News

Eric Clapton Guests On Steve Cropper’s Final Album

11 May 26

Steve Cropper, the guitarist, songwriter, and producer who co-founded The Mar-Keys and Booker T. & the M.G.’s, co-wrote countless classics, and helped define the Stax Records / Memphis soul sound, passed away in December 2025 while working on his last album, Watching The Tide. The record features an all-star lineup that includes Eric Clapton, Brian May, Billy Gibbons, and Ronnie Wood.

Recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio C, the album’s title references his most famous co-write, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay.” Watching The Tide will be released on August 28 via Mascot Label Group.

The album’s lead single, “Ticket First,” features Eric on guitar. He recorded his contribution while in Nashville in September 2025 for a concert appearance.

Eric and Steve crossed paths several times over the years. In the late 1970s, Steve joined The Blues Brothers, appearing in the film and touring alongside John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. When he reprised his role in Blues Brothers 2000, Eric appeared as one of the Louisiana Gator Boys. Steve was also a guest performer at Eric’s 2004 and 2013 Crossroads Guitar Festivals, and both musicians took part in the Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration at Madison Square Garden in 1992.

Tracklist
01. Tandoori Chicken
02. Ticket First (feat. Eric Clapton)
03. My Angels Are Calling (feat. Brian May and Billy Gibbons)
04. Until Now (feat. Ronnie Wood)
05. Blood From A Stone
06. Here & Gone (feat. Ana Grosh)
07. It’s Gonna Get Worse
08. Down & Out
09. Stand Right Here (feat. Billy Gibbons and Ana Grosh)
10. Tipoff To The Ripoff
11. House Of Cards
12. Tandoori Chicken Part 2