Eric Clapton Concert Reviews : Summer 2006 Tour

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see music history being made, so I decided to fly to Cannes to see the first concert in the 2006 tour. It was well worth the time and expense. Full disclosure: I’m a long time fan and admirer of Eric Clapton, but it was the chance to see him with Derek Trucks which motivated me to see the show. For more on the show from the viewpoint of a Derek Trucks fan see my review on the The Derek Trucks Stop.

First I must say, Eric’s voice is better than ever. It is hard to elieve the strength of his voice compared to others at his age, and how much feeling he puts into songs he must have sung hundreds of times. He also looked very healthy and happy. He was dressed very casually in a stripped cotton shirt with pastels, jeans… the basic attire for the Mediterranean. He was full of energy, and seemed eager to be the musical alpha dog with his guitar playing.

I was in the third row just a couple of feet to the right of Eric, so I really could follow the interplay among the musicians. From where I was standing his guitar was at least twice as loud as Doyle Bramhall II or Derek Trucks. Of course, being right in front of the stage isn’t a great spot acoustically, so it is possible the folks in back heard a much different show. That being stated, I agree with other reviewers, I could not hear the Kick Horns at all. But I could hear Eric’s singing and playing perfectly.

For me his most memorable solo was surprisingly on I Shot the Sheriff , played with a great deal of finesse and feeling. Eric, his drummer Steve Jordan, and bassist Willie Weeks seemed to be really in the moment and playing with concerted effort and energy throughout the concert. This was, however, very much an Eric Clapton concert. Eric seemed a bit detached from the other musicians, and there wasn’t a great deal of musical communication and playfulness between him and them. I suspect it was opening night jitters and the pressure of ultimately being responsible for everything. I imagine they will develop a groove and there will be a better group dynamic and tighter sound as the tour continues. Clearly this concert was a dress rehearsal in some respects.

About the venue, it was a relatively small hall, about the size of a basketball arena at a small college. Photography was not permitted. However, all around me people had camera phones recording the show, taking photos, and there were even some digital cameras being used. The security guys threatened to confiscate them, but didn’t. So I suspect some good photographs will soon pop up.

I particularly enjoyed the Chair Session . Eric and Derek sat right in front of me with acoustic guitars, with Willie on a acoustic type bass and Steve doing some percussion. The sound was fantastic, Eric sang beautifully and Derek played equally well. Derek also played electric slide during the Chair Session and this was particularly impressive. On one solo in particular he sounded like he was playing a Sarod, it was a very haunting sound and Eric seemed genuinely knocked out by that. Anyday was also a bit magical. Eric’s vocal on Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out was fantastic. It was a great setlist with something for everybody.

So everyone with tickets, count your lucky stars, you are in for a real treat!

Eric Clapton Setlist – May 5 Le Cannet

Pretending

So Tired

Got To Get Better In A Little While

Lost And Found

I Shot The Sheriff

Anyday

Back Home (acoustic)

I Am Yours (acoustic)

Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out (acoustic)

Milkcow Blues

Running On Faith

After Midnight

Little Queen Of Spades

Everybody Oughta Make A Change

Motherless Children

Wonderful Tonight

Cocaine

Layla

Crossroads (Encore)

Photo by Derek Robertson / whereseric.com

The guitar hero reawakens

By David Sinclair

Times Online

Published May 10, 2006

Eric Clapton is a performer with little to promote and even less to prove. His most recent album, Back Home, was released nine months ago to a chorus of lukewarm reviews, and promptly forgotten.

His latest tour has nevertheless sold out with a minimum of fuss. It began in Glasgow with a show that offered few surprises, but underlined the enduring star quality of a man who, at 61, appears not only to have recognised his destiny but also to have come to terms with his past. In particular, last year’s reunion shows with Cream seem to have reawakened the guitar hero in him.

While his supremely fluent technique has never deserted him, it was getting harder to ignore the impression in recent years that Clapton was rather going through the motions when it came to the big, set-piece solos. Not so at Glasgow, where he still sang in his sleepy, soulful drawl, but played guitar with a rediscovered energy and urgency.

