Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall 1980
Support: Chas and Dave
I saw Clapton twice in 1978. Once was at Newcastle City Hall, which I posted on yesterday, and once with Bob Dylan at Blackbushe (I’ll post on that concert when I cover the times I have seen Dylan). Eric was back at the City Hall in 1980, this time with support from Chas and Dave, who were in the charts at the time with “Rabbit”, and were good fun. EC’s band for this tour was: Henry Spinetti on Drums; Chris Stainton on Keyboards (from Joe Cocker’s band); Albert Lee on Guitar (Albert is a superb guitarist who I’d seen with Heads, Hands and Feet, and have since seen many times over the years); Dave Markee on Bass; and Gary Brooker on Keyboards (Procol Harum). 
Setlist: Tulsa Time; Early in the Morning; Lay Down Sally; Wonderful Tonight; Country Boy (this song is Albert Lee’s showcase); Thunder and Lightning; Blues Power; All Our Past Times; Setting Me Up; Leave The Candle; If I Don’t Be There by Morning; Ramblin’ on My Mind; Mean Old World; Have You Ever Loved a Woman; Home Lovin’; After Midnight; Cocaine; Further On Up The Road. I’ve just realised that Chas Hodges of Chas and Dave was drummer in Head, Hands and Feet alongside Albert Lee on guitar. Head, Hnds and Feet are long forgotten, and were a great live act. If you get the chance, hunt out their track Warming Up The Band (its on YouTube) which is excellent.
Archive for the ‘Eric Clapton’ Category
30 Jun
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall 1980
29 Jun
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall 1978
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall 1978
Support from Muddy Waters
Clapton was back in Newcastle one year from his last visit, this time with the legendary Muddy Waters as special guest. I was excited about seeing Clapton, but was perhaps even more excited about seeing Muddy Waters, who had truly legendary status. Muddy Waters seemed an old guy to me at the time, although he was actually only 63, which is not much that much older than I am now. I remember him singing his classic songs, including “Hoochie Coochie Man”. Clapton released a clutch of albums during the mid 70s, and new songs like “Wonderful Tonight” were becoming part of the set. 
He was still playing a lot of blues, which is what he is best at. Looking at set lists for the tour it seems he was opening with “Layla” on most nights, which was an interesting choice for a first song. A recording exists of the concert which shows the setlist as: Layla; Worried Life Blues; Wonderful Tonight; If I Don’t Be There By Morning; Double Trouble; I’ll Make Love to You Any Time; Badge; Key to the Highway; Cocaine; Blues Jam #1 (Tore Down); Blues Jam #2 (Standing Around Crying, Long Distance Call). Clapton’s band for this tour were a small tight unit of Dick Sims – Keyboard; Carl Radle – Bass; and Jamie Oldaker – Drums.
28 Jun
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall April 1977
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall April 1977
Support from Ronnie Lane and Slim Chance
Eric Clapton returned to Newcastle City Hall a year later, this time with Ronnie Lane and his band Slim Chance as special guests. We were spoilt for Clapton shows from the mid 70s onwards. Eric moved from a period of a few years where he hardly played at all, to a position of touring the Uk every year. I took every opportunity to see Eric, going to every show that he performed at the City Hall, and never left disappointed. 
Looking at set lists from 1977, it seems that Clapton varied some of the set, but that it was focussed largely on the blues. A recording from Hammersmith gives the set as :Hello Old Friend; Sign Language; Alberta; All Our Past Times; Tell The Truth; Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door; Can’t Find My Way Home; Crossroads; I Shot The Sheriff; Nobody Knows You; Further On Up The Road; Stormy Monday; Willie and the hand jive; Layla; Dream, Dream, Dream. 
Ronnie Lane was a great choice of support act, especially after 1976’s support act Mr Pugh’s Puppet Theatre. I’d seen Ronnie in the Faces and once before with Slim Chance when they brought their Passing Show to Newcastle Town Moor (I’ll post on that gig another time). Ronnie came over to me as laid back, unassuming, friendly and authentic on stage. His set was good fun, and a good reason to stay upstairs and watch the support act, rather than retreat to the bar.
27 Jun
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall 12 August 1976
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall 12 August 1976
Two weeks after seeing Eric Clapton at The Crystal Palace Bowl, I saw him again at Newcastle City Hall. My strongest memory of this gig isof the bizarre support act, which was Mr Pugh’s Puppet Theatre, which was exactly as it suggests on the tin, a guy with a set of puppets in a seaside “punch and judy” like booth. This seemed an almost surreal choice as a support act at the time, and looking back still seems strange today. Clapton’s set was somewhat similar to what he played at Crystal Palace, quite short and a mix of blues, and Clapton standards. Not earth shattering, but good, as always, to see him. This gig was the first of quite a few national tours for Clapton, and as part of these he called at the City Hall several times over the next few years. I will blog on each of those shows over the coming days.
