...Latest News...


06.02.2017

Eric Clapton Documentary 'A Life in 12 Bars' in the Works

A new documentary on Eric is currently in the works. The movie, which will be titled ‘Eric Clapton: A Life In 12 Bars’, is meant to be a career-spanning glimpse into Eric’s professional and personal life. Lili Fini Zanuck, who produced the Oscar-winning Driving Miss Daisy, is to direct the film, and John Battsek, who produced Oscar winners Searching For Sugar Man and One Day In September, has been brought on board as a producer.

In a statement, director Lili Zanuck noted, “Clapton’s music is the foundation of our film. His commitment to the blues, its traditions and originators, is absolute from his earliest days. . . . He was also forever restless in his search of a suitable vehicle to shape and grow his artistic voice, often bewildering fans and the media with sudden changes in musical direction, bands, songs, guitar style, tone and physical appearance.” Zanuck continued, “It is indeed a melancholic victory lap, full of nostalgic myth, but always musically potent, always looking to the future. . . . Despite the fact that his path is strewn with tragedies, addiction and loss, he never fails to regain his bearings and continue to serve what he holds dearest: his music.”

To create the film, producer John Battsek noted that for the project, they had “unique access to Eric’s extensive personal archive of classic performance clips, on- and off-stage footage, iconic photos, concert posters, handwritten letters, drawings and personal diary entries — elements with the power to transport audiences to each era, from obsessive student, to peer, to transcendent figure in musical history and one of the greatest guitarists of all time.”

As of yet, there is no official release date for the film, though footage from the film will be debuted at Berlin’s European Film Market.

 


20.09.2016

Eric will play the RAH on May 22, 24 & 25 and will be accompanied by Paul Carrack, Steve Gadd, Nathan East, Chris Stainton, Sharon White and Michelle John.

Tickets go on sale on Thursday 22 September.

 



NEW ALBUM OUT IN SPRING

Eric will put out his 23rd solo album, I Still Do, this spring.

Eric teamed with producer Glyn Johns, who has previously worked with the Rolling Stones, Eagles, Led Zeppelin and the Who and on Clapton's own 1977 LP, Slowhand, home of the hits "Cocaine," "Wonderful Tonight" and "Lay Down Sally." The new record will come out on May 20th via Eric's own Bushbranch imprint, in association with Surfdog Records.

Some of the songs on I Still Do are Clapton originals. The musicians on the record include many who have worked with Eric in the past.

Musician credits:

Eric Clapton: Guitars, Tambourine & Vocals - Henry Spinetti: Drums & Percussion - Dave Bronze: Double Bass & Electric Bass - Andy Fairweather Low: Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals - Paul Carrack: Hammond Organ & Backing Vocals - Chris Stainton: Keyboards - Simon Climie: Keyboards, Electric & Acoustic Guitar - Dirk Powell: Accordion, Mandolin & Backing Vocals - Walt Richmond: Keyboards - Ethan Johns: Percussion - Michelle John: Background Vocals - Sharon White: Background Vocals - Angelo Mysterioso: Acoustic Guitar & Vocals  

 

“I Will Be There,” a song of unknown vintage, features vocals and acoustic guitar by one Angelo Mysterioso - a musical pseudonym used in previous decades by the late George Harrison.


I Still Do Track List

1. "Alabama Woman Blues"
2. "Can't Let You Do It"
3. "I Will Be There"
4. "Spiral"
5. "Catch the Blues"
6. "Cypress Grove"
7. "Little Man, You've Had a Busy Day"
8. "Stones in My Passway"
9. "I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine"
10. "I'll Be Alright"
11. "Somebody's Knockin'"
12. "I'll Be Seeing You"


As seen on New York Times (www.nytimes.com)

Review: Eric Clapton, at Madison Square Garden, Travels a Familiar Road

For his encore at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night, Eric Clapton reconvened all four of the guitarists he had brought on as guests in the show for a climactic tear through “High Time We Went,” the Joe Cocker song. Their solos ran down the line, brief but full of distinguishing traits: shapely but biting for Doyle Bramhall II; ecstatic but measured for John Mayer; flinty and raw for Jimmie Vaughan; fluid and singing for Derek Trucks.

But there was no solo by Mr. Clapton, who stood off to one side with a Fender Stratocaster, facing the others at times like an encouraging scout leader. He radiated satisfaction and security, basking in the warmth of a guitar-centric brotherhood and his exalted place in it. Why spoil all that with his own exertion? Doesn’t a gracious host let others do most of the talking, even as he takes his seat at the head of the table?

Mr. Clapton had a commemorative hook for this show, and for an all-but-identically plotted one in the same arena on Friday. He turned 70 in late March; these were his only tour dates before a series of concerts in the coming weeks at the Royal Albert Hall in London. “Thank you for coming out and helping me to celebrate this wonderful birthday,” he said at the top of the encore, in the evening’s single nod to the occasion.

By all other measures, notwithstanding the guests, the show was business as usual for Mr. Clapton, whose mature performance style has always suggested a master clinician more than a showman. His band is stocked with longtime associates who excel at laying firm bedrock, like the bassist Nathan East and the drummer Steve Gadd.

A pair of background singers, Michelle John and Sharon White, bolstered Mr. Clapton’s choruses, while Chris Stainton fleshed out the band’s sound on piano. Paul Carrack did some stirring work on organ, and he took a soulful vocal lead on a couple of songs, “High Time We Went” and another Cocker staple, “You Are So Beautiful.” (Mr. East stepped out front, too, taking Steve Winwood’s lead vocal on the Blind Faith song “Can’t Find My Way Home.”)

Mr. Clapton drafted his set list as a pledge of allegiance: His own songs formed a minority amid covers of his blues totems, including Bo Diddley, Johnny Moore, Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters. But because Mr. Clapton has been traveling this road so long, those borrowed blues also qualify as beloved fixtures of his catalog.

Two of his best moments came on a pair of Robert Johnson tunes he has memorably recorded: “Crossroads,” with winningly gruff singing and a stomping cadence; and “Little Queen of Spades,” with lapidary guitar interjections over a slow, circuitous triplet beat.

