Speaking to MOJO magazine, Keith Richards has revealed Eric Clapton really wanted to join the Rolling Stones when guitarist Mick Taylor left the band in 1974 - though the band didn't realise at the time. Richards explains: "Eric wanted to jump in after Mick Taylor, but never said so. He expected us to call - but I only just found out!"
That said, Richards isn't sure Clapton would have fitted in: "He's damn good - but he's his own man. There are certain guys that are band players and there's certain guys that ain't. He's got it all, but Eric's like Mick Taylor in a way. He needs to hire guys to play with him to kick him up the arse."