Eric Clapton cut short his performance in the Spanish capital on Thursday evening after an object struck him during what should have been a triumphant exit from the stage.
The 81-year-old rock and blues legend was performing at the Movistar Arena as part of his European tour when the incident occurred.
Following his rendition of Cocaine, the guitarist appeared ready to return for an encore, waving and smiling at the enthusiastic crowd as he made his way towards the wings.
However, a vinyl record still sealed in its packaging was thrown from the audience, hitting the veteran musician in the chest.
A vinyl record still sealed in its packaging was thrown from the audience,
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The Ripley-born star immediately left the venue and did not reappear to complete the show.
Video footage of the moment quickly spread across social media platforms, with clips filmed near the front row capturing the sudden change in Clapton’s demeanour.
The musician had been engaging warmly with his audience in what concertgoers recognised as the traditional pause before an encore performance.
His expression shifted instantly when the projectile made contact, the smile vanishing from his face as he halted his departure.
Eric Clapton es golpeado por una funda de vinilo en Madrid.
Esto ocasionó que el concierto fuera terminado antes de tiempo, por lo cual no tocaron el Encore “Before you accuse me”, según estaba planeado para finalizar el show.#EricClapton#EricClaptonMadrid#ClaptonMadrid2026 pic.twitter.com/uNARB8dbJ5
— Music and Stuff (@Musicandstuff66) May 8, 2026
One attendee described the evening as “by far the worst” concert they had witnessed, criticising the lack of interaction with the audience.
“No hello, no goodbye, no band intro, no energy, no encore — just boredom with a guitar,” the user complained. Other fans responded by sharing footage explaining the abrupt conclusion.
Spanish fans took to social media to condemn the person responsible for ruining the finale.
One user wrote: “What a shameless jerk, the one who threw the vinyl.”
Fans took to social media to condemn the person responsible for ruining the finale
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The identity of the thrower remains unknown, though one social media user claimed it was a band member attempting to promote their own music.
Spanish newspaper El País reported that the person who launched the record had not intended to cause harm, having attached a note of affection to the vinyl.
Nevertheless, the publication stated that the singer became angry following the incident.
Mr Clapton has not publicly addressed the incident.
Eric Clapton in 1966
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His European tour continues this weekend, with a performance scheduled at Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi on May 10 before dates in Germany the following week.
The guitarist has just one British appearance planned for this tour, set for August 23 at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood will join him on stage.
Later in the year, Clapton will travel to North America for further concerts and is due to headline the Crossroads Music Festival in Austin, Texas.
Representatives for the musician have been approached for comment regarding the Madrid incident.