Elsewhere, Mr. Clapton took what felt like a dutiful tour through his hit parade, blazing through Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “I Shot the Sheriff” and bringing a more unfortunate lite-reggae lilt to his ballad “Tears in Heaven.” He played “Layla” in an arrangement similar to the one on his 1992 album “Unplugged,” but with a more unpredictable and expressive acoustic guitar solo. “Wonderful Tonight” was warmed-over treacle, and an inconvenient reminder of the constriction that age has imposed on Mr. Clapton’s voice.

Predictably, given his recorded history and his more recent stewardship of the Crossroads Guitar Festival, Mr. Clapton perked up every time he had another guitar player onstage. Mr. Mayer brought a respectfully assertive presence to “Pretending,” and Mr. Vaughan — Stevie Ray Vaughan’s older brother, and at 64, essentially Mr. Clapton’s peer — was workmanlike but likably punchy on “Before You Accuse Me.”

Even better was a version of “Let It Rain,” from Mr. Clapton’s self-titled 1970 studio debut, featuring Mr. Bramhall and Mr. Trucks. Both guitarists have toured in Mr. Clapton’s bands, and their easy familiarity was an evident asset. Mr. Trucks especially, without his customary slide, worked up to an incantatory outflow. And this time, Mr. Clapton joined the fray: unpressured and unhurried, but compelling all the same.

 


MSG - NYC

ERIC CLAPTON & HIS BAND - 1 MAY 2015 SET LIST

01. SOMEBODY KNOCKING
02. KEY TO THE HIGHWAY
03. PRETENDING – with John Mayer
04. HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN
05. YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL - Paul Carrack (vocals)
06. CAN’T FIND MY WAY HOME - Nathan East (vocals)
07. I SHOT THE SHERIFF
08. DRIFTIN - dedicated to Ben E. King
09. NOBODY KNOWS YOU WHEN YOU'RE DOWN AND OUT
10. TEARS IN HEAVEN
11. LAYLA
12. BEFORE YOU ACCUSE ME - With Jimmie Vaughan
13. WONDERFUL TONIGHT
14. LET IT RAIN – with Derek and Doyle
15. CROSSROADS
16. LITTLE QUEEN OF SPADES
17. COCAINE
18. HIGH TIME WE WENT (ENCORE) – Paul Carrack (vocals), with all guests

 

SPECIAL GUESTS

John Mayer - guitar, Jimmie Vaughan - guitar, Doyle Bramhall II - guitar, Derek Trucks - guitar

ERIC CLAPTON & HIS BAND - 3 MAY 2015 SET LIST

01. SOMEBODY KNOCKING
02. KEY TO THE HIGHWAY
03. PRETENDING – with John Mayer
04. HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN
05. YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL - Paul Carrack (vocals)
06. CAN’T FIND MY WAY HOME - Nathan East (vocals)
07. I SHOT THE SHERIFF
08. DRIFTIN - dedicated to Ben E. King
09. NOBODY KNOWS YOU WHEN YOU'RE DOWN AND OUT
10. TEARS IN HEAVEN
11. LAYLA
12. BEFORE YOU ACCUSE ME - With Jimmie Vaughan
13. WONDERFUL TONIGHT
14. LET IT RAIN – with Derek and Doyle
15. CROSSROADS
16. LITTLE QUEEN OF SPADES
17. COCAINE
18. HIGH TIME WE WENT (ENCORE) – Paul Carrack (vocals), with all guests


70

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OLD SOCK !

 

... WELL DONE !


13.03.2015

Eric plans 70th Birthday With Two Madison Square Garden Gigs

Eric will celebrate his 70th birthday with a two-night blowout at Madison Square Garden in New York City, currently scheduled for May 1st and 2nd (dates are subject to change to May 3rd should they conflict with an NBA playoff game).

General sale tickets for Clapton's MSG stint will be available starting Friday, March 20th at 11 a.m. Chase credit and debit cardholders, however, will be able to purchase tickets through Ticketmaster starting Monday, March 16th at 11 a.m.

Eric will be accompanied by his band, which boasts Paul Carrack, Steve Gadd, Nathan East, Chris Stainton, Sharon White and Michelle John. Welsh guitarist, and frequent tourmate, Andy Fairweather Low, and his band the Low Riders, will open both shows. (as seen on Rollingstone.com) 


 

Jack Bruce

1943 - 2014

Our deepest regrets to his Family and Friends !


21.10.2014

Eric plays RAH - May 14-15-17 & 18

Tickets available as per 24.10

Eric will be accompanied by his band members Paul Carrack, Steve Gadd, Nathan East, Chris Stainton, Sharon White and Michelle John.

The shows also mark 50 years since Eric first played at Royal Albert Hall – his debut was on December 7, 1964 when he performed as part of the Yardbirds for BBC-2 TV’s “Top Beat Show.” He returned to the venue four years later for Cream’s U.K. Farewell Concerts on November 26, 1968.


20.10.2014

Planes, Trains & Eric ...

Release date : Nov. 3

Available on DVD and Blu-ray

Planes, Trains And Eric follows Eric and his band on the Far and Middle Eastern leg of his 2014 World Tour. The film features 13 full length performances from the tour intercut with interviews with Eric and the band members, rehearsal and soundcheck footage, travel by trains and planes, presentations and fly on the wall filming of all the many aspects of being on the road with Eric. 


02.07.2014

The End of the Road ?

Eric has revealed he is ready to retire from touring after more than 50 years on the road.

He said travelling has become ‘unbearable’ and he has concerns about his health, adding that he fears he could end up 'embarrassing' himself.

Eric claimed in addition that he has lost much of his love for touring because most countries are now a ‘different version of America’.

He told UNCUT magazine: ‘There are tons of things I’d like to do but I’m looking at retirement too. I’m 70 next year. I think what I’ll allow myself to do, within reason, is carry on recording in the studio.

‘I don’t want to go off the boil to the point where I’m embarrassing myself. The road has become unbearable. It’s unapproachable, because it takes so long to get anywhere - and it’s hostile.

