10 Rock Artists That Had Hit Singles Over A Decade Apart
4. Eric Clapton - 18 Years
Unfortunately, the reason that three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Eric Clapton is on this list is because of a terrible tragedy.
In 1991, Clapton's four-year-old son Conor died after falling out of the open window of a New York skyscraper. To try and heal this unthinkable pain, Slowhand turned to music and produced the song Tears in Heaven in 1992 as a tribute to his boy.
The song's powerful sentiment and genuine resonance made it extremely appealing and it became a massive hit, reaching number 5 in the UK as part of the soundtrack to the movie Rush. This was Clapton's first top ten single in his home country since his version of I Shot the Sheriff from 1974.
Despite its status as a worldwide smash, Clapton temporarily retired the song from his setlist in 2004, stating that he found it difficult to connect with the feelings he had when he wrote it.
It's since made its way back into his live shows, serving as an emotional reminder of one of the most tragic things that can ever happen to a parent.