NewsBite

Eric Clapton, 79, hits beach shirtless showing off age-defying physique

The iconic UK musician has been spotted on holiday with his family, impressing onlookers with his shape aged 79.

Tuesday, July 2 | Top stories | From the Newsroom

English music legend Eric Clapton has hit the beach sans shirt, showing off his impressive rig aged 79.

The legendary guitarist is enjoying a family holiday in Corsica, France, alongside his wife of two decades, Melia McEnery, and their daughters.

The Layla singer was photographed going for a swim at the beach in Calvi, wearing blue board shorts and sunglasses.

Eric Clapton during a family beach holiday in Calvi, Corsica, France. Picture: TheImageDirect.com
Eric Clapton during a family beach holiday in Calvi, Corsica, France. Picture: TheImageDirect.com

The father-of-five was also seen spending time on-board a yacht alongside Melia and their 21-year-old daughter Ella May.

Clapton shares three daughters with his current wife, including Julie Rose, 23 and Sophie Belle, 19.

The legendary guitarist hit the beach to sunbathe, took a dip in the ocean, and enjoyed some time on a yacht. Picture: TheImageDirect.com
The legendary guitarist hit the beach to sunbathe, took a dip in the ocean, and enjoyed some time on a yacht. Picture: TheImageDirect.com

His first child Ruth, 39, was born to a woman named Yvonne Kelly, who Clapton had an affair with while he was married to ex-wife, former model Pattie Boyd.

While married to Boyd, Clapton also had an affair with Italian model Lory Del Santo, which saw them give birth to a son, Conor, in 1986. Clapton and Boyd later divorced in 1989.

Conor died in 1991 after falling out the window of a 53-storey apartment building in New York, which led to the release of one of Clapton’s most famous songs, Tears in Heaven.

Clapton performing at a festival in LA last year. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Crossroads Guitar Festival
Clapton performing at a festival in LA last year. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Crossroads Guitar Festival

His current wife is rarely seen in public.

The pair met in 1998 when Clapton was 53, while Melia, an administrative assistant, was 22. They married in 2002.

Clapton, who has a reported net worth of $450 million, is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of the Yardbirds and Cream. He also ranked second in Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

The rocker gave up drugs and alcohol in 1982.

Originally published as Eric Clapton, 79, hits beach shirtless showing off age-defying physique

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/eric-clapton-79-hits-beach-shirtless-showing-off-agedefying-physique/news-story/88d3e81b5b4d48a5f8423d4e7a71f4fc