of my other favorites have passed away. I've been to Antigua and I'm familiar with his work there. Thank you Eric for your talent and your caring heart.

[Samthesham]

He's THE coolest EVER! WHAT a beautiful heart!

[Mws]

I, too, have been in recovery for over 8yrs, and I am so grateful EC has spoken out about substance abuse as well as putting his $ where his mouth is. Along with his life of being the best in his business, this will also be a large part of his stellar legacy. Love you, Bro! Keep sending the message that there's life after addiction.

[brucelee]

I love All Eric Clapton's music. From Badge to Bad Love, to Tears in Heaven.

[thRaven]

Thankyou Mr Eric Clapton. Im 9 years sober and your music has got me through some dark moments. God bless you my brother in recovery

[steely_Bob]

The Great Eric Clapton! Thanks for the great music. Pray you’ll be around for a long while.

[jonnimbus]

Those of us who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s who enjoyed the music of the day were blessed to have had Eric Clapton entertain us from then til now, always iconic. But he is indeed a wonderful human being. So humble, so sincere, so fantastic! God bless Eric.

[stevehughes]

He's come through the ups and downs and great pain of this life, he's a journeyman and a surviving leader in a legacy. God bless him.

[killereverb]

That festival is why Eric is still here, still vital, still playing like the monster player legend he’s always been, and still inspiring millions of players and music listeners the world over. God bless you Eric!

[glennbzt]

The festival he runs has some formidable talent for sure looking fwd to the next version ..thanks mr Clapton😊

[tallpaul]

May God bless you Eric. You are a true beam of light in a dark world sometimes. Your music and your goal to help people in pain is extraordinary. Thank you and keep up the great work 🎸

[paulwooton]

You're a wonderful human being, Mr. Clapton. Thank you for bringing back the Festval. Is it too late to persuade Bobby Whitlock to play one song with your band?