Concert Details

Fan Reviews:

Review by Tenley Newton
There was a lot of rock ‘n roll history, not to mention the blues, in the show at the Hollywood Bowl with Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood, but it didn’t FEEL like history. It felt like Now, Yesterday, and Tomorrow. Steve Winwood was at the top of his game, and his solo on "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" was a pure treat. Despite the immense talents of Winwood and the other members of the band, I couldn’t help but focus on Clapton. It’s all been written and said about "Clapton is God"; I think a more accurate take would be to say that his gift is from whatever any of us would call god, a gift that transcends rock shows, no matter how great the artists. When E.C. takes off on that guitar, he’s tapping into a source that every artist on the planet would love to have. Van Gogh, Michaelangelo, Beethoven, Mozart – I think this is the realm that E.C. inhabits.

There were a few songs that felt obligatory: Layla, Cocaine. But "Voodo Chile" made me forget I’d wanted to hear "Little Wing" and took me anywhere Clapton and his muse wanted me to go.

Sorry if this seems to be inarticulate, but it’s hard to recover from being in the presence of greatness. I’ve seen and heard most of the great musicians of the past 40 years, and great many of them are, but Eric Clapton proved again, last night at the Bowl, that he’s on a level with no one else.

Review by Brian K. Sackett / Irvine CA
As one who has attended hundreds of concerts in my lifetime, I wanted to share some of my thoughts on the tour finale at Hollywood Bowl. From my perspective, the sound quality upstairs wasn’t close to that which we enjoyed over the final 20 minutes when we wisely transfixed our positions to one considerably lower in the venue. The bass guitar was very difficult to pick up in the mix, the drums, keyboards and of course guitar, were, however, quite bright. At one point during the evening, the crowd seemed noticeably disappointed as the movie screens blacked out for at least 10-15 minutes, evidence the sarcastic cascade of applause upon their return. The song list was obviously solid, from the raucous After Midnight and Forever Man to the classics Layla, Can’t Find My Way Home, Cocaine, Glad and Dear Mr. Fantasy. Unquestionably the highlight of my night belonged to Steve Winwood and his solo reenactment of Low Spark of High Heel Boys. Eric’s playing was obviously spot on, as always. All in all, a solid 8 on a scale of 10. Not off the charts, but very,very solid nonetheless!

Review by Rusdeep Mundae
Back in the 60s, "Clapton is God" would be written on the walls of London after Clapton concerts. Now I truly understand why. Add in another legend to the mix and that is where the real pantsdropping begins. Eric Clapton was a mad man on the guitar, ripping out solos with such amazing speed that I began to wonder how he could be doing that with just his two hands. I heard his live performances before on youtube and such, but being there was entirely different.

It also must be said both Clapton and Winwood worked extremely well together, as Winwoods wonderful vocals, piano playing, and guitar perfectly complimented Clapton’s guitar. Together, they made an unstoppable blues driven frenzy of guitar madness mixed with insane piano playing.

I was so happy that they played Voodoo Chile, which turned out to be one of the best covers I’ve heard. However I was a little let down by Layla as Clapton didn’t really put too much power or soloing into it, as the solo was taken away by the piano. And don’t get me wrong the piano playing was amazing and fit in the song perfectly, but I wanted to see Clapton let loose as he did on is Unplugged album. I also was a tad dissapointed that they didn’t play a few other songs, such as Little Wing, Bell Bottom Blues, Sunshine of Your Love, or Badge. However, it was still absolutely amazing. I’ve tried watching some of Claptons previous live performances on this tour, but I feel that on this last concert of his tour, he just unleashed. Simply put, it was a pants dropping mesmerizing crazy experience … and I can’t get enough of it. Next time when Eric Clapton comes to So-Cal, I’m getting those tickets in a hearbeat.

Review by Jaison C / Los Angeles
WOW!!! That is all I can say about this venue, a perfect night and what an amazing performance by two of the best. I have seen the final night of a few different tours, and they have all been lackluster to say the least, but these two really put their heart and soul into it. Steve’s solo of Low Spark was just absolutely beautiful, and to see him take over so many leads on guitar. He started off on the Yamaha on Layla and before you knew it, he was sitting next to Eric with a Martin, man I just love the sound Eric gets out of that guitar. Other than the Martin, Eric stuck with his classic black and white Strat all night. Steve of course was all over the place, what a versatile musician. I have to agree with a review of Oakland that Voodoo Chile’s arrangement could have been better, but Eric’s meandering riffs strewn throughout were stellar.

High point of the night for me was definitely Mr. Fantasy, while being the low point as you knew that was the end.

Review by Michael Weiss
One Word – Unbelievable. I did not know what to expect and I was completely blown away. I have to be honest that I was never a huge Clapton fan. I think he is great, but never had that love affair with Eric as I do with Stevie Ray, Jimi or even Eddie Van Halen. After the concert at the Hollywood Bowl, I am now in love with his playing.

Eric was ON. Blistering fast up and down the neck. His Strat sounded crisp, warm and blazing. As for Stevie Winwood, how can he still sound that good?!?! I closed my eyes and it was if they were playing 40 years ago. And that band! Tight and great support. There were no egos. Just two friends having a great time playing music they love.

I am blessed to have been a witness to a rocking show!