Everywhere. Getting in and out of airports, getting on planes, travelling in cars.’

Eric added that there could soon be a day when he is no longer able to play the guitar, saying: ‘Maybe. Physically, it might be that I can’t, if it hurts too much. I have odd ailments.’


30.06.2014   Pictures Mannheim

 


22.01.2014

Eric plays ...

... D-Mannheim SAP Arena - June 24, 2014

Tkts: www.eventim.de

 


15.01.2014

Additional 2014 Tour Dates

March 2, 2014  : Muang Thong Thani Bangkok Tailand - Impact Arena

April 27, 2014 : New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival - New Orleans LA US


09.01.2014

Eric plays Poland ...

Eric will headline the final concert of Life Festival Oswiecim 2014 at MOSiR Stadium in Oswiecim, on Saturday, 28 June. 


Due to unforeseen circumstances Eric Clapton will not be performing in London at the Royal Festival Halls "A Celebration Of Bert Jansch" concert this coming Tuesday, 3rd December.

Source : FB Eric Clapton


25.11.2013

... for the record (to be released Dec. 10, 2013)

The 5-CD/1 Blu-RayTM disc box set Eric Clapton - Give Me Strength:

The 1974/1975 Recordings is beautifully housed in a 60-page book and captures a full year's worth of recordings, from April 1974 to June 1975. Featured are 88 remastered, remixed, rare unreleased and live recordings, including session outtakes, from his landmark studio albums 461 Ocean Boulevard and There's One In Every Crowd, and his legendary live album E.C. Was Here. Also included is a new 5.1 Surround Sound mix of 461 Ocean Boulevard and original quadrophonic mixes of two milestone releases. 461 Ocean Boulevard and There's One In Every Crowd.

Give Me Strength: The 1974/1975 Recordings features a wealth of unreleased recordings and material including:

A 60-page hardbound book with extensive liner notes and packed with rare photos and behind-the-scene images.

Rare, unreleased outtakes from 461 Ocean Boulevard and There's One In Every Crowd.

E.C. Was Here remixed and expanded features live tracks from Long Beach Arena (including unreleased versions of Crossroads, I Shot The Sheriff, Layla and Little Wing), the Hammersmith Odeon, Nassau Coliseum and Providence Civic Center.

The Freddie King Criteria Studio Sessions featuring the previously unreleased versions of 'Boogie Funk' and the full unreleased 22 minute version of 'Gambling Woman Blues.'

A Blu-Ray disc featuring a new 5.1 Surround Sound mix of 461 Ocean Boulevard and original quadrophonic mixes of 461 Ocean Boulevard and There's One In Every Crowd

Extensive Liner Notes by John Lynskey

(source: amazon.com)


18.11.2013

SINGAPORE

Eric plays SIngapore Indoor Stadium on March 4, 2014


14.11.2013

Tribute Concert in honour of Bert Jansch

Eric  and Robert Plant have joined the lineup of a star-studded tribute concert in honor of renowned U.K. folk guitarist Bert Jansch that will take place at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Dec. 3..  The show will feature various artists playing songs written, performed or inspired by Jansch, who died in October 2011 at age 67 after a battle with lung cancer.

Other artists scheduled to appear at the show include Donovan, one-time Pink Floyd collaborator Roy Harper and most of the surviving members of Jansch’s jazz-folk supergroup Pentangle.


05.11.2013

Eric plays Dubai

Eric makes Dubai Media City debut on March 6, 2014.

Eric was last spotted in the UAE in 2011, performing a double header with Steve Wonder on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island that went down a storm, and we're expecting this Dubai debut is expected to be no different.

Tickets for the gig will go on sale soon, however, fans can register for the official presale link at www.doneevents.com


 

14.10.2013

... for the record

Eric's 2013 Crossroads Festival out on CD, DVD & Blue-Ray on November 15th.


JAPAN TOUR 2014

As officially announced, Eric will tour Japan in early 2014. The tour kicks off at Tokyo's Budokan of Feb 18th and will include performances in Nagoya, Osaka & Yokohama a.o. 


 

COLOGNE, JUNE 15  2013

THE CITY

THE CHIEF (more pictures in the related section)

THE ENCOUNTERS

THE VENUE - LANXESS ARENA

THE MANIACS (more pictures in the related section)

THE SET-LIST


 

VIENNA & STUTTGART SHOWS CANCELED

 

The concerts scheduled for Vienna (11 June) and Stuttgart (12 June) have been canceled. Eric has injured his back. All other shows will continue as scheduled. Further news on the rescheduling of these two concerts will be made at a later date. 

Please consult related sites for updates.


 

04.06.2013

Eric headlines german 'guitar' magazine.

www.guitar.de


 

20.05.2013

More RAH 2013 pictures in the 'PICTURES ERIC' Section.


 

17.05.2013

 

....Yessssss

 


 

25.03.2013

Eric speaks in MOJO

 

 

In his most honest interview Eric talks to Michael Simmons about owning up, growing up, getting sober, growing old and his constant companion, the blues: “Music has saved my life on many occasions.”

FREE CD: BLUES BREAKERS! 15 CLASSIC TRACKS AS COVERED BY ERIC CLAPTON: Towering items from the blues canon by Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley, Robert Johnson, Skip James, Big Bill Broonzy and more.

 


 

 

22.03.2013

Endangered Species

You enter ‘CD Buttek beim Palais’ (CD store close to Grand Ducal Palace) and you feel the vibes. This store is a temple for music affiniciados and the religion is Rock n’ Roll.  The place is packed with Vinyls, CDs, DVDs, flyers, t-shirts etc. bearing the image of yesterday’s and today’s icons and competes for a clientele that is spread over several generations.  Narrow corridors spread over two levels are providing access to thousands of music supports covering all styles from rock and pop over blues and jazz to classical and world music.

The owner, Pierre Delhalt, is a historic character in the local record business and a real music-Wiki.

