Concert Details

Fan Reviews:

Review by Mike H / Milton Keynes
Wow, that was one amazing gig! Back home this morning reflecting on what was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. Eric was on super form and was playing as well as I can remember with tremendous energy. The set list was interesting with too many highlights to identify although the standouts for me were “Got to Get Better”, “Blues Power,” “Sheriff” and a mind blowing version of “Little Queen of Spades” with incredible solos by Chris and Doyle as well as Eric which brought the house down. Special mention must also go to Steve Jordan – an amazing drummer who powers the whole band with phenomenal skill and energy – the grooves and energy he created in “Got to Get Better” together with “Sunshine Of Your Love” were worth the admission price alone. I do feel that Jordan’s presence back with Willie and also the return of  Doyle (who is playing superbly) have lifted Eric and driven his playing back to a different level. You will not see a more talented group of musicia ns anywhere and if they are all on fire as they were last night, it is something special. If you haven’t got tickets, it is worth trying to pick some up. Well done Eric and band.

Review by Stephen Lofthouse
went to my first Eric Clapton concert over 25 years ago and between that time and Saturday night have been lucky enough to witness more than a couple of dozen EC concerts. Each concert has varied been fantastic and beyond belief inspirational, particularly for an amateur guitarist such as myself. Last night was the first time that I have ever been, and I can hardly believe I am saying this, disappointed. A set list that has, in my opinion, seen too little change over recent years, a lacklustre and over long acoustic segment and most of all a poor sound all contributed to the disappointment.

The evening started pleasantly enough with amiable but hardly inspirational versions of Hello Old Friend and My Father’s Eyes. I remember hearing My Father’s Eyes for the first time at the RAH, prior to it appearing on Pilgrim, and it was one of the greatest songs I had heard, ever! Last night for these opening songs Eric happily strummed his acoustic while allowing Doyle to handle the lead guitar duties. During the first batch of songs for which Eric picked up the electric it became obvious that the sound mix was ‘muddy’ with the vocals and Eric’s guitar simply buried. From where I was sitting, just six rows from the front and directly between Eric and Doyle, all you could really hear was Doyle’s rhythm parts. Doyle is a great player but I would also like to hear the rest of the band.

Things did start to warm up with Eric’s solo in Sheriff but that mix was criminal. The acoustic set was overly long, overly familiar and ultimately I was just not on the edge of my seat in the way that I usually am when sitting that close to the greatest guitar player in the history of popular music while he runs through some great songs. Paul Carrick’s fantastic version of It Ain’t Easy was the highlight of the acoustic set.

The closing electric set was very similar, if not identical, to the final part of many concerts from recent years with only Blues Power providing some interest and also some sterling guitar work.

I am not sure if this was intentionally the Doyle Bramhall show but the work of too many great musicians was buried in a poor mix and just occasionally it would be nice to be surprised by a song choice just as I was when Tell The Truth returned to the set list, or Crossroads was reworked or even Forever Man made an appearance.

Had I not spent a week’s earnings on securing these tickets I would love to see another concert from this tour just to check that I wasn’t dreaming last night.

Review by Fred Frome
Eric Clapton´s two first shows were both very good in style and sound, had a fantastic interplay esp. of EC and DB, not to forget the fine support of multi-stringer Greg Leisz. Keyboarders Chris Stainton and Paul Carrack delivered roaring rhythm esp. on Cocaine and Blues Power, fine solos and Paul proved his vocal qualities even in fine duet with EC. Eric´s soloing grew with each evening from song to song, while he only played acoustic on starters Hello old Friend and Father´s Eyes. Both shows were also different concerning  the set lists (compared to before as well as between themselves). From my point of view and ear the very first show was deeper and more compact with a very laid back acoustic part, where Irene stood out.The differences in the set lists are perhaps also based upon the presence of EC´s family during the second show. They and other celebrities left before the second encore. During the first encore Sunshine of your Love on the first night an uninvited guest had to be expelled from stage.

Review by Frances Wilkinson
I had the great pleasure in going to see Mr Clapton for the 3rd time in my life on Saturday at the Royal Albert Hall. My father, one if the biggest Clapton fans I know has passed on his love of this amazingly talented man to me and my sisters. When we were little I was convinced that the only music that could come out of my tape recorder was Eric Clapton! I feel truly blessed in that my middle name is Layla spelt just the way he spells his song. It is by far one of my many favourite songs and the 3times I’ve heard him sing it have been the best moments of my life!! He really is a talented man! This time round he was by far the best and not showing, to me any signs of slowing down (I hope not!). It really was breathtaking watching him play and I hope I get the privilege again one day!

Review by Alessandro Vailati
The show took over 135 minutes! Eric was in fine form – happy – and delivered us incredible efforts especially in “Gotta Get Over”,”Little Queen of Spades” and “Blues Power”. The last was increased with a great solo- ONLY THIS NIGHT – at the moment-by Doyle  who also made beautiful interplay with OUR Hero in a rousing rendition of “Come Rain or Come Shine”. It was a pleasure,during the acoustic set , to hear a fantastic “Further on Down the Road” with Bramhall on harmonica and the new arrangement of “Tears in Heaven”.

Let me say something about the band: Michelle and Sharon :every Clapton concert, especially “Gotta get Over” and “I Shot the Sheriff” would not be the same without them. Greg Lisz:great and interesting addition. Steve and Willie:  powerful,unique…THE RYTHM in Person! I Had the pleasure to meet them with Greg before the concert…They are also humble and nice,all my respect! Chris: Outstanding! And “High Time We Went” was written by Him. Doyle:  His presence pushes Eric and what a great guitarist he is. I Think the best in Clapton’s Bands with Derek Trucks and George Terry. Paul Carrack:Another Good Idea for this tour.”It Ain’t Easy” is a very good song with He and EC on top.

I have seen more than 25 concerts and I’m sure this is definitely one of the best. Icing on the cake would be an acoustic solo by Eric in “Hello Old Friend”! However It would be a PITY, it would be OUTRAGEOUS if He could really decide to retire when He will be seventy years old. “Keep on, Keep on” Eric,like you were singing during Blues Power!!