His choice of sidemen was instructive. As well as the long-serving guitarist Doyle Bramhall, Clapton had recruited the services of Derek Trucks, 26, who has been hailed as the greatest slide guitarist of his generation. Trucks, who was named after Derek and the Dominos, is a disciple of the late Duane Allman, and his contributions brought renewed vigour to the crowd-pleasing finale of Layla, along with other favourites from that era, including, Nobody Knows You when You’re Down and Out and a gorgeous acoustic version of the rarely performed I Am Yours.

Wearing a lilac shirt and a chocolate Stratocaster, Clapton looked relaxed, but said little. You’re the first to see this show, he told the crowd, ’so please bear with us if it is still a bit sloppy.

Musically, it sounded close to perfect, with Bramhall and Trucks spurring Clapton on to give of his best. But the vision mixing on the big screens at the side needed to be sharpened up. The number of times the camera remained glued to Clapton’s fretboard while one of the other guitarists was soloing was embarrassing.

Steve Jordan, the drummer, also seemed on a mission to liven up the show. Faster songs, such as After Midnight and Motherless Children, were taken at breakneck speed, and the encore of Crossroads, featuring a guest appearance by Robert Cray (who had earlier played a robust support set), was a fine rough and tumble.

Clapton remains a supremely gifted performer, drifting elegantly into the home straight. But there was some of the old fire here as well.

One of the best nights of my life

By John Lydon

Glasgow

(fan review courtesy of whereseric.com)

have just returned home from one of the best nights of my life!!! Eric Clapton has just played in my home town of Glasgow in the fully booked SECC (Scottish Exhibition And Conference Centre). The show started off with a fantastic rendition of Pretending, from the Journeyman album. Clapton shows he’s still got it as he worked his way through the fretboard, and through the hits! Allowing Doyle Bramhall II and Derek Trucks play some incredible solos throughout the songs too. It was an unusual setlist, mostly the hits, with some unknown or numbers that haven’t been played in years.

Clapton’s voice was in good shape, sometimes a little distant, but he was too caught up in the music to care! He didn’t play I Shot The Sherrif , or indeed, any of the Cream crowd-pleaseres ( Badge , Sunshine Of Your Love etc) but he did make up for it, with a fantastic, guitar solo laiden After Midnight which then flowed into Little Queen Of Spades , the latter having some of the best guitar work of the night! The accoustic section was well done, and i have grown a liking to Back Home a song from the new album, that i have yet to hear. Following it was Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out that was greeted with applause as soon as the first chords rung out. A lovely version of Running On Faith followed, with some more great fretwork from Slowhand. And then came one of the evening’s nicer, slower moments, when Clapton played a beautiful rendition of Wonderful Tonight . I saw some couples dancing ad swaying to this, which Clapton must be used to by now!

After a short pause, while the band discussed what to do, calls went out for Cocaine . The calls were heard and the band played a fast version, filled with some lovely solos, and some of the people in the front few rows took up position near the front of the stage and started dancing and singing along. Clapton’s voice was sadly not so easily heard due to the noise on stage! After Cocaine , the lights dulled on stage, and the band seemed to discuss what they were about to do again, when finally a One, two, three was shouted, and the opeing riff to Layla was heard, greeted by more cheers! The band continued to jam around this, Clapton doing not to badly on vocals, and he allowed Doyle Bramhall II and Truck to do some amazing slide and fretwork.

The band left the stage, and the foot stomping, clapping and cheering began. The roar was deafening as the band returned to the stage and Clapton began playing the classic Crossroads . Again the other two guitarists played and jammed, and the band, although only two gigs into their tour, seem to know each other pretty well and have a pulse to them already! All in all, a fantastic night had by all! And if Mr Clapton happens to be in Glasgow again, he knows he’s got a great and un-dying audience here!!

Eric Clapton Setlist – May 8 Glasgow

Pretending

So Tired

Got To Get Better In A Little While

Run Home To Me

Revolution

Let It Rain

Back Home (acoustic)

I Am Yours (acoustic)

Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out (acoustic)

Milkcow Blues

Running On Faith

After Midnight

Little Queen Of Spades

Everybody Oughta Make A Change

Motherless Children

Wonderful Tonight

Cocaine

Layla

Crossroads (Encore with Robert Cray)

Clapton’s guitar playing just keeps getting better

By Paul Taylor

Manchester Evening News

Published May 10, 2006

There is an old saying that the Blues is nothing but a good man feeling bad.

