Fans of the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival have hailed Eric Clapton as the greatest guitarist in the history of rock music.
What’s the Silverstone Classic in Britain got to do with music? The annual three-day event is equally famous for its live concerts, hence the “Rocking and Racing” motto.
Artists who have performed in recent years include Suzi Quattro, Mike and The Mechanics, Santana, and the Yardbirds, the band with which ‘Slowhand’ Clapton originally came to fame.
The SilverstoneClassic.com website ran a poll heading into this year’s event (July 26,27,28) asking show-goers to name the top axeman. Up for grabs are three Gibson SGJ guitars. Clapton came out ahead of other guitar legends such as Jimmy Page, Slash, Angus Young, Pete Townshend and Keith Richards.
“In total, nearly two thousand votes were cast and it’s clear from the results that Silverstone Classic fans are just as knowledgeable about classic rock guitarists as they are about classic racing cars,” said Nick Wigley, event director.
“I’m sure they will enjoy this year’s amazing line up of rocking and racing which includes The Hollies plus some of Europe’s top tribute bands playing the music of Pink Floyd, The Eagles and Guns N Roses as well as 24 races for the world’s finest racing cars from past generations.
“I’m not sure what sounds best, the roar of a Ferrari V12 or a well-known Gibson guitar riff.”
One of the guitars has already being won in the on-line poll. Londoner Hari Denton will be presented with his Gibson SGJ on the main stage at Silverstone on Saturday July 27.
“I am absolutely chuffed to bits,” said Denton. “To own a real Gibson Guitar is a dream come true for me – they are legendary and I love them.
“Watching Angus Young rocking the hell out of his got me hooked; in my book Angus and his SG are unbeatable.
“Clapton was my other choice as I knew he would be popular. Now I cannot wait to get my hands on my prize.”
The Silverstone Classic is held at the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire, birthplace of the FIA Formula One World Championship and home of the 2013 Formula One British Grand Prix.