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Clapton In Japan: Final Night In Tokyo

2 Mar 14

Eric Clapton wrapped up his 2014 Japan Tour at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo on February 28. The venue was also the site of his first concert in Japan on October 31, 1974. In the tour program which celebrated his 40 years of touring the country, Eric wrote, “I may not be able to come back again.” So, for many Japanese fans, it was an extra special and very emotional night. At the beginning of Layla, Eric said to them, “I’ve been coming here for forty years, before some of you were born. It’s the best place I’ve ever played. Thank you for having me.” Quite a few fans emailed Where’s Eric!  to say it was their favorite show of the tour. They named “I Shot The Sheriff” “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “Little Queen of Spades” as the highlights.

One long-time fan went into more detail. “I think that it was an excellent show and really really impressed. In fact I felt that it must be the best of the best since I had joined his concert at the first time on Oct. 31, 1974, which is the first day of his first visit to Japan 40 years ago. Today god came down and into EC several times, especially his play during I Shot the Sheriff, Tears in Heaven and Little Queen Of Spades. It was something like celestial light and fantastic. As many of his fans know, he usually doesn’t talk much mostly saying only “good evening” or “thank you”. Tonight, however he told some about 40th anniversary tour and also said that he likes to play in Japan and here is the best place in the world to play. It was pretty intense to hear these comments. The set list was very interesting, because I could feel that EC chose songs according to his favorites.  Songs like Honest Man by Lowell Fulson or High Time We Went by Joe Cocker was rather refreshing and How Long by Paul Carrack was very nice. Also there were many of blues taste more than usual.  Actually half of the set list was blues.”

Another, who travelled from Western Australia for the concerts, said, “What a fantastic performance! Eric certainly didn’t hold back! I was very worried after walking out of the lackluster Yokohama performance that Eric had lost it, but he proved tonight that not only does he still have it, he will reign supreme! The set list remained the same since Yokohama and osaka, but Eric put more power and soul into his playing than the previous nights. I wasn’t sure what tonight would hold, but in true Slowhand spirit, the crowd was treated to a blistering performance. Highlights were Pretending, Hoochie Coochie Man and Little Queen Of Spades but the night’s greatest song was I Shot The Sheriff. Eric played with such power reminding me of the Crossroads Guitar Festival (2004) rendition.” He also noted that EC wasn’t using his usual Signature Fender Twin-olux amp but a Fender Bassman (4×10).

As the March 2 concert in Bangkok was cancelled due to recent events there, Eric, his band and crew are now on their way to Singapore for a performance on March 4. After that, they head to Dubai and Bahrain, where the first leg of the 2014 Tour wraps up March 8. 

All of Eric Clapton’s tour dates for 2014 have been announced. A short tour the United States happens in April and May and will include Eric’s first appearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. In June, there is a short tour in the U.K and Europe. A complete Eric Clapton Tour Itinerary for 2014 can be found here, along with ticketing details.

Eric Clapton & His Band – February 28, 2014 Set List
01. Pretending
02. Key To They Highway
03. Tell The Truth
04. Hoochie Coochie Man
05. Honest Man
06. Wonderful Tonight
07. I Shot The Sheriff
08. Driftin’
09. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out
10. Alabama Woman
11. Layla
12. Tears In Heaven
13. How Long (Paul Carrack / Vocals)
14. Before You Accuse Me
15. Crossroads
16. Little Queen Of Spades
17. Cocaine
18. High Time We Went (Encore – Paul Carrack / Vocals)

Band Lineup
Eric Clapton – guitar, vocals
Chris Stainton – piano, keyboards
Paul Carrack – organ, keyboards
Nathan East – bass
Steve Gadd – drums
Michelle John – backing vocals
Sharon White – backing vocals

Were you at this show? What did you think of it? Share your opnion with fans around the world! Send your review to info@whereseric.com where it will be published in the Eric Clapton Tour Archive for this date. Photos welcome too!