In September 1987, Eric re-recorded the song “After Midnight” for use in a Michelob Beer commercial in America. Eric was also filmed performing the song in a club for the commercial. Promotional posters showing Eric in the club were distributed to liquor distributors and stores for display. At the time, it was quite controversial and seen as inappropriate as Eric was a practicing alcoholic.
The new version of “After Midnight” was issued as a single in 1988 to promote Eric’s first box set, “Crossroads.” Although the single is long out of print, the box set is still widely available.
The performance footage from the commercial was later used as a music video.
In 1990, he filmed an advertisement for Honda cars in Japan. He was filmed in a New York recording studio and is seen and heard overdubbing extra guitar onto “Bad Love” (from his album “Journeyman”)in the commericial. Eric brought his famous Fender Stratocaster, Blackie, out of retirement for the ad at the request of Honda / Japan.
In 1998, a series of commercials ran in America on TV and radio promoting Lexus’ sponsorship of Eric’s US tour. The spots included performance footage.
In early 2005, Eric’s music was being used in commercials for SBC/Yahoo DSL Internet service. He does not appear in them.
Additionally, commercials have run worldwide promoting the numerous TV shows Eric has appeared on over the years. There have also been advertisements for some of his albums and videos.
Finally, Eric’s music (and occasional performance or video clips) can be seen in advertisements promoting radio stations in the US. Clapton and other artists are sometimes featured in these commercials to demonstrate the type of music the station plays.
