News

EC at RAH: Night Five

24 May 13

We’re in to the home run as far as the Albert Hall concerts are concerned, and our readers continue to be impressed with Eric and his stellar band, plus the variety and freshness in the set-list. Here’s a sample of comments from night 5 with photos by Jean-Baptiste Roqufere.

Paul from South London
The main man’s playing was full of energy and his vocals as strong as ever. The first part of the show was in my opinion perhaps the best part with numerous highlights and an energy and consistency lacking on recent tours. Got To Get Better In A Little While and Sheriff both featured fierce solos and Clapton seemed fresh and pleased to be there.

Deborah Bates
Well, what a night… Eric was simply phenomenal. Doyle took the main solos and licks on the first three songs, which I have to admit left me a little panicked that EC wouldn’t pick up a solo for the show. I should have known better than to worry though, because as soon as he warmed up, EC’s performance was beyond words and slick; slipping from song to song with his signature “Thank you!” and no sign of feeling tired whatsoever. Highlights for me included the quicker, softer version of My Father’s Eyes, the opening Hello Old Friend (which I never thought I would see live), the mind-blowing licks on Got to Get Better in a Little While and the succinct yet gorgeous Driftin’. Steve Jordan’s work on Got to get Better… was absolutely amazing – what a talent! In fact, EC really has assembled a world-class band of musicians who wouldn’t look out of place on their own respective tours. The addition of Paul Carrack in particular was a stroke of genius – especially enjoyed his and EC’s version of Come Rain or Come Shine. EC obviously really treasures Doyle, too; allowing him several opportunities to crank up the guitar for a solo. No-one will ever replace EC, but Doyle is certainly learning well from him – as is Gary Clarke Jr, who joined EC for the encore on Sunshine of your Love. All in all, to all the reviewers who implied that EC has lost it, is leaning too much on the band or is simply past his time, get a grip! This was truly one of the best nights of my life and proof that the big man still has a lot left in him yet. He’s simply moving on to a different style of performing – one that I very much like.

If you are going to see EC at the Albert Hall or any of the upcoming European concerts, don’t forget to help keep your fellow fans around the world up-to-date by sending set lists and your reviews. After all, WE! can’t do it without YOU! Send your set lists, reviews and photos to info@whereseric.com. Full length fan reviews will be posted in the 2013 Tour Archive as they arrive.

23 May 2013 Set List – Eric Clapton & His Band
Royal Albert Hall – London (Night 5)
01. Hello Old Friend
02. My Fathers Eyes
03. Tell The Truth
04. Gotta Get Over
05. Black Cat Bone
06. Got To Get Better In A Little While
07. Come Rain Or Come Shine (EC & Paul Carrack – vocals)
08. I Shot The Sheriff
09. Driftin’ Blues
10. Further On Down The Road
11. Layla
12. It Ain’t Easy (Paul Carrack – vocals)
13. Wonderful Tonight
14. Blues Power
15. Love In Vain
16. Crossroads
17. Little Queen Of Spades
18. Cocaine
Encores
19. Sunshine Of Your Love (with Gary Clark Jr for the final part of the
song)
20. High Time We Went (EC & Paul Carrack – vocals, with Gary Clark Jr.)