Biographies

The Band

Clapton Hook is an Eric Clapton Tribute band, playing songs from Cream, Derek and the Dominoes, Clapton's solo efforts, and more. If Clapton has played it, Clapton Hook might just play it for you!

The genesis of the band:

Dan Litwin met Todd Bouchard about 20 years ago and Ralph Lindsay about 4 years ago. The group worked as a trio for a long time doing original and non-original songs. Along the way, there was talk about doing a tribute to Eric Clapton. But it was just talk.

Then, in November, 2009, when a popular Southern California band suggested the band could do a Clapton tribute and open for them, the Clapton Hook project got started for real. This led to gigs at Java Joe's in Yorba Linda, The Blue Cafe in Huntington Beach, Di Piazza's in Long Beach, and more.

It began to catch on. Then, Ralph let the cat out of the bag: he could play keyboards like he was born to play them! Soon, long-time friend of the band Paul Harris was recruited to play bass, Ralph moved to keyboards, and Clapton Hook was complete.

Dan Litwin

Dan Litwin is the lead guitarist and primary vocalist for the band. Dan has been playing guitar since 1971, and was influenced by the great guitarists of the age, such as (obviously) Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, Robin Trower, and more. 

Dan is from the Los Angeles area originally, but now lives in San Diego. He began playing in bands at the age of 14 and knew right away that he had found his life's calling. 

In 1983 while working as a software programmer at the Fender guitar factory in Fullerton, CA, Dan bought his Stratocaster at an employee sale. It's still Dan's favorite guitar.

Ralph Lindsay

Ralph Lindsay, playing bass, keyboards and singing, has been living in San Diego for the past 12 years. He began his music career in 1966 in the Pacific Northwest and was influenced by the many great northwest musicians of that time. 

Over the years Ralph has played guitar, keyboards and bass in working bands across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Canada, settling back into the Seattle band scene in the mid 1970’s. 

Ralph stepped away from live performance in 1983 and in 1993, moved into the computer based recording scene. During that venture, he released 3 CD’s of personal music and continues his studio work to this day.  Having found a common interest in musical styles, Ralph returned to live performance 4 years ago, joining up with Dan and Todd. 

Ralph's iPod carries a broad array of artists from Jimi Hendrix to Andrew Lloyd Weber, from The Allman Brothers to Brian Setzer, from Heart to Ani DeFranco, from Wishbone Ash to Edgar Winter and many, many more. 

Todd Bouchard

Todd Bouchard, the band's drummer, has been living in San Diego for the past 22 years and has been drumming for approximately 38 yrs. He has performed in bands that focus on both original music and classic rock hits. 

Todd's major influences are Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Rush, and Grand Funk Railroad, to name just a few. He also felt a kinship with the "big hair" bands of the 1970s & 80s. 

Todd has played on different drum sets including, Pearl, Gretch, TAMA and Ludwig, but has grown very fond of his latest kit, which is a Drum Workshop (DW). He also has a Roland V-Drum electronic set that has become a stage favorite.

Paul Harris

Friend of the band for some time and former bassist of Bastille and China Lake, Paul is the newest member of Clapton Hook. Playing bass and singing, Paul continues his musical journey.