Eric Clapton Sheffield Arena 2006
Support: Robert Cray
I spent hours in the late 60s and early 70s listening to the John Mayall Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton (Beano) lp, marvelling at Clapton’s bluesy guitar, and trying to learn some of the licks. In particular, I practiced and practiced “Steppin’ Out”, which was Clapton signature guitar solo number in the 60s. I always dreamed of seeing him play it live. I bought a ticket for this gig a few days before on ebay, managing to score a good seat at half the face value! I drove down to Sheffield after work and arrived in time to see Robert Cray, who delivered a pretty fine set. 
Clapton was great that night, I think his playing is actually getting better as the years go by. His band was: Doyle Bramhall II – guitar; Derek Trucks – guitar; stalwart Chris Stainton – keyboards; Tim Carmon – keyboards; Willie Weeks – bass; Steve Jordan – drums; Michelle John & Sharon White – backing vocals; and The Kick Horns. The set featured an a few acoustic blues at the mid point. 
Setlist: Pretending; So Tired; Got To Get Better In A Little While; Lost and Found; I Shot the Sheriff; Anyday; Back Home; I Am Yours; Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out; Milkcow’s Calf Blues; Running On Faith; After Midnight; Little Queen of Spades; Everybody Oughta Make a Change; Motherless Children; Wonderful Tonight; Layla; Cocaine. Encore: Crossroads. John saw him in the US on this tour and sent me the US programme which is different from the UK version (thanks John). I still haven’t seen Eric play Steppin’ Out….guess there is still time.
5 Jul
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