In the intricate love triangle involving Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Pattie Boyd, Clapton drew parallels to the legendary tale of Lancelot. This romantic saga unfolded as Clapton observed George and Boyd’s relationship, desiring to step into their Camelot-like world.
Boyd’s journey with George began in 1964 on the set of The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night, leading to a swift proposal and an accelerated life in the limelight. Despite the glamour of being a Beatle’s girlfriend and later wife, challenges lurked beneath the surface. As Clapton increasingly became a part of George’s circle, he found himself captivated by the couple’s dynamic.
In Martin Scorsese’s documentary, George Harrison: Living in the Material World, Clapton likened himself to Lancelot, describing the domesticity of George and Pattie as resembling Camelot. He expressed a sense of being a lone wolf without direction, sharing commonalities with the couple in superficial aspects such as cars, clothes, and, notably, women.
The love triangle officially took shape in 1970 when Clapton realized his affection for Boyd. Resorting to love letters, he conveyed his feelings and sought to understand hers. Boyd, initially dismissing the letters as possibly from a “weirdo,” showed them to George, who laughed them off. However, a subsequent call from Clapton confirmed his intentions.
Clapton’s letters, addressing Boyd as Layla, a reference to an ancient Arabian love story, expressed his yearning. In one poignant letter, he wrote, “If you want me, take me, I am yours.” This correspondence laid the foundation for the iconic song “Layla,” which Clapton later performed for Boyd.
Secret meetings between Boyd and Clapton led to the revelation of “Layla,” a powerful and moving song that perfectly encapsulated the complexities of the love triangle. Boyd, realizing the depth of Clapton’s feelings, eventually succumbed to his advances. The repercussions were felt in her marriage with George, leading to their separation in 1974 and an official divorce in the late 1970s.
The culmination of this intricate romantic saga occurred in 1979 when Boyd married Clapton. However, fidelity issues strained their relationship, culminating in a divorce in 1989. The echoes of this tumultuous love story linger as a testament to the intertwining fates of these legendary figures in the world of rock and romance.