Concert Details

Fan Reviews:

Were you there? Send your review to info@whereseric.com

Review by Michael Matza
Last night’s show at the Garden 2/19/10 was very very entertaining. Starting with Jeff Beck’s set. Jeff remained purely instrumental and although not a huge fan of his work, I very much enjoyed some of the jamming. I said to my dad "I don’t think I’ve heard anyone play all the notes on the fretboard before." His use of harmonics, the whammy bar for vibrato and the lack of a pick make Jeff Beck a very versatile guitarist. His drummer and bassist were very talented. The drummer started off one song with a unique beat that I couldn’t even follow. The bassist also had a solo that featured tapping, slapping, harmonics and distortion. He also featured a keyboardist who produced organ / wurlitzer sounds similar to that of "Money" by Pink Floyd."A day in the life", no words. A fantastic cover of a fantastic song. The addition of the orchestra was also very nice to some of Jeff’s songs. "Nessun Dorma" made me cry from its climactic ending. It was a great set for Jeff as he displayed his talent/abilities to everyone, fans and newcomers.

Now on to Eric Clapton. Having already checked Youtube for the first concerts to get a little preview, I knew it was going to be a great show. Though his solo setlist was short, he included a lot of my personal favorites: "Driftin, Key to the highway, Little queen of spades, I shot the sheriff, Tell the truth, running on faith, Nobody knows you when you’re down and out, I’ve got a rock and roll heart, cocaine" and others. "I’ve got a rock and roll heart" was a real treat because I was recently exposed to the song via his T-mobile commercial. "Driftin" wasn’t purely "unplugged" as he had Steve Gadd and Willie Weeks provide a light backing track to this slow blues standard. Eric’s voice is still fully intact and is hitting the same notes he’s always been hitting. Though it seemed like he had the wind taken out of him at points, Eric gained back his energy mid-set. "I shot the "sheriff" is always a crowd pleaser and Eric always ends the song with a long solo that builds up to the end climax. One comment about "sheriff" was that Eric was ahead of the rest of the band by one note, causing him to finish the song before the rest of the band. Not a lot of people noticed, but I’m sure one could understand what I’m getting at from a Youtube video. "Tell the Truth" was very energetic and the rest of the band was "on target." Eric "played it safe" for some of these solos and didn’t go overboard as I was hoping. Running on faith gave a great "unplugged feeling" although his 24 nights version is also fantastic. He performed this song very well and it featured a great piano(Chris Stainton) and acoustic solo. "Nobody knows you when you’re down and out" was a great sing along for the audience and this too gave an "unplugged" feeling. Key to the highway was as always fantastic and Eric did his famous stretch/bend in his solo which was worth 180 dollars in itself. Knowing how to play all these songs, I stood on the back of the floor not air-guitaring but actually making the fingerings as if I were holding a guitar. I’m sure the people behind me thought I was crazy. "Little queen of spades" was the song that I was waiting for. I know that the end of the song features a key change and a dramatic solo by Clapton. I’ve never seen Clapton that fired up for a blues solo. It was amazing especially when Clapton switched to the bridge pickup because he produced sounds similar to a les paul a la his 25db midboost onbard his strat. I think this was the same gray strat he used for The Clapton-Winwood shows. Before yesterday’s show, I walked up to the side of the stage where his new guitar techie resided. I SAW A GIBSON LES PAUL IN Eric’s GUITAR RACK. HE DIDN’T PLAY IT! I WAS SO ANGRY! "Cocaine" got the audience standing, or should I say "on the ground." As always, Clapton ended the song having the audience scream "COCAINE!!" I wasn’t surprised.