26 Jun
Eric Clapton Crystal Palace Garden Party 31 July 1976
Eric Clapton Crystal Palace Garden Party 31 July 1976
Support acts: Freddie King; The Chieftains; The Jess Roden Band; Barbara Dickson; Dick and the Fireman
I saw Clapton twice during 1976, once at Newcastle City Hall and at this gig at the Crystal Palace in London. A group of us went down to London by train for this gig, and when arrived at the Crystal Palace Bowl we met up with some other friends from Sunderland. It was a very hot day, as were most that summer; just right for spending the day in the park listening to some bands. The Crystal Place Bowl is a grassy picnic area, which used to have a shell-shaped stage situated at the other side of a lake from the grassy area where the audience sat. It was used for several concerts during the 70s, many of which ended with various members of the crowd taking to the water in the lake to get closer to the stage and their heroes. First up at this gig was Dick and The Fireman, who were an occasional “super”group of friends who came together for a fun jam every now and then. For that date the incarnation consisted of Mel Collins, Neil Hubbard, Mike Patto, Alan Spenner, Carol Grimes, Bob Tench, Henry McCulloch, Tim Hinkley, Boz Burrell, Simon Kirke, John Halsey, with Larry Coryell and Ron Wood guesting on some songs. The late, and very very great, Steve Marriott is listed in the programme, but didn’t show on the day. Now Henry McCulloch is one great guitarist and the late great Mike Patto was one cool vocalist, but the set seemed like what it was; a few friends jamming for a bit fun; nothing more, nothing less. Anyway it was ok as an opener. Next up was Barbara Dickson, who had just hit the charts with “Answer Me”, followed by the very under-rated Jess Roden. I saw Jess in Bronco, as support for Free once, and several times with his “Jess Roden Band”; he sang with a lot of soul, and is sadly hardly ever mentioned these days. 
The Chieftains seemed quite a strange choice for the day, and delivered a set of traditional Irish folk, which was quite fun, sitting on the grass on a hot summer afternoon. Next up was the legendary Freddie King. I’d heard quite a bit of Freddie’s material on the radio, including “Have You Ever Loved A Woman”, “Hide Away” and “Tore Down” and, as I recall, he played all of those. Clapton played a relatively short and subdued set on just over an hour, with Larry Coryell and Ron Wood joining for a couple of songs. I remember Larry Coryell being particularly impressive, giving Clapton a good run for his money. By the end of the show, quite a few people were in the water. Have a feeling Jesus Jellet was dancing down the front. This wasn’t one of the best times I’ve seen Clapton, but it was a fun day. After the gig we were all back on the midnight train up north. All in all a pretty good day; three great guitarists, sun, and a day out with friends; all for £4 and a day return which was £2 or £3 at the time. Clapton Setlist: Hello Old Friend – All Our Pastimes – Tell The Truth – I Shot The Sheriff – Double Trouble – Blues Power – Going Down Slow – Stormy Monday – Layla – Further On Up The Road.
25 Jun
Eric Clapton Hammersmith Odeon December 5th 1974
Eric Clapton Hammersmith Odeon December 5th 1974
Reflections on my first live connection with God
This was a big gig for me. I was a massive Clapton fan as a teenager. I bought the Goodbye Cream lp, and the Mayall/Clapton Bluesbreakers album, and spent hours learning to copy Clapton’s solos, playing and replaying the vinyl albums until I’d worked out how he played those licks. I sat in awe in front of our new (first) colour TV watching the Cream Farewell at the Albert Hall show. I talked about going to the Rainbow show with my mate Nicky, but was still pretty young and going to a gig in London seemed so unthinkable at the time; it was just talk really at that stage. But when Clapton announced a couple of comeback shows at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1974 I decided that I just had to go. I hadn’t managed to buy a ticket in advance for the Clapton gig, and the shows were sold out, but that didn’t discourage me. I was used to buying tickets for sold out gigs outside the venue on the night in Newcastle, so I planned to do the same at Hammersmith. 
