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Eric Clapton & His Band Rock The Albert Hall: 28 May 2009

29 May 09

Eric Clapton is nearing the end of his 11-show residency at the 138-year old Royal Albert Hall. Thursday evening, 28 May, marked the 9th concert of the series. Doyle Bramhall II again joined the band on stage for three songs at the end of the evening’s performance.

Over two-hours, the audience was treated to a mix of songs from Eric’s extensive rock / pop catalog along with blues standards and an outstanding version of "Driftin’" performed on acoustic guitars. The band upped the pace with "LIttle Queen of Spades" and closed the main part of the show with a raucous verison of "Cocaine", which featured guest Doyle Bramhall II. "I Shot The Sheriff" – which has been a standout number at many shows this tour – was not performed this evening. Taking it’s place in the set was "Anything For Your Love" which lead into "Old Love" – both from Eric’s 1989 album, Journeyman.

Sharon White and Michelle John displayed their vocal talents throughout the evening, but most notably on a terrific version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." Andy Fairweather Low’s guitar work on this number was also outstanding. Chris Stainton also deserves a shout out for terrific solos during "Little Queen of Spades" and "Cocaine." Tim Carmon again laid down a groove during "Old Love" which soon had the entire band following his lead. The rhythm section of Willie Weeks and Steve Gadd was tight and kept the band chugging along. Fans outside the venue commented that this was Eric’s strongest performance of the run at the Albert – but they noted that eveni on a "off" night, EC is still a "8 or 9 out of 10" when compared to other guitarists.

Show number ten – the next to last of EC’s 11 night residency – takes place at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday 29 May 2009. The residency ends Sunday 31 May. Opening for Eric are the Arc Angels. This Saturday (30 May), they will be headlining their own club gig at Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Road, London. For more information about the band, visit Arc Angels on My Space. For ticket information for their club gig, visit Bush Hall’s Website

Set List for 28 May 2009 / Royal Albert Hall

01. Going Down Slow
02. Key To The Highway
03. Got To Get Better In A Little While
04. Anything For Your Love
05. Old Love
06. Driftin’
07. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out
08. Lay Down Sally
09. Somewhere Over The Rainbow
10. Badge
11. Little Queen of Spades
12. Before You Accuse Me
13. Wonderful Tonight
14. Layla *
15. Cocaine *
Encore:
16. Crossroads *

* with Doyle Bramhall II

Band Lineup:
Eric Clapton – guitar, vocals
Andy Fairweather Low – guitar
Chris Stainton – keyboards
Tim Carmon – keyboards
Willie Weeks – bass
Steve Gadd – drums
Michelle John – backing vocals
Sharon White – backing vocals

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If you’re heading to one or more of EC’s solo gigs this spring, why not send the details to Where’s Eric!? All of the information becomes part of the permanent tour archive. All set lists, reviews and photos should be emailed to info@whereseric.com.

To participate, email the following concert details to info@whereseric.com
– Show date and venue name
– The complete set list (this information is essential to our ongoing archival work)
– Your review
– Feel free to include information about EC’s guitars, amps and effects pedals, if you know it
– Feel free to send images from the venue or of memorabilia things like tickets, handbills, programmes, posters or local concert advertising (the best ones may be even be published in Where’s Eric! Magazine)
– Be sure to Include your name and city so it can be featured with your review (no aliases or anonymous submissions, please.)

Due to space limitations, all reviews may not be used on whereseric.com, but we’ll do our best. When sending concert images, only submit those that you have personally taken. All reviews and set lists will be hosted in the Tour Section of whereseric.com.
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Related link:

Eric’s support for this tour – The Arc Angels – will be headlining their own club gig on 30 May at Bush Hall. For more about the band, visit Arc Angels on My Space. For ticket information, visit Bush Hall’s Website