News
Clapton In Cardiff: Two Nights
16 May 11
Eric Clapton performed 14 and 15 May at Motorpoint Arena Cardiff (formerly known as Cardiff International Arena). The set list, a mix of blues, hits, and a tribute to Gary Moore, was the same for both performances. Here’s what some of the concert-goers told Where’s Eric! about the shows:
Eric strode on stage with his signature daphne blue Fender Stratocaster and got straight into Key To The Highway. Having attended around 40 of Eric’s live performances you get a feeling for how Eric’s evening is going from the first couple of bars of the opening number. Eric appeared very relaxed and in good spirits. Playing brilliant solos and fills through the first few numbers. Old Love was a real highlight – Eric’s singing on this song was much more laid back than in the past. For me his singing is now really peerless and matches the intensity and brilliance of the solos singing from the guitar. A funky I Shot The Sheriff with blinding solo led into the sit down acoustic set.
– Ieuan Rees / 14 May
Eric in his workaday casuals was understated, flawless and professional. There was no banter with the audience but we’ve learned to expect this. The arrangements of Crossroads, Layla and I Shot the Sheriff in particular showed how well he still adapts songs to keep them fresh and interesting. He gave good space to his keyboard soloists who took their opportunities fulsomely. Praise too for the big screen camera work on Eric’s right hand picking.
– Pete Gaskell / 14 May
His playing is as ever mysteriously outstanding, how does he continue to do it after such a long time? And his voice is impressive too. With no second guitarist this time, Eric is doing all the hard work, singing, rhythm and lead all played with an intensity that is remarkable, seemingly unfazed with those that got up for a fresh pint while he was playing Layla during the acoustic section. … With one too many keyboard players on stage, there were too many keyboard solos. Chris Stainton is always excellent. Tim Carmon’s style is an acquired taste, but Eric indulges them both a little too much. Little Queen of Spades at times felt interminable. However, the show was a cracker with a good mix of songs, though he kept me guessing. The chords of Have You Ever Loved a Woman, morphed into the lyrics of Crossroads for the encore.
– Darryl Lane / 14 May
This was a great show, but the highlight by far was Eric’s version of Still Got The Blues. I wouldn’t have thought it possible to turn something so well known for its soaring, electric solos into such a beautiful acoustic ballad.
– Niall McDonald / 14 May
Went to the second Cardiff show and travelled from Leicester to see it. Was well worth the six hour round trip as Eric was as good as ever. The set list had not changed from previous nights. However, the songs seemed refreshed especially Driftin which was an excellent version in my view. Always enjoy the sit down session and to me this highlighted Eric’s excellent guitar playing. Often simple but very effective.
– Richard Walker / 15 May
Next on EC’s schedule is 11 nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall starting Tuesday, 17 May. Six solo concerts at the venue will be followed by five performances with Steve Winwood. Tickets remain for select performances, check the tour dates page for purchase details. Support for all UK dates is Andy Fairweather-Low and The Low Riders.
2011 Spring Tour Set Lists and Fan Reviews
15 May: Cardiff – Click Here
14 May: Cardiff – Click Here
12 May: Glasgow – Click Here
10 May: Belfast – Click Here
9 May: Dublin – Click Here
HOW TO SUBMIT SET LISTS, REVIEWS & PHOTOS TO WHERE’S ERIC!
As always, Where’s Eric! will be publishing set lists and reviews in the Tour Section of whereseric.com but, WE! can’t do it without YOU! If you’re heading to one or more of the gigs at the Royal Albert Hall, help build the permanent Eric Clapton Tour Archive on this website. Thousands of EC’s fans from all over the world visit whereseric.com daily to check out what songs are played and read what other fans have to say about the shows. Here’s how you can help keep your fellow fans informed:
– Email details to info@whereseric.com
– Include show date and venue name
– The complete set list
– Your review
– Be sure to include your name and city so it can be featured with your review (no aliases or anonymous submissions, please. Upon request, we will use your first name and surname initial only.)
– Feel free to include information about EC’s guitars, amps and effects pedals
– You can also send your photos from the concert or of memorabilia. Things like tickets, handbills, programmes, posters or local concert advertising (the best photos may be even be published in Where’s Eric! Magazine). All photos should be at least 500K in file size; sending your original, unedited images is best. Scans of tickets, flyers etc. should be at 150 dpi.
Please remember that the Where’s Eric! Team is made up of a very small number of fan-volunteers. It is impossible for the staff to be at all shows on a tour. That’s why we ask our fellow fans to assist in building an accurate concert archive by submitting set lists and other details from each tour stop. Even if you don’t have the time to write a full-fledged review, feel free to participate in this project by sending the complete set list. After all, WE! can’t do it without YOU!