I bought a day return train ticket to London and made my way to Hammersmith. I can still feel the excitement as I got off the tube and made my way to the legendary Hammersmith Odeon. I bought a ticket from a tout outside the venue, paying a little more than face value. I entered the venue and took my seat, which was to the rear of the stalls. I don’t think there was any support act. Clapton and band took to the stage, and started with Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile”, which was a big surprise to me. Why was this guitar god starting with an old song like this? After getting over the initial shock I realised how good the version was, with Clapton and Yvonne Elliman singing together and doing a great job. Real tears in the eyes stuff. Clapton had just released “461 Ocean Boulevard” which focussed much more on Clapton the singer than the guitarist, and “Smile” fitted with the mood of the album. Next up was “Let it Grow” from the album, another classic song. By this point I could hardly believe what I was experiencing; Clapton was there in front of me, and he was singing these great songs. Yvonne Elliman’s role in Clapton’s band at that point shouldn’t be understated. This was no backing vocals role, she was right up front with Eric dueting with him. The rest of the set was a mix of cold and new. Old blues like “The sky is crying” and “Ramblin’ on my mind”, covers such as “I shot the sheriff”, and “Little Wing” and “Badge” from Cream days. “Layla” was the first encore. Ronnie Wood joined in for the encores (Eric introduced him as Peter Townshend for a joke). By then I was getting nervous as I had to make it back for Kings Cross for the midnight train home. I did make the train, and arrived back how at around 7am the next morning having spent the night on the mail train as it wound its way up the country, stopping to pick up and deliver mail bags on the way. I went to college a couple of hours later and told everyone about it. So there it is, my first Clapton experience, and I gig that I’m so pleased I made the effort to get to. Clapton has remained a favourite of mine over the years, although I must admit that I did lose faith in him during the 90s a little. I’m going to spend the rest of the week reflecting on the other Clapton gigs which I have been to. Band: Carl Radle (Bass); George Terry (Guitar); Jamie Oldaker (Drums); Dick Sims (Keyboards); Yvonne Elliman (Vocals); Marcy Levy (Vocals). Setlist: Smile; Let It Grow; Can’t Find My Way Home; Tell the Truth; The Sky Is Crying; Have You Ever Loved a Woman; Ramblin’ on My Mind; Badge; Little Rachel; I Shot the Sheriff; Better Make It Through Today; Blues Power; Key To The Highway; Let It Rain; Little Wing; Singin’ the Blues. Encore: Layla; Steady Rollin’ Man; Little Queenie
30 Mar
Cream The Royal Albert Hall London 6 May 2005
Cream The Royal Albert Hall London 2005
This was a big gig for me. I’d watched the Cream farewell concert on TV in the late 60s and was just mesmerised by Clapton. His hair, the psychedelic painted SG, the “woman” tone he described in the film, it all seemed just sensational to me, as a kid at the time. I so wished that I’d had the chance to see Cream. I remember older boys at school talking about seeing them at a gig in Newcastle and saying how great they were. I was so jealous of them. I bought Goodbye Cream and played it again and again. I saw Clapton many times in the 70s and 80s, and Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker with their solo projects. But to see Cream was a great dream, an ambition.
So when the rumours of a reunion came to fruition and it was announced that the three legends would come together for a series of shows in London I was determined to go. I was nervous about getting tickets, and stressed about it for days before they went on sale. On the morning that they did go on sale I had two phones and a computer to hand, and got straight through to the Albert Hall box office on one of the phones, managing to my joy to buy tickets some ten rows from the stage. I then waited in anticipation for the gig. Would it be as good as I hoped? Marie came with me, and we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Judging by the American accents in evidence, the Albert Hall was full of fans who had travelled a long way for the honour of seeing this legendary band play for one more time. The atmosphere was strange, everyone was quiet in anticipation. It was as if the crowd couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Quiet, almost religious. The set covered everything I could have wished for with a selection from all of the albums. Clapton was god again, Jack sang beautifully and Ginger pounded away on his drums. 
The crowd stayed in their seats until almost the end. For Sunshine of Your Love, which was the encore, we were all up and we managed to get right to the front. Marie was leaning on the stage directly in front of Jack Bruce and I was just behind her. You can even see us on the DVD if you look closely. A night that I will remember for ever. Sometimes your dreams do come true, and sometimes they are as good as you dreamed they would be. Happy days. Setlist: I’m So Glad; Spoonful; Outside Woman Blues; Pressed Rat and Wart Hog; Sleepy Time Time; N.S.U.; Badge; Politician; Sweet Wine; Rollin’ And Tumblin’; Stormy Monday; Deserted Cities of the Heart; Born Under a Bad Sign; We’re Going Wrong; Crossroads; Sitting on Top of the World; White Room; Toad. Encore:Sunshine of Your Love.