But Britain’s premier bluesman is feeling anything but bad these days, happily married and embracing fatherhood.

In place of the Blues, he has had an attack of the cheerfuls.So instead of the questing sorrow which informed such songs as My Father’s Eyes and River Of Tears just a few years ago, Clapton’s latest album Back Home can only whinge good-naturedly about sleepless nights with baby in So Tired.

So what do we call the music of a good man feeling good? Well, it’s only rock n roll, but we like it.

Fresh from the Cream reunion and not wholly preoccupied with the Blues – as he has been on many a tour – Clapton came instead plying the softish songs of Back Home, a smattering of old Robert Johnson staples and a lot of stuff from Slowhand’s early solo career, songs such as After Midnight, Motherless Children and, as if he could avoid playing it, Layla.

If the searing emotion was not summoned, what we did get was an awful lot of precision Fender-bending.

Clapton’s guitar playing just keeps getting better, an unexpected highlight coming with his lengthy solo on I Shot The Sheriff.

But giving him a run for his money – and edging Clapton’s stalwart sideman Doyle Bramhall II out of the limelight – was Derek Trucks, whose percussive right hand technique and fluid slide work was a dream. If there was a Golden Plectrum for solo of the night it should have gone to Trucks on Little Queen Of Spades.

There was too much inessential material in this set list, but highlights included the tender acoustic version of new song Back Home, a delicious ramble through that jaunty-yet-miserable old Blues Nobody Know You When You’re Down And Out and a disarmingly fuss-free reading of the much-derided Wonderful Tonight.

I’ve seen Clapton good, I’ve seen him great and I’ve seen him so immersed in his art that he seems to reach into your chest and wrench your heart like a top E string.

Last night he was merely great.

WOW!!! No bullshit. Just music. Fantastic.

By M. Cato

(fan review courtesy of whereseric.com)

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t find a superlative to express what I want to say about tonight’s show, in just one word. I have been waiting 35 years to see Clapton live, and now that I have, I want those previous 35 years of Clapton performances back. For a decrepit geezer (his words, not mine) I think he was amazing. I’ve seen some of the DVDs of his shows, but as everyone knows, nothing is like being there. So, for me with no previous Clapton gig to compare it to, it took the cake!

The man was on stage for two solid hours. Typical you say, of a Clapton show. Yeah, but after 40 years?!?!? I am even more bedazzled that he can perform songs like Wonderful Tonight and Cocaine while still keeping the sound fresh. Not only that, but there was no gimmericky. No bullshit. Just music. Fantastic. He played almost every song I wanted to hear him perform live. Maybe later he ll do One Day and Revolution. There was the usual from his guy Doyle Bramhall II, but that kid Derek Trucks … he was simply brilliant. If he learns from Clapton, what Clapton learned from the masters ( Muddy Waters, B.B. King, etc.) This kid has got a boundless future ahead of him.

My tickets to tonight’s show were a gift from a old rock & roller from the 60s who knows I love good music and had never seen Clapton live. He didn’t know I had already sold my first born to get tickets to the last Clapton show at the Royal Albert Hall. No I haven’t actually sold my first born, but that is just how dear too me seeing that show is for me. Hopefully he’s no more tired than he was tonight just before the encore. All I wanna say is, Mr. Clapton, please don’t retire. Was there anything I didn’t like about the gig? Yeah, I didn’t like the jeans he wore. I’ve got notes to add more, but want to save them for after the RAH show for a comparrison of the shows.

Eric Clapton Setlist – May 9 Manchester

Pretending

So Tired

Got To Get Better In A Little While

Lost And Found

I Shot The Sheriff

Anyday

Back Home (acoustic)

I Am Yours (acoustic)

Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out (acoustic)

Milkcow Blues (acoustic)

Running On Faith (acoustic)

After Midnight

Little Queen Of Spades

Everybody Oughta Make A Change

Motherless Children

Wonderful Tonight

Layla

Cocaine

Crossroads (Encore)

Photo by Peter Cross / whereseric.com

Nicely satisfied… so much good guitar playing

By Peter Cross

(fan review courtesy of whereseric.com)

Eric Clapton,

National Exhibition Centre

Thursday, 11 May 2006

Maybe because 2004’s outing was so rewarding, my level of anticipation wasn’t as great as I’d have expected this time round, despite the intriguing prospect of how Derek Trucks might stir things up. Robert Cray was a welcome opener, even though his music doesn’t seem to change much from song to song, or indeed over his career. But his distinctive tone and attack, firm grooves and his good, dry sense of humour helped create a pleasant, if not excited atmosphere.

