Concert Details

Fan Reviews:

Review by Dan Beneke – Groton, Mass.
I saw Eric in Chicago two weeks ago, then again last night, Wednesday, for the second of his two Boston shows. To my surprise, he switched up the setlist as follows: Anyday replaced Everybody Oughta Make a Change, and Let it Rain replaced Further on up the Road. While I thought the Chicago show was good, last night’s was tremendous. Eric was firing on all cylinders: his solos had a lot of passion and fire, and he was up on his tiptoes (as he has pointed out in the past) during many of his solos. Derek and Doyle were outstanding as well. It’s a real treat to hear Allman Brother Derek playing all the Duane parts so well during Anyday, Layla, and I Am Yours.

Review by Herb Staehr – Hingham, MA
I attended both EC shows in Boston. Both were great but, where Tuesday’s show was an 8 out of 10, Wednesday night was an 11!! It was a nice surprise to hear "Anyday", however what made the night special is the whole band was in exceptionally good form … when Eric smiles at the end of each song, you know that is happening. The entire evening was fantastic with "Got To Get Better", "Motherless Children", Little Queen of Spades", "Cocaine" and "Crossroads" all containing incredible solos from Eric and company.

It is an old cliche by now, but Eric seems to just keep getting better!! I hope a live DVD from this tour will be released because it is an incredible band!

Review by Elizabeth A. Gilroy, Stoughton MA
I have two words for Eric and His Band: Thank You! Once again he (they) blew us away with his magic. Eric really made great choices with his band, as he always does, but Doyle, Derek, Willie, Steve, Tim, Chris, and the ladies, Michelle and Sharon; everyone individually and all together put on a phenomenal show/evening of absolute entertainment. At one point, I just sat back and looked around the arena and everyone was just so enjoying themselves. I appreciate the opportunity to once again witness a wonderful show that only EC & Company can put on. And personally I admire and respect where Eric has been, where he came from, where he is now and how much he adores where he is and appreciates it. He has a beautiful and loving family only comes out through in his music and singing and smile. Thank you again for the serenity.

Review by Doug Cochrane
Just got back from Boston! Last night was the first time I’d seen Eric Clapton live. It was a very SURREAL experience! I have been a fan for over 20 years (have all of his videos/cds etc) but his tour never came close to my home town of Moncton New Brunswick here in Canada. So, my wife Angela and I decided we were tired of waiting and drove down to Boston (9 hours) to take in the show. And we were extremely happy we did! All I can say is WOW. He lived up to every expectation I had. I didn’t mind driving all that way (because Eric IS my favorite musician) but having seen the show…. I would have walked there BACKWARDS! What an incredible show! The band was tight! Everyone’s solos were right on the money! The crowd was very into the show! There was a family of 6 in front of us that were up singing and dancing the entire time (ranging in ages from 20 – 60)! Good to see. I can’t say enough good things about the show! It makes us want to go and see him again very soon!
Pros: Mostly blues based show (which is the best way to go); Great tight band, lots of solos, top form by all. Eric pulled some surprises out of his hat (great improvising, different (in a great way) solos). Like a fine wine, Eric seems to improve with age (don’t know how that’s even possible). Great tone by Eric (wish he could bottle it up and sell it – I’d sure buy it). Light show was very original. Eric lives up to his legendary guitarist status!

Cons: (I’m being picky – Eric take note). Robert Cray’s opening show was a bit short (he’s a legend to me as well). I would have liked more Cream songs (No Sunshine of Your Love or White Room). Doyle Bramhall II didn’t seem to get enough soloing time compared to Derek Trucks (WHO is that guy.. he’s amazing and hope to see more of his playing). Merchandise choices were a bit disappointing. I collect tour posters, but they weren’t selling them at all .. bummer. If anyone knows where I can find one, I’d like to buy one.

Score 10/10 Bostonians are great fans too!

Review by Chris / Cambridge
EC was at his usual greatness throughout the show, shining best during his solos for "I Shot the Sheriff" and "After Midnight." His solo for "Old Love" had his typical virtuosity as well, but I must say Robert Cray’s solo, soulful and earnest, was nothing short of mesmerizing during that number. I was thinking there might be a change to the setlist, but didn’t expect "Anyday," a nice replacement. While I was happy that EC kept "I Am Yours," I was less than wowed—I probably wanted it to be absolutely amazing since it is one of my favorite songs. But he came right back with "Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out," a rendition so inspired and inspiring that a standing ovation followed it. EC seemed a bit surprised and genuinely pleased and appreciative.

DT’s solo for "Running on Faith" was technically superb, but for "Little Queen of Spades," an extended version during which almost everyone had a long solo, he really let loose and stood out, and I was able to understand all the raves about him in these reviews. DB seemed to be enjoying and absorbed by the music all evening, and he sang lead for a bit in a couple of numbers. The second substitute song of the night, "Let It Rain," was a welcome surprise; although I love "Further on up the Road" and was looking forward to it, "Little Queen" ran quite long and it might have been just a bit too much blues back to back.