I do know Pierre since I started buying music, vinyls of course… some 40 years ago (shit). To this day I refuse to estimate the amount of cash I left between these walls and Pierre advised me also not do so in the future. There were countless record shops at that time, in the 70s, 80s and early 90s, then digitalization made them disappear. But some enthusiasts resist and persist. And exactly this makes the difference. The enthusiasm, the knowledge, the counsel and the service form an entity that download platforms and online stores never can provide.

The magical in this place is this smell of Rock n’ Roll I know and recognize since decades. And when I hunker over thousands of  booklets and covers to dig and grub between The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Wishbone Ash and other heroes of yesteryear, time has no value to me and the moment is right perfect.

So, next time you visit Luxembourg City; do not miss to pay a visit to this bastion.

CD Buttek beim Palais S.à.r.l. 16, rue du Marché aux Herbes L-1728 Luxembourg Tel. (+352) 47 39 57


 

20.03.2013

Joe Bonamassa ...

 

... guested Luxembourg’s Rockhal on Tuesday, March 19th for the second time after October 10, 2011. His first appearance in Luxembourg was at the ‘Atelier’ on December 11, 2009.

Joe always mentions, that his first inspirations came from American blues artists like BB King, Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. This is what he loves since childhood. Then he was influenced by British blues, which is heavier, rock'n'roll, with artists such as Jeff Beck and Eric.

The more than 2 hour set at a nearly sold-out Rockhal included songs from his latest albums and covers from ‘Bad Company’, Charles Mingus, ‘Howlin Wolf’ and ‘ZZ Top’ amongst others.

Joe’s new album ‘An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera’ will be released as per March 22nd.


 

18.03.2013

Eric Clapton Spans His Career on 50th Anniversary Tour

Nice review of the Austin Concert in David Fricke's Rolling Stone Blog. (Please click the logo to access). 

 


 

14.03.2013

PHOENIX

... first impressions on :


 

13.03.2013

D -1

 

Eric will start his US Tour in Phoenix, AZ on March 14 with special guest ‘The Wallflowers’.

The Wallflowers is a Los Angeles Rock Band formed in 1989 fronted by Jakob Dylan. Originally known as ‘The Apples’, the ensemble has gone through numerous personnel changes but focuses on Dylan, Rami Jaffee and Greg Richling.

They have released six studio albums, one compilation album and have had various songs on television and movie soundtracks. They have won two Grammy Awards for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Rock Song for their song ‘One Headlight’ in 1998.


 

07.03.2013

Alvin 's  ...'Going Home' ...

 

British guitarist Alvin Lee, frontman of legendary 1960s and 1970s ‘Ten Years After’, died Wednesday at age 68 of complications from a routine surgery, his family said.

During his nearly 50-year career Alvin has collaborated with the Beatle George Harrison and Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones. His memorable guitar solo at the Woodstock festival in 1969 remains unforgettable.

‘Ten Years After’ has repeatedly been the top-selling album in Britain with songs such as "Hear Me Calling", "I'd Love to Change the World" and "Love Like a Man ".                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                          R.I.P.


 

04.03.2013

Eric ROCKS ...

Eric headlines No. 33 of German ROCKS Music Magazine.


 

04.03.2013

Eric talks ...

Why 'Old Sock' ?

What about the cover of the new album ?

Why his preference for 'Laundromats' during concert tours ?

.... and much more.

Check it all out in the March Issue of the 'Rolling Stone Magazine'.

Enjoy !

 


 

30.01.2013

The Layla Guitar

Eric's "Brownie" Tribute Stratocaster. For details please click the picture.

 


 

 

29.01.2013

OLD SOCK

Eric officially announced today the release of his 21st studio album. OLD SOCK will be released March 12 on Eric’s Bushbranch label, distributed through a new collaboration with Surfdog Records in the USA and Canada, and released by Polydor Records in the rest of world.

The new album is a collection of some of Eric’s favorite songs spanning from his childhood to present day that highlights his vast appreciation and knowledge of music.  From Leadbelly to J.J. Cale; Peter Tosh to George Gershwin; Hank Snow to Gary Moore and Taj Mahal, this record is a celebration of so many who have inspired Eric’s rich musical life. It further includes two new original songs ‘Every Little Thing’ and ‘Gotta Get Over.’

The album explores standards of the 30's, reggae, soul, rock, and includes a stand out playful collaboration with Paul McCartney.

The Band: Steve Gadd (drums), Willie Weeks (bass) and Chris Stainton (keyboards) and guest additions.  JJ Cale joins the song “Angel” for backing vocals and guitar, Chaka Khan joins as backing vocalist for “Get On Over,” Steve Winwood on the Hammond B3 Organ on “Still Got The Blues,” Paul McCartney on bass/vocals on “All of Me,” Jim Keltner on drums for “Our Love is Here To Stay”.

TRACK LISTING

1. Further On Down The Road
2. Angel
3. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
4. Gotta Get  Over
5.  Till Your Well Runs Dry
6. All Of Me
7. Born To Lose
8. Still Got The Blues
9. Goodnight Irene
10. Your One and Only Man
11. Every Little Thing
12. Our Love Is Here To Stay


 

25.01.2013

Gary Clark Jr. joins Eric’s 2013 CGF and UK shows.

Gary Clark Jr. began playing guitar at the age of twelve. Born and raised in Austin, Clark played small gigs throughout his teens, until he met promoter C. Antone, proprietor of the Austin music club Antone’s.

Antone's was the launch pad from which Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan redefined rock at the time. Soon after meeting Clifford, Clark began to play with an array of musical icons, including Jimmie Vaughan. Vaughan and others in the Austin music community helped Clark along his musical path, facilitating his ascent in the Texas rock & roll scene. Clark's music demonstrates how rock & roll and blues have shaped virtually every medium of music over the past century, from hip-hop to country. Clark performed at the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival.

(source : Wikipedia)


 

 

21.01.2013

An ‘OLD SOCK’ on March 12

Eric’s new album entitled ‘Old Sock’ will be available in stores as per March 12.

‘Surfdog’ announces the signing of a deal with Eric for his forthcoming album on Eric's Bushbranch Records Label.  

