Concert Details

Fan Reviews:

Review submitted by Dean Owen:
Eric Clapton Wednesday night demonstrated his mastery of the guitar and led the gifted musicians of his band through a powerful 14-song set.  He then surprised the audience at the new Chase Center in San Francisco by bringing Carlos Santana on for the encore.

Among the highlights:

– Key to the Highway where Eric and Doyle Bramhall traded raging solos, the latter employing a glass slide, adding depth to the song, not unlike that of Duane Allman on the Layla album from 1970.

– Eric poignantly honored his son Conor, who died tragically in 1991 at age 6, with two songs – Circus Left Town and Tears in Heaven. The shuffle-style arrangement on the latter was as unexpected as it was admired and appreciated.

– The belief by some that Eric’s best days may be over would have been convinced otherwise by his powerful, thunderous guitar work on Badge, as he and Bramhall traded screaming solos.

– After extended solos by Paul Carrack (organ) and Chris Stainton (piano) on Little Queen of Spades, Eric brought members of the audience to their feet with the opening chords of Layla. This is my person favorite among Eric’s vast repertoire and from the audience’s reaction Wednesday night, it was clear I am not alone.

Eric and the band then left the stage only to return a few minutes with Carlos Santana. They burst into a rousing, rowdy, rendition of High Time We Went. Carrack took over the reins and directed all the musicians through solos, the highlight of which was Santana’s raucous and engaging performance. It was evident he was thrilled to be sharing the stage with his compatriot of several decades. They bowed in honor of each other as they left the stage at 10:40 pm.

For this fan of more than 50 years it was a “deja vu moment.” I last saw Eric introduce Santana as a surprise guest in August of 1975 at Frost Amphitheater on the campus of Stanford University. Tonight’s show and that one more than 40 years ago, will long – and fondly – be remembered.