14 May
Eric Clapton Glasgow SECC May 12th 2011
Eric Clapton Glasgow SECC May 12th 2011
I think Clapton is back on top form and, in my book, always worth seeing these days. So I decided to make the trip to Glasgow on Thursday night. I was also tempted by the support act Andy Fairweather Low. I’ve seen Andy many times over the years in Clapton and Roger Waters’ bands, but haven’t seen him solo since the 1970s. I arrived at SECC around 7pm, bought my programme, and took my seat in Row S of the centre block. Andy Fairweather Low and his band took us through his greatest hits including Bend Me Shape Me, La Booga Rooga, Wide Eyed and Legless, and If Paradise is Half as Nice. 
He’s also a very accomplished guitarist which he demonstrated to great effect in a couple of bluesy instrumentals; one of which was by Lightning Hopkins. Andy had a lovely Vox teardrop guitar, which matched his 60s setlist. good opener. I’ve seen Clapton many times since the 70s (probably about 15 or so). There were times I felt he was going through the motions in some shows in the 90s, but the last few times I’ve seen him he has been playing really well, with great, fluid guitar playing and getting back to what he started with; the blues. And Thursday was no exception. The set started with some great blues songs, with Clapton playing with feeling and passion. Great keyboard solos from Chris Stainton and Tim Carmon. 
The set is predictable, and seems to be the same as he has been playing throughout the tour, with a mix of blues, old favourites and an acoustic set in the middle. High points for me were Hoochie Coochie Man, Badge and I Shot the Sherriff. Low points; I’m still not keen on the unplugged Layla (lets have the electric version next time please, Eric) and I did get a little tired of the keyboard solos which seemed to figure in almost every song. Also Clapton seemed subdued and was straight off the stage at the end (it wouldn’t hurt to say a few words to the crowd). Overall, however, this was a pretty good show; Clapton has become the modern equivalent of the old bluesmen who got him started in the beginning. Long may he continue to come and play for us.
Setlist: Key To The Highway; Going Down Slow; Hoochie Coochie Man; Old Love; I Shot The Sheriff; Driftin’; Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out; Still Got The Blues; Same Old Blues; When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful; Layla; Badge; Wonderful Tonight; Before You Accuse Me; Little Queen Of Spades; Cocaine
Encore: Crossroads
22 May
Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood Wembley Arena 21 May 2010
Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood Wembley Arena London 21 May 2010
Two old friends together playing some great music and clearly having fun.
And we also had lots of fun too. Friday night and Clapton and Winwood take the stage together for the second of two nights in London. Its only a few months since I was sitting in the O2 seeing Clapton with Jeff Beck, and tonight I’m back again in the capital seeing another great guitar pairing. Tonight was very different to the Clapton/Beck show. For one thing Clapton and Winwood have a recording history together in terms of the Blind Faith album, much of which was played on Friday night. Also the two legends took the stage togther throughout (unlike the Clapton/Beck show where the two guitarists did their own sets and then came together at the end of the show). Anyway enough of comparisons; its not fair to make them; as I say; these shows were very different.
Last night was a real musical treat. These guys are playing better than ever. ‘m not sure I’ve ever see Clapton play better or seem more comfortable and relaxed on stage. And Steve Winwood’s sining was spot on. The last time I saw Steve at the Sage Gateshead I thought his voice was showing a little strain. Not last night. His vocals on Georgia were stunning, as was his guitar playing; some great swapping of licks between the two.
For me highlights were Pearly Queen (always loved the song), Georgia, Can’t find my way home, and Voodoo Chile. Clapton’s playing on Voodoo Chile was totally on the ball and the song brought the show to a great climax. Everyone was on their feet at the end and the band came back for an encore of Dear Mr Fantasy which is another personal favourite of mine. You don’t get much better concerts than this, certainly not in terms of muscianship. I would have liked to heard them do No Face No Name No Number which is on the live CD, but I guess you can’t always get everything you want.
I’m up at 5.30am again to get the first train back up north. I should be back home around 10am.
Set List:
Had To Cry Today
Low Down
After Midnight
Presence Of The Lord
The Shape I’m In
Glad
Well Alright
Tough Luck Blues
Pearly Queen
Forever Man
Midland Maniac
Going Down
Georgia
Drifting Blues
How Long
Layla
Can’t Find My Way Home
Split Decision
Voodoo Chile
Cocaine
Dear Mr. Fantasy (encore)
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14 Feb
Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck O2 Arena London Sat Feb 13th
Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck The O2 Arena London Sat Feb 13th 2010
I couldn’t resist going to see this double bill. Not sure I would make the trip to London to see either separately in concert (although they are both great); but seeing them together was just too tempting.
