News

EC Performs At Bunbury’s Party In London On 8 May

9 May 08

Eric Clapton took the stage at a special Bunbury’s Party held in London on 8 May 2008. About 1,200 attended the gala event, including celebrities from the sporting and entertainment worlds. Spotted were Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, Nick Mason, Jeff Thomson, Sir Viv Richards, Allan Lamb, David Gower, Rory Bremner, Jeffrey Archer, Sam Fox just to name a few!

The evening was in honour of Sir Ian "Beefy" Botham, former England Test Team Captain and holder of several Test cricket records as an all-rounder. In his domestic career, he played for Durham, Somerset and Worcestershire as well as Queensland, Australia. But, the legendary cricketer has also been a tireless fundraiser for Leukaemia Research. Raising over 10 million pounds to date, Sir Ian has undertaken a number of long-distance charity walks, including completing the 900 mile walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End twice. He was knighted by the Queen on 10 October 2007, not only in recognition for his cricket achievements, but for his outstanding charitable work.

Sir Ian has also been a part of The Bunbury Pro-Celebrity Cricket Club since their inception 22 years ago. Founded by the charismatic Dr. David English, and made up of numerous figures from sport and entertainment, they have also raised over 10 million pounds in the intervening years. Each year, The Bunbury XI, play numerous matches throughout England raising much-needed funds for numerous charities.

Eric Clapton and Bill Wyman were amongst the musicians who were also founder members of the Bunbury XI. Both have played in the club’s charity matches over the years.

Having put down his cricket bat in August 2003 (appropriately at a Bunbury XI vs Eric Clapton XI match), Eric picked up his guitar for this year’s party. Performing with Eric were some members of his current touring band: Chris Stainton (keyboards), Pino Palladino (bass), Ian Thomas (drums), Sharon White (backing vocals) and Michelle John (backing vocals).

Eric took the stage at 11:45PM and performed the following set:

Rocking Chair (acoustic)
Nobody Knows You (acoustic)
Motherless Child (12 string)
Running On Faith
Key To The Highway
Hoochie Coochie Man
Don’t Knock My Love *
Little Queen Of Spades
Before You Accuse Me
Wonderful Tonight
Cocaine
Crossroads

The evening also featured dancing and an auction which raised 206,000GBP for the charity. The highlight of the auction? A Crossroads Stratocaster Limited Edition Guitar (one of three owned by Eric Clapton) which was personally inscribed and autographed by Eric. It garnered 45,000GBP.

* Set List updated with name of song – "Don’t Knock My Love" which was initially reported as "Shuffle in A" (unknown song title).

Related link:
About the Crossroads Fender Stratocaster Limited Edition Guitar