The Nightly – Revisiting the Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Pattie Boyd Love Triangle

Podcast: The Nightly
Hosts: Jacques and KP
Date: February 25, 2026
Theme: Nostalgic, cozy deep-dive into one of rock's most famous love triangles: Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Pattie Boyd.

Overview

This ambient, late-night episode of The Nightly brings listeners back to the 1970s, exploring the fascinating real-life drama between rock legends Eric Clapton, Beatles guitarist George Harrison, and model/muse Pattie Boyd. Jacques and KP unpack not only the storied tale behind the song “Layla” but also the wider context of friendship, betrayal, and the era’s musical rivalries. Along the way, the hosts veer into a fun appreciation of prolific songwriter Babyface and the culture of "Tiny Desk" concerts, all in keeping with the podcast’s soothing and conversational bedtime vibe.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Temperature Compatibility and Relationships ([01:27 – 05:14])

• The episode opens with Jacques and KP sharing personal anecdotes about home heating and temperature preferences, making a humorous point about “temperature compatibility” being as important in relationships as horoscopes or values.
  • Quote: “This is more important than horoscopes. Check their ideal temperature before you get involved.” – KP (02:04)
  • They swap stories about cold apartments, heated blanket disputes, and the challenges of living with people who have different climate tolerances.
  • Jacques recalls a mischievous childhood prank involving a heated nickel and a classmate, earning the nickname “Pyro.” ([03:53 – 05:14])

2. Pop Culture Time Machine: 1971 – Eric Clapton, George Harrison & Pattie Boyd ([05:14 – 12:40])

• KP steers the conversation to 1971, setting up the infamous love triangle:
  • “Dinosaurs were roaming Earth, and one of those dinosaurs was named Eric Clapton.” – KP (06:00)
• The Backstory:
  • Eric Clapton and George Harrison were close friends; George was married to Pattie Boyd.
  • Clapton fell in love with Boyd, writing “Layla” about her, though he used a pseudonym in the song ([07:10]).
    • Quote: “Eric Clapton writes a song called Layla, which is about really being in love with your friend's girl… The song is very clearly written about Pattie Boyd.” – KP (07:10)
  • Jacques jokes: “So he dirty mackin. With hits.” (07:39)
• Harrison’s reaction appeared passive, reportedly telling Clapton “if he wants her, he could have her” ([08:17]).
  • KP and Jacques speculate whether this attitude was genuine or just post-divorce bravado.
• Harrison later releases his own track “Bye Bye Love," laced with bitterness and veiled references to Clapton.
  • Lyrics discussed: “There goes our lady with a you know who. I hope she's happy. Old Clapper, too.” ([09:20])
  • Jacques: “His grapes are sour and salty.” (10:08)
• Pattie Boyd eventually marries Clapton (1979), after eleven years with Harrison; that marriage lasts another decade.
  • “She’s in it for some long hauls. She’s moving around, but she’s staying for a while.” – Jacques (10:28)
• Despite all, Clapton even plays at Harrison’s funeral, leading to laughs about possible pettiness and speculation about their reconciliation.

3. Further Rock and Roll Drama ([11:29 – 12:36])

• KP shares that George Harrison was reportedly unfaithful to Boyd, including affairs with other famous musician’s wives (notably, Ringo Starr’s wife).
  • “For George to be like, whatever, whatever. Take her. I’m like, you’re with Ringo’s wife?” – Jacques (12:08)
• KP muses on Pattie Boyd’s charisma, noting that “Layla” almost makes the listener want to meet her.

4. Appreciation for Babyface and Songwriting Legends ([13:02 – 16:57])

• The conversation flows naturally to prolific songwriters, with Jacques expressing surprise at how many hits Babyface has penned—including R&B classics and crossover songs for artists like Beyoncé, Boyz II Men, Madonna, and Eric Clapton.
• Quote: “There are so many songs that you probably don’t know that he wrote for many artists and many genres.” – KP (13:23)
• They list major hits: “I’ll Make Love to You,” “Exhale (Shoop Shoop),” “End of the Road,” “Best Thing I Never Had,” “Can We Talk?”
  • “If there is anybody who has an R&B hit from the 80s, 90s and probably even​ the 2000s… Babyface probably wrote one of their songs.” – KP (14:50)
• The hosts joke about Babyface’s ability to capture yearning and heartbreak, wondering what fueled his songwriting.

5. Tiny Desk Concerts and Cross-Generational Music Joy ([16:54 – 18:09])

• Jacques mentions Babyface’s Tiny Desk Concert, and the duo segue into their love for NPR’s “Tiny Desk” series.
• KP shares that the Juvenile Tiny Desk set is a personal favorite—fondly describing its power to unite generations on the dance floor.
  • “There is not a song for all millennials and some Gen Xers that comes on that will get everybody to the dance floor and back that—Back That Thing Up.” – KP (17:23)
• John Batiste’s role in the Tiny Desk performance is highlighted as another example of musical cross-pollination and joy.
• “He brings them all together.” – Jacques (18:07)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Music and Friendship:
  “You’d love for your friend to write a song, and then it flops, but it rips.” – KP (07:32)

• On George’s Weak Comebacks:
  “This is the weakest Beatle.” – Jacques (09:38)
  “Don’t even rhyme, bro.” – KP (09:51)

• On Relationship Patterns:
  “It’s supposed to be ‘till death do us part, but she’s putting in a decade at least.” – Jacques (10:28)

• On the Over-the-Top Drama:
  “With all these people’s wives, man? Like, y’all can have anybody. Why y’all chasing other people’s wives?” – KP (12:01)

• On the Power of a Good Song:
  “I’m falling in love with her, too. Just listening to the song.” – Jacques (12:37)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:27 – 05:14] – Cozy talk about cold apartments, warmth, and compatibility
• [05:14 – 12:40] – The Eric Clapton/George Harrison/Pattie Boyd love triangle, “Layla” origins
• [13:02 – 16:57] – Babyface’s untold songwriting legacy
• [17:00 – 18:09] – Tiny Desk concerts and music that unites generations

Tone and Atmosphere

True to The Nightly’s format, the conversation is warm, humorous, meandering, and a touch irreverent. The hosts deliver real pop culture insight with an easygoing, late-night comfort, making the dramatic tales of rock romance and heartbreak feel personal and relatable. Their mutual enthusiasm for music and nostalgia is infectious, providing a perfect wind-down before bed.

If you missed the episode, this summary captures the breezy, funny, and unexpectedly deep exploration of old rock drama, sneaky songwriting lore, and why some music (and relationship gossip) just never gets old.