Clapton is God - how did this phrase originate?

The phrase “Clapton is God ” originated during Eric Clapton's tenure with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Eric was a member of the Bluesbreakers from April to late August 1965 and again from November 1965 to July 1966. It was during this time that Eric first rose to prominence in the burgeoning British blues scene.

The phrase “Clapton is God” was spray painted on a wall in the underground station in Islington in the mid-60s by an admirer of Clapton's guitar playing. Islington is one of the many boroughs of the greater London Area. The prhase then began to appear in other areas of the city.

The graffiti was captured in a now-famous photograph. Helped by the photo, the legend grew.