Concert Details

Fan Reviews:

Review by Owen Ayre – Shanghai
I spent an extremely pleasant night at the Shanghai Grand Stage watching a man whose career I have followed for a long time. After having the honor of seeing Eric play throughout the United States, it was a pleasant surprise to hear he was coming to Shanghai. I loved the show although I wish I could have heard Cocaine, White Room, Lay Down Sally, I Shot The Sheriff, After Midnight and especially Badge. What can I say, I’m a fan and all I would have needed was another hour for him to fit in some of these gems as well as some more items from the Robert Johnson songbook. But what I did hear was extremely well played and the God of the Stratocaster did not disappoint.

As for a review, I thought the first two tunes started us off on the right note but it was by the third song Got to Get Better in A Little While where the energy began to bubble from the stage. The rhythm section of Willie Weeks and Steve Jordan really funked this tune out and the compexity of Eric’s chord progressions ripped. Little Wing was a great showcase of the talents of all three guitarists and gave us three different interpretations of the solo, Jimi would have been proud and probably would have wanted to join in for a fourth solo. This was my first time catching Doyle Bramhall but as for Derek Trucks, well I’m a New Yorker first and foremost and I have seen Derek play all the time with the Allman Brothers, Phil Lesh and his own band. I think he brings a great deal of professionalism and fun when he performs, you can just tell he loves what he does and he should because he is truly spectacular. He took that Allman’s flavor right on through Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?

Eric slowed it down nicely throughout the acoustic section and I wish there was more of just him on his own as it brings a certain intimacy that lacks in this day and age with a person of his said talents. The favorites were definitely Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out as well as Running on Faith. The audience were treated to some rocking blues to start the second electric set, Doyle Bramhall brought some nifty vocals, great voice and guitar work as well as did Derek Trucks whose slide work on the frets is mind blowing. When Eric arrived at Wonderful Tonight every woman melts and every man’s heart aches, it is simply a beautful song. I thought they played Layla with a vigor where kudos must be given to a band that has to back and play with the likes of Eric Clapton whose abilities are second to none. I wanted to give a cheer to Tim Carmon who of course was most noticeable on Layla but played a sweet subtle style to tie it all together. Crossroads was a fitting finale as Shanghai is now the crossroads of the world! Great band, great night, thanks you for making my stay in Shanghai memorable and I look forward to your return. Clapton, you are still God in Shanghai!

Review by John F. Krotzer – Shanghai, China
My first Eric Clapton show ever…..it only took me 40 years. The thing that struck me the most was that, within 10 feet of me, there was a 5-year-old kid and a woman who must have been 70, with many different age groups in between. That is musical talent that spans generations.

I thought the concert was very good…..what kept it from "excellent" was the lack of more old favorites, even though I am sure he is sick of playing them. The women in our group were really upset that "Tears in Heaven" wasn’t played, and I’d have liked a few more numbers from the earlier bands. "Cocaine", "Lay Down Sally", "Sunshine of my Love", "White Room" …. all would have been welcome to the non-diehard fans that made up most of the audience. There was a little booing at the end, surely as the result of the lack of favorites.
Other than that, the concert was great, the back-up musicians excellent, and sound spectacular. I liked the "Electric – Acoustic – Electric" plan, as well as the early focus on blues guitar mastery. I’d absolutely recommend to anyone, especially those who have never seen him before live.

Review by David Hayes
Speaking as a passive fan of Clapton, meaning that I like a lot of his songs but would not have a huge collection of his back catalogue, I attended the gig on Saturday with some of my friends.

A good crowd, nice venue and the gig started off well. My problem was that it was too clinical for my (and to be honest, all of the people I asked later agreed) liking. Note for note he was perfect, but there was no interaction with the audience, and after a while 12 minute guitar solos kill the atmosphere. I understand that this was not a greatest hits tour but I would say that most of the fans who attended knew about three songs that he played, Wonderful Tonight, Crossroads and Layla and sat in bemusement for most of the gig.

I’ve seen the Rolling Stones, Iggy Pop, Guns N Roses, Pearl Jam, Robert Plant and Metallica to name but a few, and in each one of those gigs they were excellent and gave fans their money’s worth regardless of what album they were currently plying. I can honestly say that if you had a survey of most of the fans at the gig they would say it was very disappointing. Not everyone there is a Clapton fanatic or a guitar muso but they would know and like a lot of his stuff. I found the gig very self indulgent. A few more of his hits thrown in would have been much appreciated. Again remember that the majority of people there would not have known 90% of the material played last Saturday.
All in all great to see a living legend but I would not be rushing back to see him again.