The show kept its energy and magic through the closing set featuring EC’s most celebrated songs, though I noticed one of the backup vocals was missing for the last couple of numbers. I saw EC turn around at one point between songs, presumably to make sure what was going on. She was back out for the encore and seemed fine, FWIW. The other members of the band were excellent as well, especially SJ, who was standing up during "Crossroads." EC and RC sang into one microphone at the end of the song and you couldn’t really hear either of them that well, which made for a funny little thing for me to remember about the show. The show as a whole was great, and the band seemed to be enjoying playing together, which the audience could sense and appreciate.

Review by Mike Thomas / Belmont MA
Last night was my first Eric Clapton show and I was very impressed. It was great to guitar royalty up close and personal. I really enjoyed the entire night and Eric’s band is just tremendous. Derek Trucks is amazing and was absolutely on fire. I have never seen someone play slide guitar as well as he does.

Eric’s playing was very fluid and his vocals sounded great. In fact, I was impressed they pulled off such a great sound mix in the notoriously muddy sounding BankNorth Garden. I am sure glad I got to check out this show as it was a last minute decision to go.

Review by Mike Lukacs / New York
October 4th at the old Boston Garden was the first time I’ve seen Clapton. I had neglected the Cream reunion at Madison Square Garden, and many Clapton shows before that. Being a big Derek Trucks/Allman Brothers fan, when I heard the news of Derek touring with Clapton, I knew I couldn’t miss this tour. Many know Derek for pulling off the signature Duane licks. From Duane’s session days with Derek and The Dominos to his brief two-year run with the Allman Brothers Band, we lost him to a tragic motorcycle accident in October, 1971. However, when you hear erek for the first time, one can only start to think of how many genres he transcribes in his music. While I knew what Derek was capable of, I hadn’t expected Clapton to be as gracious and amazing as he is.

I had read many reviews from previous shows, mainly from the Madison Square Garden shows, and had saw that the setlist was the same every night for the most part. So when Robert Cray (who had a great, but very short set) finished up his set, I pretty much knew what was coming as far as the tunes. However, I was wrong. I was so pleased to hear Anyday, which I first heard Derek Trucks play with his own band (The Derek Trucks Band), and many times with the Allman Brothers Band. I’m so glad they pulled that out to play. Old Love was another highlight which featured a bit of Robert Cray; they really stretched it out tonight. Little Queen of Spades was bliss. I love how Clapton lets the young ones in the band take the spotlight, Doyle Bramhall II took the first solo, and when it was Derek’s turn, the band literally turned it down a notch, and brought the house down a bit. If anyone knows Derek, he loves building on a solo. When he was done Eric and Derek exchanged smiles as Eric ripped a guitar solo, shortly after ending the song.
The opening line to Let It Rain just made the nerves in my spine tingle a bit. Whoever was there tonight knows exactly what I mean. I’m so fortunate to have caught this leg of the tour, and I’d gladly go see Clapton play with whomever he chooses to be in his musical ensemble. The back up singers also deserve a lot of credit, they really hold the harmonies to the songs, especially during the acoustic segment, overall, Running On Faith was so beautiful. The whole band was just one tight unit. From Steve Jordan playing on all cylinders (practically standing straight up during the Crossroads encore), to the melodic piano section of Layla featuring Chris Stainton. The whole evening was very special, and one I’ll never forget. Simply Superb!

Review by Michael Backunas / Leiceister MA
It was great to see the show on Wednesday night in Boston. Robert Cray opened with a strong, but subdued performance, which only lasted 30 minutes.
About 30 minutes later Eric and band took the stage. The band overall put on a great show. There have some notable personnel changes with Derek Trucks, Willie Weeks, Tim Carmon and Steve Jordon. Derek’s slide playing really added another dynamic to the sound and made it possible for the band to play the older Derek and The Dominos material very well. Doyle Bramhall II was excellent throughout as were all the other members. Eric’s playing really stood out on "Old Love" and "Little Queen of Spades". Robert Cray did play on "Old Love" and "Crossroads", where he really excelled.

The one area where I was a bit disappointed was with the change/selection of drummers for this tour band. Being a drummer and devoted fan of Eric’s for over 30 years, I really key into his drummers. I think that Steve Jordan is a
fine drummer, but in my opinion his style of playing doesn’t really fit with Eric’s choice of material. Steve’s sound was very open and washy and was not as defined and punchy as say a Jamie Oldaker who in my opinion was his best live drummer.
All in all we had a great time at the show and I hope Eric continues to tour in the future for a bit more.

Review by Ernie DeFazio / Haverhill, MA
This was my first time seeing Clapton and was not disappointed. I was lucky enough to be on the floor, dead center stage, several rows back and feel born again, having seen God himself. I now realize why this man is known as "Slowhand". Every note is played crisp, clear and bent to perfection. Switching off lead and rhythm guitar with Doyle Bramhall and Derek Trucks, the three of them are fantastic together. At one point during a jam Clapton smiled and started to laugh with Bramhall as if to say "can you believe the slide work this kid Trucks puts out"? Trucks is God in training. Playing Slide on a Gibson SG he uses his fingers only, no pick, and is all business on stage. You could tell the respect and enjoyment all the musicians have for one another by their glances and camaraderie on stage Song highlights for me were, Got To Get Better In A Little While, Motherless Children, and the newly added Let it Rain.