Eric Clapton Newcastle Metro Radio Arena April 2004
Support: Robert Randolph
Over twenty years since I had last seen Clapton perform at an indoor gig, David and I went to his concert at Newcastle Arena in 2004. I’d seen EC at a couple of festivals in the interim; at the Knewborth Silver Clef show in 1990, where he shared a bill with a host of other top names, including Pink Floyd, and Paul McCartney; and in Hyde Park in 1996, which was another great bill, and included The Who and Bob Dylan. I’d lost some of my faith in EC, as I felt that some of his material in the 90s was a little middle of the road, with less blues guitar and less of the rock legend that I had previously thought of him as. However, this gig renewed by faith in Eric. I remember being quit excited at the prospect of seeing Eric close up again (we had seats quite close to the front), and David came up from Leeds where he was studying at the time, especially to see the gig. 
He had just released “Me and Mr Johnson” which was the first of two albums of covers of Robert Johnson songs that he released that year. So it seemed to me that he has rediscovered the blues, and it showed in his set that night, which featured a fair number of songs from that album, mixed with the usual classics. We both enjoyed Clapton that night, and my interest in him was reaffirmed, to the extent that I have tried to see him as many times as I am able since then. Setlist: Let It Rain; Hoochie Coochie Man; Walk Out in the Rain; Bell Bottom Blues; I Shot the Sheriff; Milkcow’s Calf Blues; When You Got a Good Friend; They’re Red Hot; Kindhearted Woman Blues; Got To Get Better In A Little While; Have You Ever Loved a Woman; Badge; Wonderful Tonight; Layla; Cocaine. Encore: Sunshine Of Your Love; Got My Mojo Working.
Posts Tagged ‘concert’
4 Jul
Eric Clapton Newcastle Metro Radio Arena April 2004
3 Jul
Ginger Baker’s Jazz Confusion Stockton Arc July 2nd 2012
Ginger Baker’s Jazz Confusion Stockton Arc July 2nd 2012
I couldn’t resist taking up the opportunity to see the legendary drummer Ginger Baker at Stockton Arc last night. It was the first time that I have been to the Arc, which is an arts centre venue in the centre of Stockton. Ginger’s current band consists of Pee Wee Ellis on saxophone, Pee Wee was in James Brown’s band in the 60s and is also long-time musical director for Van Morrison (aha I thought I recognised this guy), Alec Dankworth, on electric and double bass, Alec is son of Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, and twice named Bassist of the Year in the British Jazz Awards, and Abass Dodoo on percussion. Ginger took the stage spot on the advertised start time of 8pm. The band played two sets of jazz instrumentals. I’m not a big jazz fan, but enjoyed this gig. These guys can really play, and it shows. Great to see Ginger again.
2 Jul
The Stone Roses Heaton Park Manchester July 1st 2012
The Stone Roses Heaton Park Manchester July 1st 2012
I never saw The Stone Roses fist time round; they were around during a period where I wasn’t seeing quite as many gigs as usual, focussing on family and work. In recent years Laura has become heavily into the band, so when they announced this series of reunion gigs in their hometown we decided we should go along. Laura is singing at a friends wedding in a couple of weeks with a group of mates from university who are scattered around the country at the moment, and they were rehearsing at a studio in Wakefield on Sunday afternoon. So my first task was to drive to Wakefield, pick her up and drive across to Manchester for the gig. Picked Laura up about 5pm in Wakefield and then we drove across to Manchester, arriving at Heaton Park, around 6.30pm. We got straight into the disabled parking, and it was a short walk to the nearest entrance to the park, and then up to the disabled platform, which was at the back of the park, facing directly onto the stage. Full marks to everyone for the organisation. The place was rammed by the time we got to the platform, but we got there without any problem at all, and everyone was very helpful. Laura had brought her white cane, and everyone made room, and we got through the crowds no problem at all. The Wailers were on as we arrived, playing a selection of old Bob Marley classics. They were pretty good, but the crowd din’t seem to be taking a lot of notice of them. Next up was Plan B. His current act is a mixture of a 60s soul revue and hip hop / rap. I thought he pretty good, much better than I had expected and the crowd gave him a good reception. But everyone was there for the main event. Around 9.10pm the Supremes “Stoned Love” boomed across the PA, and then the heroes of the night took to the stage, starting with “I wanna be adored”. Not being a fan and feeling quite old; I did feel a bit like an intruder at a stranger’s party at times. This band means so much to everyone there. Everyone knew every word, and the atmosphere was just great. 
The Stone Roses played all of the first album and a few tracks from the second. John Squire was just astounding on guitar. I hadn’t realised how good he was, and how much of a guitar band The Roses were. Ian sang ok, and was in 100% control of the crowd. Mani had a smile right across his face. Reni kept the rhythm at the back. I heard lots of the 60s in the music: Jefferson AirPlane, Love, The Byrds, The Doors, The Floyd, there were all there in Squire’s guitar and in the visuals. We were chatting to a guy called Eddie on the platform, who kindly explained all the visuals (which were also impressive) to Laura. We left during the instrumental jam part of “I am the Resurrection” but could hear all of it as we walked to the car. Just as we got to the car park we saw the fireworks light up the sky. Our plan of leaving during the last song worked well; we were straight out of the car park just after 11pm, and straight onto the motorway, which was amazing. Back home at 1.15am. Have been reflecting on what I experienced last night. The vibe of the day was like no other gig I can remember. This was much much more than a concert. It was a generation celebrating their youth, and reaffirming their belief in four guys that took them on a journey which was all too brief and stopped short; and for three special nights everyone in the park were at one with those guys on the stage again. It was something special to be part of. Support acts: Justice Tonight Band, The Wailers, Plan B, The Stone Roses.
Setlist: I Wanna Be Adored; Mersey Paradise; (Song For My) Sugar Spun Sister’; Sally Cinnamon; Where Angels Play; Shoot You Down; Bye Bye Badman; Ten Storey Love Song; Standing Here; Fools Gold; Something’s Burning; Waterfall; Don’t Stop; Love Spreads; Made Of Stone; This Is The One; She Bangs The Drums; Elizabeth My Dear; I Am The Resurrection.
1 Jul
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall April 1983
For this tour Eric’s band were: Albert Lee on guitar and vocals; Chris Stainton on keyboards; Donald “Duck” Dunn on bass; and Jamie Oldaker on drums. I can’t recall who the support was for this tour, or if indeed there was a support act (although the ticket lists a support). Duck Dunn is the legendary bass play who played with Booker T and Steve Cropper on all those MG classics. This tour was to promote the album: “Cigarettes and Money”. 
Setlist: Tulsa Time; I Shot The Sheriff; I’ve Got A Rock N Roll Heart; Worried Life Blues; Ain’t Goin’ Down; Let It Rain; Double Trouble; Pink Bedroom; Key To The Highway; After Midnight; The Shape You’re In; Wonderful Tonight; Blues Power; Ramblin’ on my Mind; Have You Ever Loved A Woman; Cocaine; Layla; Further On Up The Road. It would be some 7 years until I saw Clapton again, at the Knewbworth Silver Clef show.
Laura and I are going to see Stone Roses tonight on the last night of their three night run at Heaton Park, Manchester and we’re really looking forward to it. Will report back some time tomorrow.
30 Jun
Eric Clapton Newcastle City Hall 1980
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.
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
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