Venue: Royal Albert Hall
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Eric Clapton – guitar, vocals
Doyle Bramhall II – guitar, backing vocals
Greg Leisz – pedal steel guitar
Chris Stainton – piano, keyboards
Paul Carrack – organ, keyboards, vocals
Willie Weeks – bass
Steve Jordan – drums
Michelle John – backing vocals
Sharon White – backing vocals
Gary Clark, Jr.
Opening night of Eric Clapton’s 2013 Royal Albert Hall residency. Seven shows through 26 May.
01. Hello Old Friend
02. My Fathers Eyes
03. Tell The Truth
04. Gotta Get Over
05. Black Cat Bone
06. Come Rain Or Come Shine (EC & Paul Carrack – vocals)
07. Badge
08. Driftin’ Blues
09. Goodnight Irene
10. Layla
11. It Ain’t Easy (Paul Carrack – vocals)
12. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out
13. Lay Down Sally
14. Wonderful Tonight
15. Blues Power
16. Love In Vain
17. Crossroads
18. Little Queen Of Spades
19. Cocaine
20. Sunshine Of Your Love
21. High Time We Went (EC & Paul Carrack – vocals)
Review by Denise Blackwell
I have been a huge fan and follower of EC since I was 16. I’ve seen him so many times its hard to guess how many times, but last night was outstanding. Eric was at ease in the Albert Hall and looked comfortable on stage. He was driven all the way by his band and by Doyle who blends so perfectly with Eric. The show was fantastic from the start but even better when Eric left his comfort zone to rock the house down by the end. At the encore of sunshine of your love, I honestly thought Peter Kay had stormed the stage in a second guest appearance stunt, sadly it only took seconds to work out that a fan? had got onto the stage and was tackled to the ground by security. Poor EC it used to be us girls jumping the stage for him now he has large demented men. Doyle and Eric stunned, recovered well and finished the encores fantastically!!! GREAT NIGHT, WORTH EVERY PENNY. Wish I was going to the closing night!!
Review by Norrie Fleming / Ardrossan, Scotland
Great to be at Eric Clapton’s opening night at the RAH, the crowd were really up for it and so were the band. You could see that they are a tight-knit group, who have improved with playing together during the previous USA tour and earlier UK gigs. I just love coming to the best venue ever to see Eric and hear his brilliant repertoire of songs and guitar playing. I’ve seen him many times over the years and this is probably one of his best bands I’ve enjoyed. Doyle Bramhall’s support and solos on guitar are superb and you can see Eric enjoys playing together with him. Willie Weeks and Steve Jordon are fantastic on the rhythm section and what can I say about Chris Stainton who has been a stalwart with Eric for many years now on keyboard. Good to see Paul Carrick for the first time, such a great voice and also Greg Leisz. The backing singers, Michelle and Sharon, were fantastic as always. Thanks again EC for another memorable night at the Royal Albert Hall.