I’ve seen Clapton many times over the years. He never fails to impress, but there have been times when I’ve felt he was just going through the motions. However, the last few times I’ve seen him (at Newcastle and Sheffield Arenas and at the Cream reunion in the Albert Hall) he seemed to me to be enjoying being up there again. His blues were back and he was playing guitar in a way that I hadn’t seen for many years.
Beck to me is something else. I first saw him at the Grangemouth festival in the early 70s when he was leading Beck, Bogart and Appice and I’ve seen him in Newcastle a few times since. He never disappoints; and (to me) he stands alone. He manages to produce sounds from his Strat that no other guitarist can; his use of tone and dynamics are outstanding.
So Clapton and Beck together in London at the O2 on a Saturday night. Should be great!
I take the train to London on Saturday afternoon and check into my hotel opposite Kings Cross Station. Have taken my laptop so I do some work, type some emails and then it’s off to the show. I get the tube to Greenwich and arrive at the O2 at around 7.30pm.
I buy a programme and take my cheap (£75 ouch!) seat in the upper tier (couldn’t justify paying £125 to be downstairs). The view is OK actually. Just after 8pm Jeff Beck and his band take the stage. He is accompanied by a full string section sitting to the left of the stage.
I can’t say that I am familiar with much of Beck’s material. It’s mainly instrumental and very jazzy, but mixes styles throughout. One minute we get rock, Hendrix, and then he becomes Hank Marvin, Les Paul and Santo and Johnny. Except its unfair to compare his music with any of those; Beck has his own style and sound. I much prefer the slower ballads. His instrumental version of The Beatles Day in the Life has to be heard to be believed. Joss Stone comes on and sings for a couple of songs and we also have an appearance by one of the Corrs who plays violin. The sound is surprisingly clear given the size of the arena. The mix of Jeff’s guitar, his band (who are great; particularly the lady on bass) and the strings fills the hall with great music. They leave the stage just after 9am and there is a short interval.
At around 9.20 Clapton and his band take the stage. The first few songs see Clapton seated with an acoustic guitar, singing the blues, accompanied by piano. After a few songs the rest of his band join, and we get I Shot the Sheriff, Cocaine, Wonderful Tonight and Crossroads. All played great, no surprises, with some pretty good solos from Eric. At around 10.20pm Eric and his band leave the stage for a few minutes.
They soon return, accompanied by Jeff Beck; and the two legends launch into some great blues and pretty tasty guitar work. They play a selection of old blues standards including Shake Your Money Maker, I Need Love, trading licks off each other. For me, Beck’s playing is much more interesting, and he steals the show. My highlight of the night is a great version of the old standard Moon River. It starts with some restrained and careful lead from Beck, and as the song develops Clapton takes the vocals. Eric always did have a soft spot for singing standards. It reminds me of when I saw him at Hammersmith Odeon in the mid 70s and he started the show with Charlie Chaplin’s Smile. I was surprised that a rock star would sing a ballad like that but it was also a high point of that show. They finish with Sly Stone’s Take You Higher and leave the stage around 11pm. Quite a few people leave to catch trains at this point. I make my way downstairs to catch a better view of any encore.
And what a surprise we get for the encore. I’ve never seen Beck play Hi Ho Silver Lining and never dreamed I would. The thought of him playing it tonight hadn’t even crossed my mind; I assumed it was almost a no-go area for him. But as I enter the lower tier I hear the familiar start to that tune. Clapton takes most of the vocal duties, with Beck taking a verse later on. 20,000 people sing along at the top of our voices. People are up and dancing all over the arena. Beck plays the solo as on the record; it sounds awesome. A perfect end; couldn’t be better.
So a great night, worth the trip for Day in the Life, Crossroads, Moon River and Hi Ho Silver Lining. I climb on a packed tube back to my little hotel room in Kings Cross.
Can’t wait for Clapton and Winwood at Wembley.
Jeff Beck set included: People Get Ready; A Day in the Life; I Put a Spell on You (with Joss Stone)
Eric Clapton set included: Driftin’ Blues; Layla (unplugged); Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out; Tell the Truth; Key To the Highway; Wonderful Tonight; I Shot the Sherriff; Cocaine; Crossroads
Jeff Beck & Eric Clapton together set included: Shake your money maker; Moon River; Outside Woman Blues; Little Brown Bird; You Need Love; I Want to Take You Higher
Encore: Hi Ho Silver Lining
Eric Clapton website: http://www.ericclapton.com
Jeff Beck website: http://www.jeffbeck.com
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