Applaud a lot, it's Eric! (7)

I believe the answer is:

clapton

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'eric' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'applaud a lot' is the wordplay.
'applaud' becomes 'clap' (synonyms).
'a lot' becomes 'ton' (I've seen this in another clue).
'clap'+'ton'='CLAPTON'

'it's' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for clapton that I've seen is " Eric -, British guitarist".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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