After Midnight

After Midnight

The song “After Midnight” was written by J.J. Cale. In 1970, Eric recorded it for his first solo album, “Eric Clapton.” Released as a single, it peaked at #18 on the U.S. charts. The album is still available on CD in both it’s original version, as well as a “deluxe reissue” containing two different mixes of the album. An alternate version of the song, also recorded in 1970, is available on the Eric Clapton box set, “Crossroads”.

In September 1987, Eric Clapton re-recorded “After Midnight” for use in a Michelob Beer commercial in America. It was issued as a single in 1988 to promote Eric’s first box set, “Crossroads.” Although the single is long out of print, the box set is still widely available. At the time it was released, it was quite controversial and seen as inappropriate as Eric was a practicing alcoholic.

In June 2004, Eric Clapton and J.J. Cale performed the song together at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas, Texas. It is available on the DVD of the festival.

The Clapton version of “After Midnight” that is most widely heard on radio today is the 1987 re-recording.