For details about ‘Surfdog’ please visit http://surfdog.com/company

 


 

03.12.2012

12-12-12

Eric is added to Hurricane Sandy Benefit in NYC.

For further details please click the picture.


 

30.11.2012

Maca to play bass on Eric’s upcoming studio album.

In the liner notes to his brand-new DVD, Live Kisses (another brand-new, November release), McCartney reveals that he plays bass on Eric's upcoming studio album. It's not just any bass; it's the standup bass that once belonged to Elvis Presley's bassist, Bill Black. McCartney has owned the bass since the '70s; it was a gift from his late wife, Linda. This is basically McCartney repaying a favor to Eric, who played guitar (of course) on two Kisses on the Bottom tracks.


 

30.11.2012 

Stones concert … 

Eric guested on 'Champagne and Reefer', a Muddy Waters cover. 

SETLIST

'Get Off My Cloud'
'I Wanna Be Your Man'
'This Could Be The Last Time'
'Paint It Black'
'Gimme Shelter'
'Lady Jane'
'Champagne And Reefer'
'Live With Me'
'Miss You'
'One More Shot'
'Doom And Gloom'
'Honky Tonk Woman'
'Before They Make Me Run'
'Happy'
'Midnight Rambler'
'Start Me Up'
'Tumbling Dice'
'Brown Sugar'
'Sympathy For The Devil
'You Can't Always Get What You Want'
'Satisfaction'


 

28.11.2012

... for the record ... Day-by-Day: The early years 1963-1982

Eric Clapton, Day by Day presents Clapton's professional life in music in a day-by-day format, giving details of which bands he joined and left, all recordings made both released and unreleased as well as guest appearances he made on other artists' records, and concert tours. Based on years of extensive research from around the globe and interviews with musicians, film directors, producers, and studio engineers, Roberty covers every detail of Clapton's live and studio work in this detailed biography.

Volume 1 covers Clapton's early years, offering an insight into how this artist slowly found his own musical identity.

Volume 2, to be published in the fall of 2013, will continue the story, covering Clapton's comeback after problematic years of drug and alcohol abuse, and his going on to become one of the world's most respected and admired musicians. With Eric Clapton's 50th anniversary in the music business approaching in 2013, now is the perfect time for this comprehensive biography.                                

(description by amazon.co.uk)


 

28.11.2012

Eric joins The Stones ...

 

The RSEC Heritage Foundation is pleased to inform you that The Rolling Stones have announced that Eric and british singer Florence Welch will be joining the band on stage for their second 50 & Counting concert at London’s O2 Arena on Thursday 29 November.


 

19.11.2012

Eric announces US Tour ...

 

March 2013

14 – Phoenix, Ariz.
16 – Houston, Texas
17 – Austin, Texas
19 – Dallas, Texas
20 – Oklahoma City, Okla.
22 – Nashville, Tenn.
23 – New Orleans, La.
26 – Jacksonville, Fla.
27 – Atlanta, Ga
29 – Hollywood, Fla.
30 – Hollywood, Fla.
April 2013

2 – Charlotte, N.C.
3 – Raleigh, N.C.
5 – Uncasville, Ct.
6 – Pittsburgh, Pa.
12 – New York, N.Y.
13 – New York, N.Y.

Tickets available via www.ticketmaster.com as per Monday Nov. 26


 

 

18.11.2012

For the record ...

Eric has released "Looking at the Rain," a Gordon Lightfoot cover that he recorded back in 1977 during the Slowhand sessions. The song is one of four unreleased songs that will be on the upcoming 35th anniversary edition of Slowhand.

The song was originally released by Lightfoot in 1972 on the album, Don Quixote. Eric recorded the song early on, but decided not to include it in the final album. Dick Sims is featured on keyboards with Jamie Oldaker on drums on the track.

The song will be available on all five of the Slowhand anniversary editions .


 

 

15.11.2012

Eric’s 1958 Gibson Explorer on loan, from a private collection, for a Tennessee State Museun exhibit ... 

An exhibition featuring a selection of some of the rarest guitars ever created, ranging from vintage models to celebrity-owned favorites, opened to the public at the State Museum on November 8. The free exhibition, entitled, The Guitar: An American Love Story.

 For details please visit: http://www.tnmuseum.org/

 


 

13.11.2012

Eric's Patek auctioned ...

 

A platinum wristwatch belonging to Eric sold for 3.4 million Swiss francs (2.9 million euros) in Geneva Monday, auction house Christie's said.

The "exceptionally rare" watch made by Patek Philippe in 1987 was snapped up by an anonymous Asian buyer. The price was in the middle of the estimate.

The only other time the platinum perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases was on auction, in 1989, it sold for just $250,999.


 

06.11.2012

Rare John Lennon letter to Eric ... up for auction.

 

The signed, hand-written letter by the Beatle, who died in 1980 at the age of 40, is one of a selection from some of the world's great musicians that will go under the hammer in Los Angeles at the Profiles in History auction on December 18.

In a draft letter dated September 29, 1971, Lennon expressed his respect and admiration for Eric and suggested that they form a band together.

"Eric, I know I can bring out something great, in fact greater in you that had been so far evident in your music. I hope to bring out the same kind of greatness in all of us, which I know will happen if/when we get together," Lennon wrote in the letter.

The letter will hold special significance for Beatles fans as auctioneer Joe Maddalena said it was widely known that there were problems in the Fab Four's relationships with each other, and that Eric had almost become a Beatle.

(Photo: Reuters)


 

31.10.2012

... Running on Faith in Italy ...

Eric's Music in Tuscany by reknown artist Aldo Ferrini (www.aldoferrini.com) ... Auguri !!!

Enjoy


 

Eric's 2013 Touring Band


 

25.10.2012

Six String Stories by Eric Clapton & Genesis Publications.

Details out now.

Please visit http://www.claptonbook.com

 


 

23.10.2012

Irish Tour ...

Eric will play  ...

... the O2 in Dublin on May 9th, 2013

... the Odyssey Arena in Belfast on May 10th, 2013


 

15.10.2012

Eric's 'Gerhard Richter' sold for record USD 34.2 Mio.