Eric was then joined by Jeff Beck for another blues-influenced set. Highlights included "Outside woman blues, Wee Wee baby, Moon river, Little brown bird and Crossroads." Outside woman was great right from the first notes of the song. Eric was very into the song and gave a fiery solo. Jeff beck was featured on the main riff of the song and also gave a nice solo. Beck had a Leslie effect on his guitar and I almost confused it for an actual organ. I know that Eric’s Leslie is at a slower speed for "Badge." I think I saw Eric’s Leslie on stage, however he didn’t put it into use. Wee Wee baby and Little Brown bird were two different blues pieces in two different keys. Moon river received a lot of applause and Eric’s vocals really stood out. Crossroads was the typical Clapton way to end a show but it was very energetic. Clapton gave a great solo and Beck and him traded off licks. Eric didn’t talk much to the audience at all and the band didn’t even bow and say "thank you and good night!" A lot of concert-goers screamed out "Layla!!" but it wasn’t played. A lot of people hoped for more commercial Clapton, but I was happy with the setlist (except for its length). Eric and Jeff, come back!!!!!

Review by Paul Rogers
Went to the Friday night show. It’s about my 30th Clapton concert and he still opens my eyes with his first strum of the guitar. He is, for my money, the best ever. The show opens with Jeff Beck of course, my second time seeing him (first with Stevie Ray here at MSG) and he is a virtuoso indeed. Very moody instrumental pieces, no singing. Highlight was The Beatles Day in the life, really fantastic.

Next Eric comes on and starts acoustic with Driftin, and his acoustic playing is incredible, not to mention wonderful singing as well. Favorites Nobody knows youWYDAO and running on faith show his mastery of melody, singing and absolutely masterful playing. He has such control I just sit there and smile. The re-born Rock and roll heart comes on and it’s wonderful from Money and Cigarettes, a sometimes forgotten album full of great songs and that awesome cover. Electric set starts with Tell the truth, superb and with I shot the Sheriff, eric stretches it out a bit and solos galore.

The combined set was great fun. Beck plays side man and is relentless in his playing, one of a select few who can stand next to Eric. Eric naturally handles singing and rhythm but gets his licks in to remind you who you’re watching. Great blues set, two guys jamming, having fun. One funny note as one song winds down to that last note, Eric quickly cranks out a few notes and Jeff falls to his knees laughing. Concert was worth every penny (it was a lot of pennies) as two bona fide legends performed together seamlessly.

One last note about the guitars. Not much switching tonight, Jeff Beck stayed with his yellow strat and Eric played the same "Blackie" look alike black strat. No silver, red or "Crashocasters" Thanks Guys!

Review by Jimmy Quinn
Eric Clapton’s versatility struck me once again at last night’s concert at the Garden. When I think back on all the different concerts I have seen with him, I am amazed by the breadth and depth of his talent. The first time I saw him was in Worcester, Massachussetts, on the "Money and Cigarettes" Tour sponsored by Camel. I was in 11th grade and they gave out packs of unfiltered Camel cigarettes to everyone who attended. A couple of years later, I saw five of the Ronnie Lane’s Appeal for ARMS shows (two in Dallas and three in New York.) At that time, he played his own set, as the backup band for Joe Cocker’s set and as part of the ensemble with Beck, Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers, Joe Cocker and of course Ronnie Lane at the end. I’ve seen him play for Roger Waters’s solo tour "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking," with Steve Winwood, multiple times on his solo tours over the last 30 years, with Cream a few years back and now with Jeff Beck again. He is one of the rare few who can, and does, play with just about anyone. Take a look at all the people he has recorded with over the decades and it becomes clear: he seems more comfortable sharing the spotlight than being alone in it.

Clapton’s creative energies and talents are ceaseless. He keeps recreating the excitement in new ways that keep new and old fans alike engaged. I keep thinking at some point he’s going to start looking like it’s time to call it quits but there was no sign of that last night. From the opening notes of "Driftin’" he had the crowd right where he wanted them. He launched straight into "Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out" and had the crowd singing along as he easily grooved his way through the vocals and guitar work. I think he sings better, especially on ballads like "Runnin’ On Faith" now that his voice has matured and mellowed. "I’ve Got A Rock and Roll Heart" was a treat to see done acoustically.

He started his electric set with two Derek and the Dominoes tracks (and two of my favorite) "Tell the Truth" and "Key to the Highway." He plays with such ease that one would think it would be simple to be a guitar God but we all know differently. He noodled his way into "I Shot the Sheriff" with backing vocals that made it sound more like Bob Marley’s original than I have ever heard. "Little Queen of Spades" has become a standard for Eric over the last several tours and was arguably the best song of his solo set last night. (I say arguably because my brother and I are still arguing over the best song of the night.) He closed his set with "Cocaine" which was strong, as always. The brilliance of his set last night is that he mixed in deeper and unexpected tracks. In fact, the only song that was a certainty was "Cocaine."

