It wasn’t like it was a spur of the moment wedding. Guitarist Eric Clapton had already said he was going to marry his long-time girlfriend Pattie Boyd. But, when asked why he chose ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ for his nuptials, Clapton answered “I don’t know. The weather is nice.â€
And, in late March 1979, the weather probably was very nice.
Boyd had been married to Beatle George Harrison from 1966 until they divorced in 1977. She and Clapton had been living together since 1974.
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Star files
Pattie Boyd and George Harrison after their 1966 London wedding.
The Clapton-Boyd wedding was a small private ceremony at the Bethel Temple on W. Elvira Road. It was attended by about 40 people and was performed by the Rev. Daniel Sanchez. But, it almost didn’t happen.
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1979 Star photo
Eric Clapton obtaining his marriage license in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in 1979.
According to one local report, Clapton appeared at the courts building to get his marriage license a bit hung over. He left the office without paying for it, but Superior Court Clerk Jim Corbett chased after him. Clapton tried to pay for the license with British pounds, but that was refused. He was able to scrounge up enough dollars to cover the fee.
Honoring the tradition of not seeing the bride before the wedding, Boyd had been at the office earlier in the day to fill out her paperwork. Her appearance probably did not cause the stir that Clapton’s did. He obliged his fans with autographs, photos and at least one kiss.
Following the wedding, a seven-limousine parade carried the party to the Sheraton Pueblo Inn, for the reception.
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1979 Star photo
Clapton in concert at the TCC.
Besides his wedding, Eric Clapton was in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ for a concert at the TCC on March 28, 1979. He appeared before a near-capacity crowd with another blues legend, Muddy Waters.
The Star reviewer expressed disappointment that Clapton only spent half of his hour-long concert showing off his famous guitar skills. The rest was devoted to his popular rhythm music and easy listening songs like “Tulsa Time†and “Wonderful Tonight.†He also performed a “very bad rendition†of “Layla.â€
Muddy Waters had the audience on their feet and yelling his name for the duration of his set. He was on stage for an hour and a half.