I’m pleased to report I eventually emerged from the NEC barn nicely satisfied, simply because there was so much good guitar playing, good singing from EC and (when he could be heard) good piano playing from Chris Stainton – all to a set list that was imaginative enough to avoid most of the cries of oh, here we go again that have sprinkled the last 20 years.

The second keyboard enhanced Running On Faith with a gospel tinge and the three horns enhanced another of the acoustic numbers but otherwise these ably played instruments just created a mush of sound with the over-loud drums and bass. If you literally can’t distinguish a single note, why bother? These limitations fortunately didn’t spoil the night but were a bit frustrating because you felt they were within the scope of control. Maybe they will be dealt with as the tour progresses. The girls on, the other hand, were fine and the excellent camerawork largely mitigated the problem of them being half hidden from my position near the middle of the front block.

The brief nod (off) to Wonderful Tonight was probably worth it because of the thousands who appreciate this song, which nowadays acts like a magnet raised in front of all the mobile phones in the arena.

All the Dominos songs were a treat, especially those new on display. We can’t have a credible Derek & The Dominos reunion but with a bit of imagination, how about a limited tour, or event, to celebrate that era, perhaps combined with material from Blind Faith and Delaney & Bonnie? Another thought that came to mind: young Derek Trucks is older than the other Derek and Duane Allman were when they created their magic for the Layla sessions… picture it…

The highlight of the evening for me (pushed hard by Queen Of Spades ) was Oughta Change . In the rapid call and response between Eric and Derek’s slide work, we caught a glimpse of the potential for thrilling interaction when musicians spontaneously communicate in their chosen language from somewhere deep within. For the most part, however, the two additional guitars were used to share out the lead role and took a succession of brief and very orderly turns in the spotlight. Derek may be extremely undemonstrative by nature but in his tenure with the Allman Brothers Band he has proved capable of more adventurous musical adventures, contributions and challenges. And you suspect Doyle has a lot in reserve too. Give em a longer leash, Eric, invite them to poke you a bit! But thanks for the evening, it was great.

Eric Clapton Setlist – May 11 Birmingham

Pretending

So Tired

Got To Get Better In A Little While

Lost And Found

I Shot The Sheriff

Let It Rain

Back Home (acoustic)

I Am Yours (acoustic)

Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out (acoustic)

Milkcow Blues (acoustic)

Running On Faith (acoustic)

After Midnight

Little Queen Of Spades

Everybody Oughta Make A Change

Motherless Children

Wonderful Tonight

Layla

Cocaine

Crossroads (Encore)

Sheer musical genius and an awe inspiring performance

By Faye B.

Sheffield

(fan review courtesy of whereseric.com)

Some call him God, some call him ’slowhand, and other people call him Eric Clapton. If you’ve come to a concert for techno wizardry and Spinal Tap-esq sets, you ll be disappointed, but if you’ve come along to a concert for sheer musical genius and an awe inspiring performance, Eric Clapton live is the gig for you.

Making his appearance on stage dressed casually in blue shirt and jeans, EC looked amazing and as good looking as ever speaking as a female fan! Within seconds of being on stage, the band launched into Pretending, the crowd went wild and you knew you were in the presence of a true legend. Without pausing for a second, the band raced straight into So Tired from his current album Back Home. The influence of the song is Eric’s family, which I think is very touching. In my opinion, family life suits him and I am pleased he has found happiness. Next, Eric and the band took us back to the Dominos era with Got to Get Better in a Little While, then back to the present album with Lost and Found – complete with its abrupt ending. Next back to his early solo career, with the favourite I Shot the Sheriff then back once more to the Dominos with Anyday.

It was time to slow the tempo a little, with an acoustic set, starting with the very poignant and heartfelt Back Home. The next song was the romantic I Am Yours . Next up was Bessie Smiths Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out. Eric put down his acoustic guitar and picked up his faithful strat and ’slid into Milk Cow Blues Still in the mood for slide saw Doyle Bramhall take the lead guitar for Running on Faith whilst Eric took a back seat with his acoustic.