Without any break in between, Jeff Beck came out on stage after Clapton’s set and immediately they tore into "Shake Your Moneymaker" which had the crowd standing and singing once again. They slowed things down with a very lyrical and melodic "Moon River" which showcased Clapton’s vocals and Beck’s virtuoso melodic playing. It was reminiscent of "Over the Rainbow" from "One More Car, One More Rider" and had me wondering if "Blue Moon" (ala "Sunshine of Your Love" solo) may someday show up in Clapton’s repertoire. They rocked straight forward through the remainder of the set with a great selection of songs — "You Need Love," "Outside Woman Blues," "Little Brown Bird" and "Wee Wee Baby." They shared a wonderful rapport onstage that allowed each to play his heart out while simultaneously complementing each others style and technique. At the end of one of the songs (could it have been "Outside Woman Blues," or "Little Brown Bird"?) just as the song seemed like they were about to hit the last note, they jumped back in for about four more bars. It seemed spontaneous and added some whimsy to the moment.

The set finale, "(I Wanna Take You) Higher" by Sly and the Family Stone, made for a very interesting choice of finales and was well done but in what I considered the only awkward moment of the show, Eric stepped up to the microphone to sing, "Boom-shak-a-lak-a-lak-a, Boom-shak-a-lak-a-lak-a." It sounded a little mellow and light coming from him during such a heavy rhythm song. Nonetheless, it did not detract from the song. For the encore, in what could have been and uneventful and obligatory rendition, "Crossroads" delivered the goods. The ensemble finished as strong as they started and they looked genuinely happy to be there. Certainly, the crowd provided as much energy as any performer could want when performing live. What more could you want from a show: outstanding performances appreciated fully by a grateful audience. The night was one to remember!

Review by David M / Durham NC
My immediate reaction when Clapton walked onto the stage was how much older he looks compared to last May when I saw him at the Royal Albert Hall. Perhaps it’s the result of some of his health issues in the past few months. It’s clear that he has slowed down when playing without the benefit of backups like Derek Trucks and Doyal Bramhall II. It’s noteworthy that he started his set with several acoustic songs. Then, when he strapped on his electric guitar, it was noticeable again that "Tell the Truth" was at a deliberately slower pace than in more recent years. On top of that, his solo within the song was shorter. I will say that his intro, and expanded solo, on "I Shot the Sheriff" were terrific. Apparently, Clapton played a superior version of this song during his run at the Royal Albert last spring, but it was excluded from the show I saw. So, he more than made up for it last night.

In my fantasies, I’d like to see Clapton play a continuous series of high-octane,75-minute shows, maybe in his home neighborhood of London where he would be close to his family. That way, he could really rip into his electric oldies. Can you imagine him laying it out with "Bottle of Red Wine" or "Let it Rain?" Of course, that’s fantasy. Regardless, I always enjoy seeing an original.

By the way, Jeff Beck’s energy is really something. A New York Times review this morning described his performance as "careful, gloppy music" and that’s probably accurate when compared to his "Performing at Ronnie Scott’s" DVD. But man, does that guy play with finesse and hand movement you wouldn’t think possible from a 65-year-old.

Review By Chris Sanella / Yonkers NY

Jeff Beck took the stage just after 8pm looking unbelievably youthful at the age of 65 wearing sunglasses and a sleeveless shirt. Beck is a virtuoso, and his band sounded tight during a nice 11-song instrumental set. For five songs, the band was accompanied by an orchestra. The most notable was the cover of The Beatles’ "A Day In The Life", which I also saw him perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert at the Garden last October. However, the orchestra stood out the most during "Nessun Dorma", which is from Giacomo Puccini’s opera "Turandot". A VERY curious choice on Beck’s part, opting for a number like this instead of "Beck’s Bolero". But I have to say, he pulled it off! The problem with Beck’s set was that it was a bit lost in a venue as large as the Garden. The energy of an instrumental performance doesn’t carry over very well to an arena-sized crowd, and it thus had the feel of an opening act. I would love to see him perform in smaller venues, which he will during his U.S. tour this spring.

