Concert Details

Fan Reviews:

Review by Kevin Woods
Arrived over from Ireland on 16th to see Eric at RAH my my wife Bernie and what a bright sunny day it was. This was out third trip to the Royal Albert Hall. We had a box on third tier no. 83; this enabled us to have a fantastic view. After a great set from Andy Fairweather Low – where he played all his hits and some from Amen Corner – the roadies made haste to clear the decks and “The Rug” was brought out by Eric’s guitar technician for his spot at centre stage.

Eric came on to thunderous applause from his fans. Looking very fit and ready to entertain us and what a night it was!

Somebody Knocking was the first song of the set and this was a treat; the singing and sound were out of this world. It must have to do with the acoustics of the hall. Next up was Key to the Highway from Derek and the Dominos. I love this song and Eric’s playing was superb – great solo and his singing was gusty … fantastic. Pretending was brilliant. On the Journeyman album it does not have the same impact but live it makes for great solos and the girls Sharon and Michelle are super – without them it would not be the same. Muddy Waters song Hoochie Coochie Man was next. Eric played with authority and his singing on this masterpiece is up there with the greats.

Eric took a well deserved rest from singing as he introduced Paul Carrack who sang You Are So Beautiful as a tribute to Joe Cocker. This brought a tear to the eye. Paul is one of the best singers in the world. Nathan then sang Can’t Find My Way Home, the Blind Faith song. This song was on his solo album and he does a mighty fine take of it. What can one say of Nathan? He is one of the best bass players of this century.

I Shot The Sheriff was next. One of my favorite songs that Eric covered on his best album, 461 Ocean Boulevard in 1974. Fantastic drumming from Steve Gadd (Jamie Oldaker did the original groove).

Eric’s chair was brought on for his acoustic set which started off with Driftin’ . I always loved this solo – first time I heard it was on EC Was Here. One of my all-time songs – Nobody Loves You When You’re Down And Out – was played with passion on acoustic and sounds a lot better than electric guitar (except for the Dominos take on it with Duane Allman playing slide). A reggae version of Tears in Haven was next . I loved it! The masterpiece Layla was next. I believe that the passion is lacking on this song which you get on the Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs album. No matter how many guitarists you have, you are never going to create the same vibe, and I believe without Bobby Whitlock’s great voice you can never create the same feel/ Saying that, I love this song and the same sentiment is always there.

Before You Accuse me was excellent – best solos from Eric. Next up was the cracker – Little Queen of Spades. Eric broke a string but kept on playing without missing a note. Fantastic. I believe this was the second string to break over the last few days.

For me, Let It Rain was the highlight of the night . Great guitar playing and singing from Eric. That solo is one of Eric’s all time greats where he plays a liquid sequence of notes. Wonderful Tonight was next; all the girls were out in force singing the chorus. It reminded me of the time when Eric played in Galway, Ireland and a girl asked him to play Wonderful Tonight and he said I played it already. She says back to him “play it again.” What more can you say?

The slow down version of Crossroads was brilliant. Fantastic playing from all of the band. Cocaine was out of this world; great song by a legend, JJ Cale.

Andy came on with short pants and all, gave Eric a hug and joined in for the last song of the night, High Time we Went. Everyone on their feet singing the chorus. It has to be one of the best songs to leave and a tribute to Joe Cocker (RIP), It was all over.

Review by Paul Brunning
I have to say, this was probably one of the best EC concerts I have ever attended! He was in great form, and good humour, throughout, and in perfect sync with the band. And everybody, on stage and in the audience, seemed to be having a really good time! My guests had not seen him before, and were in awe, though I’ve seem him many times. One of the best songs, for me, was by Nathan East, singing ‘Can’t find my way Home’. And I sincerely hope that it will not be the last time that we get a chance to see him.I am hoping to attend the Crossroads Festival next year, and hope to see him there. Thanks for a great website.