The painting by Gerhard Richter owned by Eric has sold for $34.2 million, a record for the work of a living artist, auction house Sotheby’s said.

An anonymous bidder bought the red, blue and yellow oil painting on canvas, “Abstraktes Bild (809-4),” in London on Oct. 12 for more than 10 times the $3.4 million that ERic paid for the painting plus two others in New York in 2001.

The price beat pre-sale estimates and Richter’s previous record of $21.9 million in May for “Abstract Picture (7938-3).”


 

13.10.2012

... for the record

 

‘Slowhand,’ Eric's most successful ’70s album, is being repackaged and re-released this fall, with up to 14 previously unreleased tracks on multiple formats. 2012 is the 35th anniversary of a recording that features many hits that still make his live show today. It will be available on Nov. 26. 

In addition to to the original nine-track album that includes ‘Cocaine,’ ‘Wonderful Tonight’ and ‘Lay Down Sally,’ fans can choose between five editions of the album that feature an expansive array of treats and unreleased songs. The cost of each has not yet been revealed.

The simplest option would be the digital version of ‘Slowhand,’ which still features four session outtakes. According to Eri's’s website, these four unreleased songs are ‘Looking at the Rain,’ ‘Alberta,’ ‘Greyhound Bus’ and ‘Stars, Strays and Ashtrays.’ Vinyl LP and single CD versions of the album don’t include the four bonus songs.

A two-disc deluxe edition includes the album and four outtakes, plus a nine-song live album recorded one week before Eric began recording ‘Slowhand’ at Olympic Studios in southwest London in May 1977. Five of the live songs from that performance have never been released. Amongst them are a lengthy version of ‘I Shot the Sheriff’ and ‘Layla.’

The Clapton bonanza is in the Super Deluxe Edition, which includes everything in the deluxe edition, plus an audio-only DVD of the original album, a fourth disc with five addition live songs from the ‘Live at Hammersmith Odeon’ show and the original album on vinyl. Tour programs and a behind-the-scenes book also come with the most extensive box set. Also, the packaging replicates the original Fender amplifier tweet used in the recording.

After its original release, ‘Slowhand’ remained on the Billboard American album chart for 74 weeks after spending five weeks at No. 2. It’s an essential album in the 'Clapton collection'.


 

14.09.2012

Eric to Auction Gerhard Richter Painting Worth Up to $19 Million

Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/eric-clapton-to-auction-painting-worth-up-to-19-million-20120913#ixzz26QZhdWHC


 

21.06.2012

EC's 4th CGF at MSG in NYC ...

Eric will host his 4th Crossroads Guitar Festival at Madison Square Garden in New York on April 12 & 13, 2013.

While no official announcement has been made, two artists, Sonny Landreth and Blake Mills have confirmed the dates.


 

14.06.2012

A new limited edition book focusing on Eric and some of his prized guitarsis in the works from U.K. publishers 'Genesis Publications'.

Eric Clapton Six String Stories : The Crossroads Auction Guitars 1999-2011 will take a look at his incredible career while offering details about the instruments he used to create his memorable songs.

Each copy will be signed by Eric himself and sales of the tome will benefit the 'Crossroads Center', the drug rehab facility he founded on the island of Antigua. 

Presently no publication date has been announced for the book. For further details please visit http://www.genesis-publications.com

 


 

13.05.2012 

Bassist Donald 'Duck' Dunn Dies at 70 

Dunn, who was in Tokyo for a series of shows, died in his sleep Sunday; the musician has played with countless legends, including Otis Redding, Eric Clapton, Neil Young and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Bass player and songwriter Donald "Duck" Dunn, a member of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame band Booker T. and the MGs and the Blues Brothers, has died in Tokyo. He was 70. Dunn was also a studio musician for the legendary Stax studios who played with countless musicians, including Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Jerry Lee Lewis and later in Los Angeles Rod Stewart, Neil Young, Eric and others. RIP


 

27.04.2012

 

Paul McCartney & Tommy LiPume discuss the making of ‘Kisses On The Bottom’ … feat. Eric.

Enjoy!   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2j_Aw2SJBQ

 


 

03.04.2012 

Eric appears in Sir Peter's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Sir Peter Blake has remade his legendary Sgt. Pepper cover to celebrate his 80th birthday. The 'Godfather of British Pop Art' has chosen the cultural figures he most admires to celebrate the UK's creative output, including Genesis contributors Paul Weller, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, and Eric.

'I had a very long list of people who I wanted to go in but couldn't fit everyone in - I think that shows how strong British culture and its legacy of the last six decades is.'
- Sir Peter Blake

Blake digitally created the 2012 version rather than assembling and hand-colouring cardboard cut outs as he did for the 1967 cover of Sgt. Pepper, but still found the work very time consuming.

'I often thought that if I did it again it would be very quick on the computer but it was very laborious.'
- Sir Peter Blake

The artwork will be shown at Blake's birthday celebrations at Wayne Hemingway's Vintage festival at Boughton House, Northamptonshire this July.

 


 

30.03.2012


 

09.03.2012

Fender goes public in a $200 million IPO
The company that makes the guitars that have graced some of the biggest stars of rock and pop , including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Eric, has filed for a public stock offering worth $200 million.
 
Fender said it sees opportunities for growth because of the continued popularity of guitar-based music and bands and visibility of guitars in popular culture. The increasing popularity and gradual incorporation of guitar-based music in large, emerging markets such as China, India and Indonesia is also an indicator of future growth, the company said.
About $100 million of the initial public offering's proceeds will go to pay debt, said the Scottsdale, Ariz., company.
 
Fender will list its stock on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol “FNDR.” The company did not disclose how many shares it intends to sell or a price target for the shares. It also did not say when it intends to go public.

 

08.03.2012

Beware of Mr. Baker

This documentary tells the story of Cream and Bind Faith drummer Ginger Baker, an oversized personality who hasn't mellowed a bit of the years.

