Concert Details

Fan Reviews:

Review by Stephen Rees, Adelaide, South Australia
Totally awesome in every way. I’ve seen EC a number of times and each is getting better. He played superbly and I thought a very well balanced sharing of leads with Doyle and Derek that no one should whinge about. I’ve admired Doyle for a number of years starting when he toured here with Long John Baldry, God rest his soul. He was great then and is better still. Derek was brilliant doing his slides solos especially. He was so relaxed up there on stage you knew he had the stuff.

With the songs flying through the night it is hard to spot a favorite although I was moved to hear Wonderful Tonight, and followed by the full version of Layla. Chris Stainton didn’t disappoint in the least soloing in Layla. The ol’ prostates were giving a few the loss of some memorable notes from the Masters, let alone distraction to the rest of us.

Whilst I think of it not much has been mentioned of Mia Dyson doing one of the best support acts to come out of Australia. Real pleasure to hear a new talent. Reminiscent of Bonnie Rait who I adore. Will certainly be checking her discography in the next few days. Of course anybody that put in his two bobs worth has some input to the setlist and I’ll only that I would’ve liked at least one song from Back Home.

As for lows, I thought he could’ve come out with Cocaine to get the crowd bopping, although as I previously mentioned their Incontinence probably would’ve given them grief to stand up and cheer. Plus the Encore should’ve cranked the amps up and give the 2 songs some grit to go out on. To conclude I would say tonight was his best, and sincerely hope he comes back real soon, maybe to just jam with Doyle playing some raw ol’ blues. Oh of course in my backyard purely for me and my mates.

Review by Anne Harrington
Thank you, Eric and Co, for taking me on a wonderful journey last night. I was surprised at how much of my younger life is tied up in many of those songs, and hearing them live unleashed a flood of memories – I was an emotional wreck by the end of the evening (but in a good way!) What a hot band – whew! Astonishing musicianship from everyone. I loved every second. At the same time, EC alone on stage with just acoustic guitar and his inimitable, soulful voice is a powerful force.

I was lucky enough to get one of the last of the late-release tickets yesterday – to the side of and slightly behind the stage, but quite close to the action. Because it was less sardine-like up there, I felt free to shout, scream, groove and wave my arms about to my heart’s content, like the true Rock-Wally that I am! We may have had the ‘worst’ seats in the house, but I reckon we had the best time.

We all still love you, Eric, and I hope it’s not the last time we see you out here….tho’ if it’s not for another 17 years we’ll all be deaf, blind and (more) demented…may need a few rounds of bingo to get us going…Thank you again, Eric for taking time from your other life to entertain us so perfectly.

Review by Katrina Hogarth
No doubt about it – Eric Clapton is the most talented musician and vocalist I have ever had the privilege to watch. And he’s touring with some incredible musicians including Doyle Bramhall II whose breathtaking guitar and emotive vocals had me riveted from beginning to end. I was on the edge of my seat trying to restrain myself form jumping up to dance for most of the show except during moments like during "Little Wing" when I was in tears and later when the familiar end of Layla struck up. Eric’s bluesy voice was just the most and those fast fingers do the rest of the talking. I do know what Sixstringerbluz is referring to about the Adelaide crowd who seemed a tad reserved. The roof was lifted off the Adelaide Entertainment Centre two days earlier by Roger Waters and his band. But the thing is it really did all sort of end too soon. After leaving the stage Eric and crew came back on for an amazing performance of Cocaine, but then one more "toon", Crossroads and it was all over – the crowd around me seemed unbelieving as the lights came on. I’ve never experienced such a short encore! I guess we just can’t help but want to hear the Master do those tunes so sorely missed (played for us by the promoting radio station on the way home) "I Shot the Sherrif", maybe some Cream, "Sunshine.." or "White Room" or at least the signature, "Tears in Heaven". I hope this doesn’t make me a lesser fan, yearning to hear more and some of the classics. Hopefully it’s just tribute to the man and his music that I was kind of disappointed but only beacuse I was yearning for more, more, more! And, Eric, he didn’t stray from the centre of the stage or speak any more than to provide us the names of his band members. But wow! I guess his unsurpassed music speaks for itself and needs no theatrical embellishments.

Review by Claire (Adelaide, South Australia)
Wow. I may only have been a mere 6 months old the last time Eric came to Australia, but I can recognise good music when I hear it. And this was more than good. I couldn’t believe how he has kept the same strength and prosperity in his performing at the young age of 61. Well of course I can believe it, he’s Eric Clapton, but to actually experience it with my own eyes and ears was phenomenal. The songs I was most looking forward to were Little Wing, Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out and Cocaine, which the band delivered faultlessly. I’m a big Hendrix fan also, and I know Jimi would have been proud of the way Little Wing was played tonight. And there’s just something so special about seeing Layla performed live by the guy who wrote it.

I play both keyboard and guitar, and was absolutely blown away by Chris Stainton’s keyboard solos. It’s so cool how someone can have such a huge grasp of that blues style that gives all the character to the kind of songs played tonight, especially some of the Dominoes stuff. And I don’t even know much about Chris Stainton. I am now an instant fan, and intend to find out more. Derek and Doyle were also great, and you could just see that Eric was having so much fun sharing the night with them.

The only disappointments for me were that "Why Has Love Got To Be So Sad" was dropped from the setlist, and that the crowd didn’t seem to be getting into the concert that much. I suppose the audience wasn’t exactly young, but it would have been good to see some more excited fans. I stood up proudly during the encore, although many remained seated.

I would just like to thank Eric Clapton and his band for coming to Adelaide, as it was really a night to remember for me. He was probably one of the only artists/groups from the music periods that I love who I will ever be able to experience live. Thanks Mr Slowhand Sir!
 

Review by Peter Stringer, Adelaide, South Australia
What superlative would do to describe last nights concert other than maybe "brilliant" which does not do the band or Eric justice. These musicians are masters of their craft and did not disappoint. The slide guitar of Derek Trucks was worth the money on its own. Of course Eric was the standout with a relaxed lead that has no equal. From my point of view the sit down set was simply fantastic, particularly Outside Woman Blues, the highlight of the night. The only down side of the night was that it was over too quickly, 2 hours is just not long enough.

Although it has been 17 years since his last concert here it has been worth the wait, but I hope we do not have to wait another 10 years plus. I would love to see Eric do just a "Blues" tour with material from "Me and Mr Johnson" and "From the Cradle". Thanks Eric for a fantastic concert hope to see you again soon.