Eric Clapton

It is early 1967. I am sitting in a record shop in Liverpool in a special box where customers have a private listening opportunity before buying a new record. In my hands is the new John Mayall with Eric Clapton mono LP which I put on the turntable and then carefully lower the arm of the machine.

The next 20 minutes I will be sitting there, totally shocked and deeply moved by what I hear. I knew John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers and I owned Yardbird's records with Eric Clapton on the guitar. I also had tape recordings at home with Sonny Boy Williamson and Eric Clapton playing Blues in live sessions but this was something totally different with a drive and tone that opened up a new feeling and understanding about Blues and Rock for me.

Since then I went to see Eric playing whenever there was a chance to do so. I was happy to be at some of Cream's rare life events and also could be there during live TV recordings. In the following 45 years I collected Eric Clapton's music which changed and improved always staying in a high quality zone while exploring new exciting concepts moving from Blues-Rock to Reggae, Ballads, acoustic Folk-Blues, Jazz and back to the roots.

During concerts in London's Royall Albert Hall in 2011 I could hear Eric playing old tunes in a new fresh arrangement together with a changing array of the best musicians you could ask for as partners on stage. One of the secrets of this unbelievable career is the way how Eric always finds other extremely good guitarists to partner with during his many live tours and studio sessions. He also helps new extraordinary talents by inviting them into his band.

Some of these fantastic young guitar players were kids when they first heard Eric playing because of their dad's music collection and are now members of Eric's touring band while individually having bands and a great career on their own (at example Derek Trucks, which first name was given to him because his parents loved Derek and the Dominos, Erics early 70's band, Derek is now one of the best slide guitarists on the planet).

As a summary I can only say that the music of Eric Clapton has influenced and enriched my life and I hope that he will have many years to come to let us enjoy his creativity and ongoing reinvention of Blues+ music.

I was looking in the winter months for some summer festival fun in 2015, when I spotted Eric Clapton was playing the Albert Hall to celebrate his 70th birthday. First of all I know Eric has been around for ever but I couldn't believe he was now 70 years old. Anyway, I booked two tickets at a face value of £100 each and thought this would buy me something close to the stage but in reality the seats were two rows from the back of the first tier of seats. The good thing is the Albert Hall is pretty good wherever you are but still, an investment like that should carry some reward. The concert itself was fantastic but I had hoped for some mention of BB King, who I know Eric knew well but perhaps by the time my night came along, he'd done all of that but I did appreciate the acoustic version of Rock Me Baby, which was one of BB's favorites. After all is was Eric Clapton we had come to see, so this was fitting. Back to my point of Eric being 70, he still plays as tightly as ever and that distinct Strat sound is unmistakable. I hope to make it to one of the Crossroads Festivals next time and in the meantime I'd like to express my sincere thanks for the music.

Regards,
Matt

CBE Eric Clapton is considered to be the UK's greatest guitarists by a great number of people. Having achieving success with both his former bands Cream and The Yardbirds as well as a celebrated solo career, the demand to see this icon of British music is still very much there. A frequent visitor to London's ambient Royal Albert Hall, Clapton is once again ready to thrill and amaze his audience.

Having worked as a musician since 1962 he shows no sign of losing those indescribable skills with his trusty instrument. His set lists tend to reach mainly from his solo career, beginning with a poignant rendition of 'Hello Old Friend' which Clapton delivers with such sincerity that each audience member feel it is personal to them. He also covers some of his favourite musicians including The Wailers, Hop Wilson and Robert Johnson. He re-interprets these classic tracks in his own way though with his brilliant supporting band.

The audience remains engaged throughout partly due to Clapton sneaking in fan favourites such as 'Tears In Heaven' and also due to watching this incredible artist working his guitar. His live show proves the reputation profusely.

I was raised on the songs of Eric Clapton as he is my Dad's favorite musician. The first real song (not a children's song) that I knew all the words to was Wonderful. I knew it forwards and backwards by age 2. My favorite song at age 6 was a toss up between PROMISES and LAY DOWN SALLY.
In Sept 2017 I surprised my Dad and took him to see Eric play at MSG. The show was just a couple weeks from both of our birthdays. I never thought I'd get to see him play live and I'm so grateful that I did. Watching Eric Clapton play was the greatest birthday gift I could think of. He is so natural and calm that it seems he's not even trying. Like the guitar is part of his body. If I could re-live that night, I would. Probably a couple times a month. At the end of the concert, my Dad and I hugged as we literally wiped tears of joys from our eyes. It was a magical night of music and we were so fortunate to be able to enjoy it together. Clapton is truly a master and I will see him again, every chance I have, no matter the cost.

The show was postpone for September .. although the cats elation appear to be very sudden it didn't appear that Ticketmaster was on top of this. Everything seem to be rushed late with overlapping messages. Fortunately we were able to exchange your tickets which we were told we couldn't do but we ended up being able to do it and we got better seats. I'm afraid though that many people didn't get the messages and actually showed up to the forum. Oh well hopefully Ticketmaster will learn from us they certainly have enough money to do so. . instead generated only automatic messages ... this website should be better on top of his artists .
Postpone postpone postpone

It was a great show, I still cant beleive that we've seen Eric Clapton! He played all the songs that we were waiting for. They played about 1 hour and 45 minutes with no breaks. Overall we really enjoyed the show, I definetely recommend it!
The only problem is many people just buying tickets to resale them on viagogo for fortunes. In my opinion it is disgusting and it should be illegal! Thankfully I managed to buy tickets from the Royal Albert Hall website but only to the 15th row... Still close but I would buy tickets to see him from closer.

EC is fantastic, especially live. I’ve followed him for 50 years & seen him so many times that I’ve probably paid for one of his Ferraris or at least the 4 wheels & several Armani suits! At £200 a ticket, plus travel to London & the cost of accommodation, I decided I couldn’t afford or justify the outlay this time. I’m sad that only wealthy people can afford the prices & the less well off lose out. Hope everyone had a great time, the set list was amazing!

The Guitar God still has it and like a fine wine only improves with age. His new reggae sounds to change up some of his oldies made them sound brand new again. The new songs from his new album were fantastic.
Only missed Nathan East but the bassist he pivked was spot on. Love Eric!!!

Eric is still fantastic. I was on 8 his concerts and this one is among three best ones I have ever been. Venue is astonishing. Band was playing really good.
I cannot find any complaints. Yes concert lasts only for an hour and a half, but that one and a half hour was memorable.

Eric Clapton was awesome! My wife and I are big concert goers and this was one of the best we have seen. His voice is spot on, and he is the best slow guitarist of all times and you can feel the emotion it in his music. We would pay to see him again.