A few months ago, speaking at a press conference promoting the documentary Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars, Eric Clapton, a man whose name is synonymous with the instrument, jokingly stated, “Maybe the guitar is over.” The quote, said in jest, quickly made its way around the world.

As it turns out, Clapton is steadfast in his belief that the guitar will indeed be around for a long, long time. Speaking to Rolling Stone for a recent interview, Clapton said, “There is always something to listen to, to aspire to, with the guitar. It is still the most flexible instrument. You can improvise on it. You have such freedom.” He reiterated, “I don't think there is a limit to it.”

Further underlining his point about the universal appeal of the guitar, Clapton said, “Anyone who talks about it [the guitar as a spent force] should listen to Roebuck Staples [founding guitarist of the Staples Singers]. It is so moving. And that's in the past. So it's not about what's to be. It's already there. If you can get in touch with that, you can do anything.”

In the article, Clapton also talks about working on his next album, his battles with addiction and his recent health scare that impaired his guitar playing.

Eric Clapton: Life In 12 Bars will release in the UK on January 12. On January 10, Clapton will be part of a special screening in London, where he’ll take part in a Q&A. More details here.