After about a half-hour intermission, Eric Clapton took the stage with an acoustic guitar and performed a four-song acoustic set. My personal favorite was "I’ve Got A Rock ‘N Roll Heart" which is currently featured in a T-Mobile commercial which Clapton appears in. It’s moments like this that make me keep going back to see classic rock artists in concert over and over again. With such huge catalogues, you’ll always end up hearing something that you’ve never heard live before, and this song was a first for me. When the acoustic set ended, it was time for the Stratocaster and the electric portion of his set. Highlights included the Derek and the Dominos’ number "Tell The Truth" and Clapton solo classics "I Shot The Sheriff" and "Cocaine". Clapton’s guitar playing, as always, didn’t disappoint.

At the conclusion of "Cocaine", the moment had finally arrived. Without any introduction, Jeff Beck enters stage left, the crowd cheers, and their joint set begins with a cover of blues great Elmore James’ "Shake Your Money Maker". That song followed with the second curious choice of the night, a cover of the classic "Moon River" (ask your grandparents about this one, they’ll know it). Beck’s guitar playing was beautiful and lyrical with Clapton providing the vocals. I never thought that this song would be in my head after leaving an Eric Clapton concert, but it was during my entire train ride home. Another six songs followed, and it was certainly a site to see these two guitar gods exchange licks. "Outside Woman Blues", which Cream recorded on "Disraeli Gears", was stellar and had much more punch than when I saw Cream perform it at the Garden in 2005. Other notables were the cover of Sly and the Family Stone’s "(I Want To Take You) Higher" with Clapton going to the mic singing "boom shaka-laka-laka boom shaka-laka-laka" and the encore of "Crossroads". It was a night that won’t be forgotten!

Review by Mark Cossuto / Brooklyn NY
I have enjoyed Eric Clapton since I saw him the Fillmore East Late shows on Friday and Saturday Night way back in 1970. He was a most amazing guitar player. Complicated riffs, played with heart and soul, where every single note was right on the money: clear and precise. Well my friends, he has not consistently played as well since.

Jeff Beck was fantastic on Friday night (2/19/10) at MSG. He played with enthusiasm, he played full out and was totally enjoyable. Clapton was somewhere else, he "phoned" in his performance. Clapton left his "A" game somewhere else. He did show brilliance for one minute during a solo during "I Shot The Sheriff", but that was about it.

Jeff Beck tried to push him, but Clapton would not play, Clapton did not even try very hard. This was supposedly billed as 2 gunslinger guitar players, but Clapton was outclassed. He gave up without much of a fight. It could have been a fun evening, but for Clapton’s performance. I know many of you may be angry at me for posting my honest opinion, but I am speaking the truth. While Clapton was an extraordinarily brilliant guitar player, those days are long gone. Maybe some of you would have been happy if he played, "Wonderful Tonight", but I was there to watch a dog-fight – a shoot-out. But it never took place. I will never go to see Eric Clapton again.

Review by Chris X.
Went to the 2-19 show, the second at the Garden for Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. By now you have probably read the set lists and other reviews, so I will jump right into it.

Although not a huge fan of Jeff Beck his skills were definitely unquestionable. As expected, the entire set is instrumental and other then yelling out the names of members of his band every so often, Beck did not have any crowd interaction. To his credit Beck’s last two numbers, A Day in the Life and Nessun Dorma were strong and was a good way to get the crowd fired up for Clapton. Jeff Beck’s talent and playing were definitely on display, but may not be best suited for such a large venue like MSG.

After about a 20 minute intermission Clapton strolled out and started with his acoustic set. The acoustic set was strong and the inclusion of Rock and Roll Heart was definitely a big highlight, since it has been getting alot of play in the new T-Mobile commercial. After Rock and Roll Heart, off went the acoustic and on came the electric. The set was very good and the performance, including the solo, of "I Shot the Sheriff" was as good, if not better then had been reported. Probably the best song of the night in my opinion. Clapton finished his set strong with a good performance of Cocaine. Without another intermission out came Jeff Beck.

