Imagine a guitarist whose performances actually improved under the influence—sounds unbelievable, right? But that’s exactly what Tim Renwick observed while working with the legendary Eric Clapton. In a candid interview with Guitar Player, Renwick—a seasoned session guitarist who’s collaborated with icons like David Bowie, Al Stewart, and Pink Floyd—shares jaw-dropping insights from his career. But here’s where it gets controversial: Renwick reveals that Clapton, despite his struggles with alcohol, played better when he’d had a few drinks. How’s that for a paradox? Let’s dive into the highs, lows, and untold stories of Renwick’s journey with some of rock’s greatest names.
David Bowie: The One That Got Away
Renwick’s brush with stardom almost landed him a spot in David Bowie’s iconic Spiders From Mars. After contributing to Bowie’s Space Oddity album in 1969, he was in the running to join The Man Who Sold the World sessions. But fate had other plans—Bowie chose Mick Ronson instead, a decision Renwick admits was probably for the best. “They were very much a unit and good friends,” he reflects. Yet, Renwick’s time with Bowie wasn’t without its quirks. During a Scottish tour, Bowie’s avant-garde style left audiences baffled. “They only really knew him as a pop singer,” Renwick recalls, highlighting the gap between Bowie’s evolving artistry and public perception. And this is the part most people miss: Bowie’s crippling stage fright, which Renwick witnessed firsthand during a South Bank show.
Al Stewart: The Voice That Vanished
Renwick’s collaboration with Al Stewart in the ’70s was a blend of creativity and unpredictability. Stewart’s habit of losing his voice mid-tour turned into impromptu vacations. “We took a mobile home and drove around most of America,” Renwick recalls, turning downtime into adventure. His work on Stewart’s Year of the Cat is a masterclass in versatility—switching seamlessly between acoustic and electric solos, a technique that built intensity. But here’s the kicker: Renwick used Stewart’s Guild acoustic for the lead, then his trusty ’62 Fender Strat for the electric switch. Bold move? Absolutely. But it paid off.
Eric Clapton: The Paradox of Perfection
Now, let’s talk Clapton. Renwick joined Clapton’s Behind the Sun tour in 1985, replacing a keyboardist whose jazz leanings clashed with Clapton’s style. What struck Renwick most? Clapton’s laid-back approach to rehearsals. “Just play what you feel like playing, mate,” Clapton would say. But the real shocker? Clapton’s performances improved after a few drinks. “He played better than he did when he was sober,” Renwick asserts. This raises a provocative question: Can substance use ever enhance artistic expression? Or is it a dangerous myth? Let’s debate this in the comments.
The Bigger Picture
Renwick’s career is a testament to the unpredictability of the music industry. From narrowly missing Bowie’s band to crafting iconic solos with Stewart and witnessing Clapton’s duality, his stories challenge our assumptions about creativity, collaboration, and even addiction. So, here’s the burning question: Do artists like Clapton thrive under pressure, or is there a darker truth behind their brilliance? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation going.
