Netflix has announced the upcoming release of Slowhand: The Eric Clapton Story, a compelling and deeply introspective documentary about one of the most iconic and influential guitarists in the history of rock and blues—Eric Patrick Clapton. Set for global release on April 10, 2026, the documentary traces Clapton’s tumultuous personal life and groundbreaking career, offering an unflinching look at the man behind the music.
From his early days with The Yardbirds, through his time with Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and into his solo success, Clapton’s career spans over five decades. The documentary details his profound musical influence and evolution, as well as the pain and loss that inspired many of his most beloved works. Through Slowhand, viewers will witness Clapton’s mastery of guitar, his battle with addiction, and the personal tragedies that shaped his artistry.
The film features appearances and commentary from musical legends and collaborators including B.B. King’s estate, Jeff Beck, Sheryl Crow, Mark Knopfler, Bonnie Raitt, and Roger Waters. Younger artists such as John Mayer, Gary Clark Jr., and Dua Lipa speak about Clapton’s influence on modern music. Longtime friend and actor Steve Winwood also shares deeply personal anecdotes, while archival interviews with George Harrison reflect on their complex friendship and musical rivalry.
One of the documentary’s most captivating elements is its soundtrack, featuring remastered versions of Clapton’s classics like Layla, Tears in Heaven, Wonderful Tonight, Cocaine, and Bell Bottom Blues. The film also includes unreleased acoustic sessions, rare jam sessions with Jimi Hendrix, and tribute performances from Eric Gales, Susan Tedeschi, and Ed Sheeran. Netflix has hinted at a never-before-heard demo written shortly after the loss of Clapton’s young son, Conor.
Thematically, Slowhand delves into Clapton’s duality—his reverence for blues roots and his turbulent personal life. From his struggles with heroin and alcoholism to his public controversies and path toward redemption, the documentary provides a balanced, humanizing view. The film also explores his dedication to charitable work, including the founding of the Crossroads Centre for addiction recovery.
Another major focus is Clapton’s lifelong connection to blues pioneers like Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Albert King. Using rare footage and deep archival research, the documentary demonstrates how Clapton not only preserved blues traditions but elevated them to global mainstream recognition, often crediting African American musicians for his own success.
Directed by Asif Kapadia (Amy, Senna), the film blends cinematic visuals with gritty realism, avoiding both hagiography and scandal-chasing. Kapadia was granted exclusive access to Clapton’s personal notebooks, unreleased tour footage, and intimate family materials, providing a rare glimpse into a private man who expressed himself most clearly through music.
Buzz around Slowhand is already surging across music platforms and fan communities. Critics are calling it “a landmark documentary in music storytelling,” and longtime fans are eager to revisit Clapton’s legacy from a new perspective. The film joins Netflix’s growing portfolio of acclaimed music documentaries, expected to resonate with audiences across generations and genres.
With its April 10, 2026 release date approaching, Slowhand: The Eric Clapton Story is poised to become a definitive portrait of a man whose guitar spoke volumes even when he could not. Whether you know Clapton as a blues disciple, rock pioneer, or solo legend, this documentary promises to bring new depth to one of music’s most enigmatic and enduring figures.