Now this is where the concert lost steam. The main problem, and it has been consistently mentioned in many reviews, was the setlist. When you put Jeff Beck together with Eric Clapton and bill it in the press release as "the show of the decade" you are going to have some very high expectations. The problem was not the playing as once again both men’s skills were on display, but rather what they chose to play. How many people when they bought tickets to the show said "I hope they play Moon River together". Probably none.

When the set started there was definitely a buzz in the air, since Clapton had left out some of his notable commercial hits.
However, by the time they got to Little Brown Bird and Wee Wee Baby, there was definitely parts of the crowd that were deflated. With such a huge back catalog to go to and having the opportunity to play them with Jeff Beck, it just seemed that the song selection was a little tame and uninspired.

Another drawback was that the setlist was essentially a carbon copy of the show from the night before. There were definitely some concert goers who attended both shows and were disappointed in the fact that there were not even one or two different songs mixed in (especially since the setlist has been the main sticking point thus far of the tour).

Overall the concert was still a great experience and a solid show, just not all it was billed to be or all it could have been.

Review by Peter Grassel
I went to the Friday show and was disappointed with Clapton’s set. To say he played it safe is an understatement just when you thought he was going to bust out he reeled himself back in. I thought this was also the case last year when I saw him at Jones Beach although I thought his concert with Steve Winwood here 2 years back featured the superb guitar solos we have come to expect from the guitar god.. Don’t get me wrong he knows his way around a guitar but I just felt he held back. I like the way Jeff Beck just throws it out there a unique interpretation via a guitar that reveals the soul of the artist. I wish Slowhand would have done the same. Jeff Beck never ceases to amaze me while Eric has ceased to amaze me. That was the difference to me. Still the set together was something I will never forget and I was glad to lay witness to it. Was hoping Jimmy Page would show up for Crossroads but it didn’t happen.

Review by Dan Beneke / Groton MA
I attended the Friday Feb 19 show at MSG. I won’t go into the set list here, as others have covered it very well. Having seen Eric somewhere between 12 – 25 times in my life, I have to sadly admit that this was the worst outing I’ve ever witnessed. He looked tired and disengaged the whole evening, and with minor exception, played with none of the fire and enthusiasm I’m accustomed to. It seemed like he, Steve Gadd and Walt Richmond were uninspired and just mailed it in. I think I only saw him smile once or twice. Willie Weeks, Chris Stainton and the backup singers seemed genuinely interested in giving a good show, for they looked to be enjoying themselves and putting some energy into their work.

The reason for EC’s lack of inspiration? Who knows? Could be lingering health issues, or it could be, as reported, that he gets a bit melancholy in NYC because it refreshes the memories of when his son died back in the early 90’s. Whatever the reason, I wish it had happened on a different night, as I don’t feel as though I got my $200 worth. My two cousins, who are also lifelong EC fans, both felt the same way.

As for Jeff Beck, he was superb. He showed all the usual energy and creativity in his solos and his melody lines, and semed to be enjoying himself and enjoying the appreciation shown by the audience.
I’m looking forward to seeing both EC and Jeff at Crossroads in Chicago; hopefully Eric will feel up to giving his fans a great performance.

Review by Chris Kirby
I was at both shows. My seats were right under the center of the scoreboard. Great sets by both. True masters. I shot the Sherrif was fantastic and Crossroads was the highlight. My only wish is Jeff and Eric should duel lead more often.

Review by Susan Markley / Miami, FL
I traveled from Miami to New York to see the February 19 “Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck: Together and Apart”. Mr. Clapton sounded terrific, looked comfortable and happy. His voice was better than ever, and his playing was inspired, as always. I saw lots of smiles and nods exchanged between Mr. Clapton and Mr. Beck, as well as the supporting band members. I saw neither one hanging back, and neither one trying to take the limelight. It was a collaboration, not a contest, and that made it better than the sum of two “aparts”. Everyone looked to be having a great time, and so did the full house audience. I was not disappointed in any way (except I wish my seats had been closer), and I learned some new music, too.