Ginger Baker is known for playing in Cream and Blind Faith, but the world's greatest drummer didn't hit his stride until 1972, when he arrived in Nigeria and discovered Fela Kuti's Afrobeat. After leaving Nigeria, Ginger returned to his pattern of drug-induced self-destruction, and countless groundbreaking musical works, eventually settling in South Africa, where the 73-year-old lives with his young bride and 39 polo ponies.
 
This documentary includes interviews with Eric, Steve Winwood, Carlos Santana and more. Beware of Mr. Baker! With every smash of the drum is a man smashing his way through life.

 


 

06.03.2012

Clapton aficionado Pit Huberty headlines Luxembourg Music Magazine

Picture by J.M. “Lupo” Ludowicy

 

 

http://www.ugda.lu/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=49


 

 02.03.2012

Eric & Keef Jam For Hubert Sumlin

Music fans were in for a rare treat Friday night at New York's Apollo Theater. Eric Clapton was joined by Keith Richards at Howlin For Hubert: A Concert to Benefit the Jazz Foundation of America.

Rolling Stone reports the event was a tribute to guitarist Hubert Sumlin, who played in Howlin' Wolf's band for decades and passed away on December 4th due to heart failure.

The entire show, which featured all-stars including Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Warren Haynes, Jimmie Vaughan, Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II and Elvis Costello – plus overlooked legends like Wolf's former bandmates, harmonica player James Cotton, guitarist Jody Williams and saxophonist Eddie Shaw – was one for the history books.


 

20.02.2012

Grammy for Layla

'Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs’ Wins 2012 Grammy Award for Best Surround Sound


 

10.02.2012

... for the record

Eric appears on Paul McCartney's new album 'Kisses on the Bottom'


 

28.11.2011

... for the record

2011 three CD collection featuring rare, one-of-a-kind performances from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, filmed since its start in 1986. The biggest names in rock 'n' roll performed in intimate settings, jamming in combinations not seen anywhere else. You'll hear amazing performances by Jimmy Page, Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Beck, Aerosmith, CSN, The Who, Metallica, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Traffic, Fleetwood Mac, John Fogerty, Al Green, Kid Rock, The Kinks, John Mellencamp, R.E.M., the Allman Brothers Band, The Doors with Eddie Vedder, U2, Bon Jovi, ZZ Top, James Taylor, Tom Petty, James Brown, The Righteous Brothers and many others.
 
Eric performs with ‘Cream’ (Sunshine of Your Love & Crossroads).
Paul McCartney's supporting cast on "Let It Be" includes Eric, Billy Joel and Robbie Robertson; Prince jams with Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"; and U2's Bono gets a hand from Bruce Springsteen on "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." Look no further.

... available now !!!


 

17.11.2011

Presently, Eric's 2011 Japan Tour is under way. Watch out for updates in the setlist section.


 

09.11.2011

EC related items at 'Julien's Auctions'

Julien’s Auctions presents Icons and Idols Sports and Rock ‘n Roll to be auctioned on Thursday, December 1, 2001 through Sunday, December 4th, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.
Bids can be placed online. For further details and bids please visit: www.juliensauctions.com
 
Eric related items are as follows:

 

18.10.2011 

Eric received the diploma and the medal as ‘Guest of Honor of the City of Buenos Aires’ before his show in River Plate Stadium. The honour was awarded by Carmen Polledo – Deputy of PRO and Legislation of the City of Buenos Aires.  

 

The deputy expressed to him that " his visit adorns the City for his contribution to the popular art, his virtuosity as a guitarist, his talent for singing and the composition of rock and blues music".

 

 

 

 


 

06.10.11

Watch out for setlist up-dates in the related section, as South America Tour starts today.


 

05.10.2011

EC Signature Fender Amp. 

Fender has just announced the arrival of the new EC Series Eric Clapton signature guitar amplifiers. The three tweed tube amps - the EC Twinolux, EC Tremolux and EC Vibro-Champ - are Clapton's first signature amps, and bear his own distinctive design touches.

PRESS RELEASE: Each is a specific variation based on three classic Fender tweed tube amps of the 1950s - the '57 Twin, '57 Deluxe and the '57 Champ. Clapton has frequently favored these original amps for specific sounds at various points throughout his amazingly varied career, and the new EC Series amps represent both reverence for his musical legacy and the finest in Fender guitar amp craftsmanship.

All three amps are handmade in the United States, with interesting mods under the hood specified by Clapton himself. These include a '50s-era output tube bias tremolo circuit (which produces a more throbbing pulse than later Fender tremolo circuits) and a switchable power attenuator that reduces speaker output (and can disable one speaker in EC Twinolux for even lower output).

The 2x12" EC Twinolux, 1x12" EC Tremolux and 1x8" EC Vibro-Champ are single-channel amps with high-gain and low-gain inputs, hand-wired all-tube circuitry on eyelet boards with premium components, custom transformers, and premium tubes and speakers.

The EC Tremolux has fixed bias for increased headroom and an internal speaker disconnect that allows use of an external 8-ohm speaker enclosure. The EC Vibro-Champ has an internal speaker disconnect that allows use of an external 4-ohm speaker enclosure, and a footswitch jack for an optional tremolo footswitch.

All three EC Series amps have a cosmetic treatment that elegantly befits an artist of Clapton's stature. Each is ruggedly built with a finger-joined solid pine enclosure, and each authentically evokes Fender's original 1950s golden era with lacquered tweed covering, vintage-style brown/gold grille cloth and a leather strap handle.

And in the most outwardly visible personal touch, each amp bears an "EC Series" badge at front lower right and Clapton's signature on the control panel. Each amp also includes a deluxe fitted cover. 

For more details check www.fender.com

 


 

12.09.2011

Fender 9/11 Guitars

On the tenth anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the Fender Custom Shop offers its own sincere tribute to those who fell that tragic day with a special offering—a remarkable trio of custom Stratocaster guitars commemorating the events and the heroes at the WorldTradeCenter complex.

The trio of uniquely-adorned Stratocaster models honors each of the three major organizations that paid such a terrible price in rushing to the aid of those trapped at the World Trade Center complex that fateful day—the New York City Police Department, New York City Fire Department and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Each guitar has a custom graphic finish depicting imagery related to each agency and to the events of that day.