Time to speed up the tempo and get the crowd grooving with the low down and funky (as Robert Cray would say) After Midnight. There were some truly awesome solos from Eric, Doyle and the young Derek Trucks on Little Queen of Spades . Effortlessly moving on into a blistering rendition of Motherless Children. The next song was the first of two of Eric’s most recognised songs. Love it of loathe it, Wonderful Tonight is always a well received crowd pleaser – especially from we ladies in the audience! Cocaine saw some members of the audience take to their feet and lose themselves in the music. No Eric Clapton performance would be complete without hearing the absolute power that is Layla.

The band put down the instruments, waved to the crowd and exited the stage. Speaking for myself I felt I had to hear more, it couldn’t end! Myself and 12,000 others were not disappointed as after a few minutes that seemed like a lifetime, Eric and the band returned to the stage for the encore which was Crossroads that got the whole of the Hallam FM Arena, Sheffield on their feet and enchanted by the music. Sadly, the show had to end. Eric left the stage after a tremendous standing ovation, raptures applause and cheers.

Thank you Eric and the band for an evening of the best music I ll ever hear – until next time!

Eric Clapton Setlist – May 12 Sheffield

Pretending

So Tired

Got To Get Better In A Little While

Lost And Found

I Shot The Sheriff

Anyday

Back Home (acoustic)

I Am Yours (acoustic)

Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out (acoustic)

Milkcow Blues (acoustic)

Running On Faith (acoustic)

After Midnight

Little Queen Of Spades

Everybody Oughta Make A Change

Motherless Children

Wonderful Tonight

Layla

Cocaine

Crossroads (Encore)

Clapton in top form

By Jonny G

May 14 – Nottingham

(fan review courtesy of whereseric.com)

Ok, I didn’t want to admit, my first EC gig at the Birmingham NEC had its flaws. Robert Cray seemed a little perturbed and EC seemed at times to be going through the motions, but tonight at Nottingham he was on top form!

No kidding, the NEC is like a big barn, Nottingham arena is much smaller and more intimate and I will definately be going there again.

I knew I was in for a good night because Robert Cray looked a different person and played a great set, really relaxed and joking with the front rows, he did six numbers tonight and was soloing great.

8:45 arrived and EC and the band appeared, after the usual slow start Pretending and So Tired he began Got to get better with conviction and despite a few volume knob tweaks here and there was getting into his stride until next Bell Bottom blues slowed the pace and the one I’ve been waiting for Anyday was at a much slower pace to the Le Cannet version I heard. It seemed the huge impact the early set at the NEC had was not apparent, EC rolled into Sheriff and after a few chords called for a guitar change from Lee as the first verse was underway, I thought oh dear but by the time EC took his solo I knew he was in a different place altogether, his head was back and he delivered the chops and the expressions that I have seen on some of his best live dvds.

The set was thereafter as before but seemed to get better and better, Trucks gave me chills on Running on faith and Little Queen of Spades resulted in a standing ovation (from me anyways sporting my ecaccess tshirt I might add!!) all musicians were at this point feeling the energy and the solos were awesome, most notable Doyle’s who has been under fire of late but was electric, to prove EC was on form, the key change delivered some of the finest slow blues soloing I have ever heard him play! The night got better, songs that have grown tired on my ears were refreshing by the standard of the play and the sound, all were laughing at Eric’s evidently over relaxed feel as he fluffed the signature lick in Layla to conclude his solo, Cocaine was again a tour de force from all with Tim Carmen and Doyle playing great.

To cap it all off, I saw a little twin or bassman be wheeled onto stage whilst we applauded for the encore and I knew this time Robert would join for Crossroads and he duly did and capped an absolutely wonderful evening for me.

Well I had to get it all out of my system.. thankyou Eric, long may it continue!

Eric Clapton Setlist – May 12 Sheffield

Pretending

So Tired

Got To Get Better In A Little While

Bell Bottom Blues

Anyday

I Shot The Sheriff

Back Home (acoustic)

I Am Yours (acoustic)

Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out (acoustic)

Milkcow Blues (acoustic)