# Eric Clapton Recruits Julian Lage for Crossroads Festival

> Julian Lage says Eric Clapton personally invited him to play at Crossroads Guitar Festival after inspiring him to pick up guitar.
- Title: Eric Clapton Recruits Julian Lage for Crossroads Festival
- Summary: Julian Lage says Eric Clapton personally invited him to play at Crossroads Guitar Festival after inspiring him to pick up guitar.
- Keywords: eric clapton, julian lage, crossroads guitar festival, bob dylan, tedeschi trucks band, trey anastasio, Guitar World
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/julian-lage-on-eric-claptons-crossroads-invite
- Published: 2026-11-13T11:38:15+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: eric clapton, julian lage, crossroads guitar festival, bob dylan, tedeschi trucks band, trey anastasio
## Eric Clapton's Invitation
Julian Lage was invited to play at Crossroads Guitar Festival by Eric Clapton himself.

> I remember Aaron said, 'Well, I can verify this is the Eric Clapton; this is legitimate,' and it blew my mind.
## Clapton's Influence
Clapton inspired Lage's father to get a guitar after his Unplugged album release.

> When his Unplugged album came out, that was what inspired my father to get a guitar.
## Lage's Response
Lage immediately accepted Clapton's invitation and thanked him for inspiring his musical journey.

> I wrote immediately back to him and just said I would be thrilled, and thank you for being such an inspiration.
## Crossroads Performance
Lage performed at Crossroads Guitar Festival with Trey Anastasio playing his song Northern Shuffle.

> His own performance saw him and his trio team up with Trey Anastasio to play his original song, Northern Shuffle.
## Recent Activities
Lage has been balancing touring with time in Bob Dylan's band and the Tedeschi Trucks Band.

> It was another footnote in what has been a hectic year for Lage, who became a surprise addition to Bob Dylan's band.
## Key takeaway

Julian Lage was recruited by Eric Clapton for Crossroads Guitar Festival after Clapton inspired Lage's father to get a guitar.