Concert Details

Fan Reviews:

Review by Richard S. Millard
Went to see the show in Sacramento last night – first without Derek Trucks – and it was GREAT. Same setlist as Anaheim (with Why Does Love Got to be So Sad), with Doyle doing a nice job on some of the slide parts in Tell the Truth, etc – I actually like his slide tone and taste better than DT’s. The other members picked up the DT solos – Doyle a couple, Tim Carmon a couple, and EC MUCH more. It was great to hear more EC lead work. Super solos from all on Little Queen of Spades, with Doyle channeling Albert King and Chis Stainton bringing down the house. Another highlight was the concluding instrumental section of Why Does Love Got to be So Sad – a beautiful, jazzy duet between Eric and Doyle. Another great bass solo from Willie on Got To Get Better. Honestly, I don’t think the band lost a thing – maybe even improved. Those who have tickets to see a show on the remainder of the tour are in for a real treat – and you shouldn’t feel as if you’ve missed out on anything.

Review by Randy Aspinall
In the summer of 1974, I had front row center tickets to see Eric Clapton at the Long Beach Auditorium. Needless to say I was excited and on the edge of my seat with anticipation of seeing Clapton in his first concert tour since his self imposed exile, which included rehab for heroine addiction. Even though I was not a fan of I shot the Sheriff, this was the tour to promote the soon to be released 461 Ocean Boulevard album and the "Sheriff" single that was already climbing the charts.

What quickly became apparent once Eric Clapton hit the stage, that playing guitar for now was just a sideline for Clapton. Fortunately he had brought along George Terry, a young and upcoming guitar player to cover all the riffs and leads. I found out later that it wasn’t that Clapton was not up to the task, but had decided that if he was going to continue to have a career, he was going to play guitar on his own terms, when and how he wanted. It was fairly disappointing for a 17 year-old boy to witness one of your legends not performing to your expectations. It was almost embarrassing, when Eric put on a cowboy hat and a giant silver star to sing, I shot the Sheriff. Basically Eric Clapton sang, played rhythm guitar and had fun all night.

Fast-forward nearly 33 years to Arco Arena in Sacramento. I was only slightly concerned in advance about Eric’s guitar performance. Clapton is a much different artist than he was in 1974 or before. He has been through a lot of changes, both professionally and personally. Haven’t we all. Last night at Arco Arena, Eric Clapton rocked like never before. He was incredible. Primarily there was an emphasis on Blues and Rock together. Which was fine when you have great songs to work with like Outside Woman Blues and Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out. Doyle Bramhall II, a young talented guitar player and vocalist in his own right, could not compare to 62 year-old Clapton. Even though Bramhall had some great moments it was all about Eric Clapton on guitar and vocals.

I was also struck about the fact, that even though it was obvious that Eric controlled the show, he dedicated time to spotlight his very capable band of musicians. When he did that, the spotlight was literally off of him and on members, Chris Stainton (keyboards), Tim Carmon (keyboards), Willie Weeks (bass) and of course Bramhall. Hard to find a legend like Clapton now-a-days who will step out of the light and to the back and allow others to help drive the energy of the show. Clapton showed that he is a seasoned, classy musician.

Of course there was some traditional Clapton tunes to keep everyone happy, like Layla and Cocaine, but it was the soulful blues and rock that showed that Eric Clapton could perform better at 62 than he did at 29. As for the 17 year-old kid, 33 years later, he was in heaven, or at least it felt like it, since I was sitting in the noise bleed section of Arco instead of the front row this time. I took pleasure in every second of the concert. Like Eric I’m a lot older and happier than I was back then. Also like Eric, I have a birthday next week, I’ll be 50 and truly enjoying every minute of this life I’ve created. Last night was a moment of that life I will treasure always.

Review by Mike Waldron – Sacramento
Eric burned down the house! Out of 30 years of concert experience, this was the best show I’ve ever seen! Eric is hotter then ever and never misses a note. His voice is still extremely strong and the show was worth twice the price of admission they charged! He started out with a little rock, then a blues set, an acoustic set, and finished with rockin’ the house to the ground! His encore performance was with Robert Cray doing Crossroads and had the entire arena on their feet! On a scale of 1 to 10, it was a 20!!!

Review by Dawn (and Dad) from Elk Grove
My father (who turned 70 on 3/10) and I went to Eric’s Sacramento show last night (3/20). I bought two tickets for him as a Christmas gift, and he was gracious enough to turn around and invite ME to go with. Oh, joy!

Believe it or not, it was my father’s first big-name concert, and he has always been a huge Clapton fan, so he was pretty stoked about the whole idea. When we got to Arco, he commented on the number of "Gray Heads" flocking into the Arena and said, "Wow, I don’t feel so out of place after all. I am surrounded by ‘My People.’" He’s so cool. We then grabbed a couple of cocktails and headed out to see the incredible Sacramento sunset that graced us after such a forceful afternoon rain storm.

Our seats were on the FLOOR about 11 or 12 rows back on the main aisle (AISLE SEATS!). He was like, "Hmm. Nice seats, Dawn." Then the lovely lady in the row in front of us graciously shared her ticket expenditure with us ("I paid 600 bucks for these tickets, yada yada yada…"), where upon my father turned and looked at me, as only a father can look at his daughter, and said nothing. I told him not to ask. No matter. I’d do it again. Worth every CENT! Awesome seats! Surrounded by great people.

Hangin’ with my Daddy-man! We got a few looks, as I am sure they though he was some old letch being with a much younger woman. We laughed about it. He said that he may be attending more concerts in the future as all the women on display were a pretty enticing smorgasbord for the eyes of a 70-year old man. He’s still a pretty hot lookin’ old dude, and frankly, used to be quite the ladies man in his day. So, it made me happy to see him back to his more youthful demeaner.

From the opening set with Mr. Cray to Mr. Clapton, himself, what an unforgettable ride! From the first few notes of "Layla," my dad and I were on our feet, jammin’ away to Layla, then Cocaine, etc. I will never forget the night with my dad and Eric. Dad said he was going to frame the ticket. He loves Mr. Clapton and it was an honor to be with him at this event. Not to let the band slip by unnoticed. They were all amazing. Completely amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Review by Bob Foley – Auburn
My first time seeing Eric Clapton and Robert Cray. My impressions very similar to positive reviews from other shows. Robert Cray opening 5-6 songs, got it going. I hoped he would play These Things; didn’t, but his last song of the set was very similar on some melodies. Intermission, headed to get some water a guy asks me "WHO WAS THAT?" "Robert Cray, man" "What he only plays half an hour?"
Eric Clapton started at 8:30 ( played non stop for about 2 glorious hours) Little Wing had me screaming. I hadn’t heard it live since Hendrix 1970 ? Kicked ass. The rest of the show can only be described as phenomenal. I am seriously considering traveling to catch it again. I have been an admirer of keyboardist Chris Stainton, it was the first time I heard him do an extended solo and it was amazing. I took my son and his girlfriend to the concert and Chris’ solo was the first thing my son commented on. I was a bit disappointed when I heard that Derek Trucks wouldn’t make this venue, but Doyle Bramhall was spot on all night. At the end of the concert Eric gave him a big hug. Really a great experience. 5 stars *****

Review by Coy Cross – Modesto, CA.
I saw Eric last night at Arco Arena, and WOW! I have been to many concerts in my life , but WOW! This show was all about the music. Every song somebody was jammin’. Eric jammed the most, of course, but his band was right up there too. Anyone in his band could hold there own, but when you play with the best, you also play your best. Eric brought the best I have ever seen in a show, and his band made it a complete evening. If you get the chance, don’t pass it up. All I can still say is WOW!