25 Oct 05
For those going to either of Cream’s New York concerts later this week, this is a spoiler. If you don’t want to know the set list prior to the performance, it’s advised that you stop reading now.
The first of three reunion concerts by the legendary band Cream happened at Madison Square Garden on 24 October 2005. Like the London shows earlier this year, Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce took their audience on an emotional journey through some of rock music’s greatest songs. Although the set lists were similar to London, fans were delighted that "Tales Of Brave Ulysses" was added to the set list.
Here are some brief quotes from fans who attended the gig:
"MSG is pretty big compared to the regal Royal Albert Hall. This would be a different set of shows if for any other reason the sheer crowd sizes. It was bound to get loud and it did … The acoustics were good at MSG much to my relief." – Rick Kent
"The best testament to the talent of the members of Cream is how they make it look so easy. Even though they haven’t played a full concert in America for 37 years, their set at Madison Square Garden on the first of their three shows there went off almost flawlessly. The chemistry that led to classic studio tracks and historic live performances in the sixties was obvious to the wildly appreciative New York crowd on Monday night. The ease and comfort they showed with their material didn’t seem to come from the result of repeated rehearsals as much as it did from the three of them all speaking the same musical language which they used to communicate song starts and stops as well as other more subtle musical cues." – Jay Snyder
"Same as RAH with addition of "Tales…". Musically, I’d say the worst of the five 2005 shows so far. No chemistry. Mostly because Jack and Ginger were fighting. Not to the point where it interrupted the set, but there was great tension between the two of them that was clearly evident. EC just played along. This night probably reminded him of why he quit this outfit 37 years ago. Occasionally some nice musical moments though." – Barry Fisch
The London concerts were filmed and the DVD and CD hit store shelves around the world this week.
Full length fan reviews and more information about these very special concerts will be posted in the Tour Section of whereseric.com for the three New York Reunion Concerts.
Cream Set List / 24 October 2005
I’m So Glad
Spoonful
Outside Woman Blues
Pressed Rat
Sleepy Time Time
Tales of Brave Ulysses
NSU
Badge
Politician
Sweet Wine
Rolllin’ & Tumblin
Stormy Monday
Deserted Cities
Born Under A Bad Sign
We’re Going Wrong
Crossroads
Sitting On Top Of The World
White Room
Toad
Sunshine Of Your Love