Eric Clapton 'struggling to play guitar' due to nerve damage

"I consider it a great thing to be alive at all"

(Redferns via Getty Images)

Guitar playing extraordinaire Eric Clapton has revealed that nerve damage has hindered his ability to play the instrument.

The musician has suffered from peripheral neuropathy since 2013, a condition that is known to affect sensation and movements.

Clapton told Classic Rock Magazine how the nerve damage started out as lower back pain which forced him to cancel numerous tour dates.

The musician said:

“[It’s] hard work to play the guitar and I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that it will not improve. What I’ll allow myself to do, within reason, is carry on recording in the studio. I don’t want to go off the boil to the point where I’m embarrassing myself."

The 71-year-old is best known for writing classic tracks including "Tears in Heaven", "Wonderful Tonight" and "Layla" as well as performing in bands The Yardbirds and Cream.

“Because I’m in recovery from alcoholism and addiction to substances," Clapton continued, "I consider it a great thing to be alive at all. By rights, I should have kicked the bucket a long time ago.

"For some reason, I was plucked from the jaws of hell and given another chance.”

Earlier this month, NME reported that Clapton has recorded two new songs with The Rolling Stones which are said to be appearing on the band's forthcoming record.