Clapton: 'Shooting Helps Social Skills'

[Refugee 7]

Rocker Eric Clapton is a fan of shooting trips in the countryside - because the outings help him bond with like-minded people.

The star is the co-owner of London shop Cordings, a supplier of hunting and fishing supplies, and admits he often indulges in trips to bag game.

And Clapton is adamant he has learnt a lot from his favorite pastime.

He says, "I'm not really that gregarious. And shooting with groups of people up and down the country has taught me a lot about how to get on with my fellow human beings."

The musician recently cleared out his gun cabinet, selling 13 pieces off at auction in Britain.

Clapton insists he had to get rid of the weapons, because he became hooked on collecting them.

He adds, "It is following the same pattern as when I collected guitars - I get obsessed, then engulfed and finally narrow the collection down."

[emmie 2]

Pfft - that's the first time I've ever heard that shooting improves social skills!

[surfnburn 5]

^LOL!

[weird monkey 0]

I know this may offend, but I thought this Fark headline was darkly funny:

"Eric Clapton says shooting helps social skills. Mark David Chapman unavailable for comment"

[brandonwood20 0]

^that's the first things that came to mind!!

[HeartbreakerFan 27]

I understand what he means. I am basically shy, so I understand what he is saying--when you find a hobby or some type of common ground that you and someone else enjoys, it does help you become more social. On the other hand, I don't understand the enjoyment of shooting animals; but there are a lot of men that love hunting.

[Beamish 0]

^ I agree, I think it's the group experience and not the shooting itself that offers support.

[weird monkey 0]

But it's funnier when you take it out of context.

[surfnburn 5]

Actually, I was told that music helps social skills...lol That's one of reasons why schools encourage it. It keeps kids involved in something positive and they have friends wherever they go if they play instrument.