Also, inlaid into the custom finish of each Stratocaster are various commendation pins and badges of each agency; several related specifically to the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Among these are three specially commissioned badges—one for each guitar—noting the number of fallen officers, firefighters and paramedics that day—23 for the New York City Police Department, 37 for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and 343 for the New York City Fire Department.

After going on brief display at a Fender event in
California in mid-September, Eric will play the guitars during fall dates on his 2011 world tour, after which they will be donated to Sept 11, 2001, first-responder organizations.

For more details please visit: www.fendercustomshop.com


 

09.09.2011

... for the record

Bill Wyman's post-Rolling Stones work with The Rhythm Kings has been collected for a 5-disc box set that will be released on October 25.
The collection features Eric, George Harrison, Mark Knopfler, Nicky Hopkins, Paul Carrack, Peter Frampton, Georgie Fame and Andy Fairweather-Low. 
This five-disc Collectors' Edition Box Set, which gathers four studio albums Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings cranked out between their 1998 debut Struttin' Our Stuff and 2001's Double Bill, is a revelation, particularly for those who have yet to discover the rich body of work of Wyman's low-profile/high-revving band. Given the expansive array of material the Rhythm Kings tackle in these recordings, one even might think of this collection as a pocket history of 20th century roots music, with original material written in the spirit of the old songs serving as the connective tissue.

 


 

05.09.2011

Eric Interview at 2011 F1 SPA - Grand Prix  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gyr8tXF3ro

 

... enjoy !

 


 

29.08.2011

... for the record ...

 

Here at last is the first complete illustrated history of Clapton's career, from the Yardbirds in the early 1960s, up to the present. A chronological text covers all of Clapton's associated acts as well as his collaborations with artists like George Harrison, John Lennon, Frank Zappa, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, and more. Details of his personal life that have informed his music-such as his romance with Harrison's then-wife Pattie Boyd, his well-publicized battles with addiction, and his subsequent founding of the Crossroads Centre-are also examined. A wealth of sidebars cover the gear Clapton has used through the years while extensive appendices detail his discography. The story is illustrated throughout with candid and performance photography, as well as memorabilia spanning Clapton's entire career.

Chris Welch was there during much of Clapton's career, reporting for Britain's Melody Maker magazine starting in 1964. He lives in Kent, England. 

... as seen on 

 


 

26.08.2011

' CLAPTON BLUES ' out Nov. 22

On 22 November, Warner Brothers / Reprise will release Clapton Blues, an Eric Clapton blues box set. The five vinyl LP collection will include the three albums From The Cradle, Riding With The King and Me and Mr. Johnson along with an exclusive lithograph of the cover image photo of Eric. This edition will be priced at $124.98 (US). Additionally, a limited edition version pressed on blue vinyl will be available only from EC's official website, www.ericclapton.com


 

23.08.2011

 

George Harrison Documentary (Directed by Martin Scorsese)

Scorsese’s latest rock doc, a 2-part biographical look at the so-called “quiet Beatle” titled George Harrison: Living in the Material World, will finally hit HBO on October 5th and 6th, complete with a host of interviews from former friends, surviving Beatles, and collaborators, including a priceless mention by Eric of his infamous battle for the love of Pattie Boyd.

 


 

19.08.2011

... as seen on www.theonion.com

 

LOS ANGELES—Musician Eric Clapton announced Wednesday that his next album, Eric Clapton Plays The Blues, would be a collection of songs primarily influenced by blues music, a genre the 66-year-old guitarist said he enjoys very much. "I've always been interested in blues music, and this album will really explore that interest," Clapton told reporters, explaining that many of the new songs would feature long blues guitar solos, repeating 12-bar-blues chord structures, and lyrical themes centered around both getting and continuing to have the blues. "I'm fairly confident about the project, as I plan to sing with a sort of forlorn, bluesy quality in my voice, and I'll be playing a lot of E, A, and B chords, along with all the blue notes of the scale. Just pure and simple blues, really." Clapton later admitted that while each track would definitely be inspired by blues music, the final product might actually be more of a blues-rock album.

 

 


 

09.08.2011 

WARNERS SET TO RELEASE ERIC CLAPTON BLUES BOX SET IN NOVEMBER

 


 

09.08.2011

... for the record

Album in stores Sept. 13.

United by dalliances with purism as young men and an abiding love of classic blues and jazz, Eric Clapton and Wynton Marsalis are a more comfortable fit than it may initially seem. Both musicians are synthesists, not innovators, stitching together elements from their idols in an attempt to preserve the past while bringing it into the present, so their sensibilities are aligned and, in 2011, they're amenable to a partnership that explores their common ground. So, Clapton and Marsalis held a series of concerts at New York City's Jazz at Lincoln Center in April of 2011, the guitarist selecting the songs (apart from "Layla," performed upon the request of bassist Carlos Henriquez), the trumpeter picking the band and working up the arrangements, using King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band as his template yet finding room for piano and, of course, guitar. Clapton's choice of songs leans heavily toward the '20s -- so much so that the dip into postwar electric blues via Howlin' Wolf's "Forty Four" feels a bit of a shock -- and the arrangements are faithful to classic New Orleans jazz yet loose, never quite hidebound to tradition and finding plenty of space for every one of the players to roam; Clapton and Marsalis surely solo plenty, but so do trombonist Chris Crenshaw, clarinetist Victor Goines, and pianist Dan Nimmer. There's not much ego on display -- even the inclusion of "Layla" doesn't feel forced, thanks to Marsalis' inventive New Orleans funeral arrangement of this overly familiar tune -- but the joy is palpable and the chemistry natural. Compared to Wynton's duet albums with Willie Nelson, this is both more traditional and riskier, and compared to Clapton's latter-day duets with B.B. King and J.J. Cale, this finds the guitarist none too deferential. These are consummate musicians united by playing music they love, and their passion resonates so strongly it's hard not to enjoy Clapton and Marsalis playing the blues. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine