Guitarist Eric Clapton has been advocating against the Covid-19 vaccines for a long time and has bankrolled an anti-vaccine rock group claiming to campaign medical choice.
Eric Clapton reportedly donated around $1,300 and his touring van to the UK group, Jam for Freedom, on October 10.
Jam for Freedom is seemingly a group of musicians that lets amateur players sit on outdoor shows. The group mentioned that medical records and devices or mandatory drugs will not be needed to attend their festivals and events on their website.
Anti-vaccine lines are also included in their lyrics. After the officials attempted to stop a performance in a park seemingly violating noise regulations, the libertarian-leaning outfit members were seen disputing with police officers in a video shared on their website.
Eric also reportedly got in touch with band member Cambel McLaughlin through text. He has also allegedly provided them with extra funds to purchase their van and said he might play with them in the future, as stated by McLaughlin.
Public reacts to Eric Clapton’s actions on social media
Ever since Eric Clapton’s anti-vaccine campaign became active, it has received support. However, it has also been criticized by a few on social media.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in July 2021 that nightclubs would provide entry to those who have been fully vaccinated. Clapton then decided not to perform anymore in places that needed proof of vaccination.
He shared an official statement with the architect and anti-vaxxer Robin Monotti Graziadei through his Telegram account. He said that he will not perform where the discriminated audience will be present and added that until they allow everyone to attend, he reserves the right to cancel the show.
Back in December 2020, Eric released an anti-lockdown track, Stand And Deliver, written by his friend Van Morrison. Morrison also supported anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine sentiments in 2020.
Speaking about the Northern Irish singer’s anti-lockdown songs, Clapton stated in an interview that many support Morrison and his attempts to save live music and that he is an inspiration.
However, after the release of their collaboration, actress Jameela Hamil and many others shared a transcript of a racist tirade made by Eric Clapton when he was drunk during a Birmingham concert in 1976.
Clapton passed a lot of slurs to the black and non-white audience at the concert and then asked the foreigners to raise their hands before asking them to leave.