Concert Details

Fan Reviews:

Review by Willie Reeves, Crozet Virginia
This was a great night, the twenty eighth time that I have seen EC with the first show being The Concert for Bangladesh. Tonight everyone was firing on all cylinders and from what I heard it was a flawless evening. The set list was same as DC two nights ago and this just works so well flowing from one song to the next. EC was smiling and truly enjoying himself and his playing was precise and he commanded the stage each time he stepped up to play some amazing solos.Eric was even on the talkative side for him, during the sit down set he told us how much he liked this part of Virginia being his first visit to the area and what a nice new arena to play. I believe that this band is the closest to the near perfection that was obtained during the interplay of the Derek and The Dominos at The Fillmore. Tonight Doyle was at the top of his game, having no equipment problems and putting out some gritty and soulful solo work. Derek Trucks is just an amazing young man, he hit the mark all night and made it look completely effortless. And the drumming of Steve Jordan is a force to be reckoned with and Willie Weeks is totally solid and soulful in his playing. The two keyboards players turning in some great work also, with Chris being as steady and consistent like every time I have seen him and Tim has improved his solos and is a fine addition to the band. Robert Cray and his band were superb as they always are. So overall after all of the shows that I have been at, this one ranks as number one.

Review by Bobby Beagle
Robert Cray took the stage at 8:00 sharp. The sound was acceptionally clean and crisp kinda like the weather on such a beautiful day in the Shenedoah Valley. I really liked the song "Twenty" about what to do with a used up soldier. Eric and band took the stage around 8:20 and Man it was on! The voice, the guitars, and the comradery was FANtastic. The "KID" Derrick Trucks is coming along nicely. It was really cool to see Derrick away from The Allman Brothers. The slide work definitly reminds me of Duane Allman. The way that Eric seems to play with Derrick and lets not forget Doyle Bramhall was a real joy to watch. Its been said in other reviews this tour it seems that the young bucks just seem to make O’l Slowhand pull out his bag of tricks. This was the 2nd time seeing Eric and I couldn’t been anymore pleased. If you love the guitar GO SEE THIS SHOW!

Review by N. Dimock, Nellysford, VA
Eric Clapton in Charlottesville, VA? Who could believe it!…and the John Paul Jones Arena was such a nice venue. What a show! Everyone was "on," and the musicians really seemed to be enjoying themselves and each other. It is amazing when you know that the band has been performing this concert over and over for months, and yet it seemed that they were performing it fresh for the first time before your eyes.

Robert Cray is such a superb choice for opener, perfectly complementing EC and the band. It was great to see him return to the stage with EC later on, to add his take to "Old Love" and "Crossroads."

Well, this was certainly a night of whirlwind virtuoso performances by all musicians. The choice of songs lent itself well to allowing moments to spotlight each musician…and they did not disappoint. (Thanks for your generosity, Eric.) It was so nice to have the large screens focused on the hands of the artists as they performed — a feast for the eyes, as well as for the ears. Eric Clapton has surrounded himself with artists of profound talent. Certainly you came to the concert to hear EC, but you couldn’t help but eagerly anticipate who was going to step forward next to take the music wherever he would, be it the exquisite guitar of Doyle Bramhall or Derek Trucks, or the masterful keyboards of Chris Stainton or Tim Carmon. Then Eric would step back up to remind you why you came, and how he makes his guitar sing so effortlessly in his own consummate, inimitable way. All this going on backed so solidly by Willis Weeks…and I swear Steve Jordan has got to lose 10 lbs. a night driving the music. How sweet it is! Thanks, guys!

Review by Jeff Burke / Orange, VA
How does the guy keep doing it?! The show covered a lot of ground, but for the guitar players in the audience it was a real treat. He is getting better with age (I saw him in 1989 when he was in form, and in 1979 with Muddy Waters when he was not) perhaps because there is nothing more to prove, and he is at a stage in his life where many who came up with him are gone. The young guitar slingers certainly provided some sparks (Trucks is something else.) but EC’s notes were talking, weeping, and rejoicing. He’s got a gift that is rare. Given the size of the venue, it was a no frills show–it was definitely about the music, with an ensemble of real musicians and backup singers. Yes, I know the show was choregraphed, but the band was playing from its collective heart. It showed. A lot of newer, younger acts could learn a lot. Don’t miss this one.

Review by Neal Forrester
This was my second time seeing Eric. I saw him in 1974 in Hampton, VA. Everything was great like all the reviews say. Robert Cray is OUTSTANDING! (My fourth time seeing him!) Steve Jordan is just outrageously good. I cannot get over what a great drummer he is. My fourth time seeing Derrick Trucks and he was as good as usual. I’ve never seen him less than amazing. I think Eric really enjoys the talent of other guitar players and at his age he’s centainly secure in his standing in history.