"Blind Faith" Premium Unisex T-Shirt

One Album. One Summer. Eric Clapton Walked Out of Cream, Into This, and Then Sideways Into Someone Else's Band.

In early 1969, Eric Clapton left Cream — the band that had made him famous, sold out arenas, and driven him to a breakdown from the pressure of being worshipped. Steve Winwood had just dissolved Traffic. Ginger Baker, who had been the engine behind Cream's chaos, needed somewhere to play. Ric Grech came in on bass from Family. They called themselves Blind Faith and began rehearsing in a cottage in Berkshire.

Their first public performance was a free concert in Hyde Park, London, on June 7, 1969. An estimated 100,000 people showed up. It was one of the largest concerts ever held in Britain at that point, and it was a band that had existed for only a few months playing for a crowd that had essentially no idea what to expect. The performance was loose and exploratory. It sounded like four musicians figuring out what they were.

The self-titled album came out in August 1969 and went to #1 in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The original cover featured a topless 11-year-old girl holding a model aircraft — an image provocative enough that a different cover was used for the US release. "Can't Find My Way Home" and "Presence of the Lord" were the songs that proved the project was more than a publicity event.

Then came the American arena tour. It was commercially successful and personally miserable. Clapton had no interest in being a spectacle. He began letting Delaney & Bonnie open for the shows, then started playing with them during their set, then effectively became a member of their band. By the end of the tour, Blind Faith was finished without anyone formally saying so. Clapton went on to record Layla with Derek and the Dominos. Baker formed Ginger Baker's Air Force. Winwood eventually reformed Traffic.

One album. One summer. #1 in two countries. The band dissolved before the year was out.

More in the collection: "No Snow No Show" Eric Clapton tee — Eric Clapton Collection — Supergroups & Legendary Collaborations

Premium Quality

• Bella + Canvas 3001 — Premium unisex tee, true to size
• Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton — Exceptionally soft from the first wear
• Classic unisex fit — Relaxed, versatile, works for everyone
• Tear-away label — Clean comfort, all day

Made to Order

For environmental and quality reasons, this tee is made specifically for you after you order. Please allow approximately one week for production. Tracking information will be sent as soon as it ships.