I am not so familiar with Mr. Beck’s catalogue, so I can only repeat his set list as reported by others: Eternity’s Breath; Stratus; Led Boots; Corpus Christi Carol; Hammerhead; Mna Na Heireann; Brush With The Blues; Big Block; A Day In The Life; Nessun Dorma. He played an Olympic white (cream) color Fender Stratocaster for his entire set. There were no vocals. Between songs 4 and 5, he invited bass player Rhonda Smith to do an extended solo. She played several different bass instruments over the set and was well received by the audience. Many of the songs were accompanied by an orchestra. There was plenty of electricity between Beck, his band, and the orchestra. The energy in the set built through the closing songs, A Day in the Life and the Puccini opera piece Nessun Dorma. I loved these last two, with the orchestra fully engaged.

Removal of Beck’s and the orchestra’s set and its replacement by Mr. Clapton’s band equipment took a half hour. The hall was filled for Clapton’s opening acoustic numbers, Driftin, Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out, Running on Faith, and a happy surprise for me, Rock and Roll Heart. He played a Martin acoustic, with lots of complex solo work. He switched to a Strat (I would say Ferrari Grigio Silverstone dark grey metallic color, not black) for Tell the Truth, Key to the Highway, I Shot the Sheriff, Little Queen of Spades, and Cocaine. Clapton had no guitar sideman for his set, and did lead vocals and played solos (with especially riveting and animated ones in Sheriff and Little Queen of Spades) in all of the songs . There were also featured keyboard solos from Chris Stainton and Walt Richmond.

Mr. Beck rejoined Clapton’s band for the together set, playing slide lead on a white Fender Telecaster for Shake Your Moneymaker. From where I was sitting, I could see Mr. Clapton smile broadly at Beck as he climbed onto the stage. Clapton sang all lead vocals in the set, playing rhythm while singing, and generally trading lead guitar in the vocal breaks with Beck. Moneymaker had lots of energy, and received a huge ovation. Beck switched to his Strat for the remainder of the set. The pace got dreamy for Moonriver, continued with more bluesy You Need Love, Outside Woman Blues, Little Brown Bird and Wee Wee Baby, and finished with Take You Higher. They returned for a Crossroads encore. In Little Brown Bird, Beck did incredible creative lead work over the verse, variously making the guitar sound like laughing, crying or a bird singing. At the first vocal break of the song, Clapton signaled a hand off to Beck, but Beck pointed back at him to lead. Beck played the majority of long solos in this song, and once paused to sprinkle baby powder on his hands during a keyboard solo. Many big smiles traded here. Willie Weeks, playing bass, joined Clapton to sing Wee Wee Baby. I saw Beck using a pedal. This song again featured trading guitar leads, keyboard solos and what I took to be an extra round thrown in at Clapton’s signal, with Beck throwing up his arms and falling to his knees at the end after some super high-speed strumming and finger picking. Crossroads also included traded leads, with the two men facing each other, Beck raising his Strat above his head, and Clapton bowing to him at the close. The audience wished for more than three 45-minute sets, but I am feeling privileged to have been in the same big room with Clapton, and also with Beck.

Review by Sam Grubb / Aumsville OR
Jeff Beck and his band took the stage with little warning. Sitting in the 6th row, I could see that it was obvious the entire band was having a great time and playing their hearts out. Jeff Beck played the guitar as though he was making love to it. When he threw a classic guitar god pose, he did it because that’s how he plays guitar. And the guitar god thing, well, he pretty much defines it.

It is with all due respect that I say Eric Clapton and his band seemed subdued in comparison when they began their set. Nonetheless, I was truly honored to sit closely by as Mr. Clapton cruised through some blues greats. He plays his solos with virtually no physical effort!

The final set was brilliant from my perspective. To watch the looks on THEIR faces as they treasured the experience of playing together really helped. Moon River? Yep, and they pulled it off. Watching two legitimate guitar gods playing Higher was too much fun. I laughed out loud as I shook my fat white ass! Frankly, I don’t understand some of the negative reviews, but then again I didn’t venture away from a prime seat up front!