
About halfway from the performance, a sense of instrumental conflict is exuded as each band member goes wild on their respected instrument. This performance from their 1968 farewell concert at the Royal Albert Hall shows Cream at their finest, with an energetic performance of a live favorite.

Clapton’s renditions of blues songs popularized the genre, and with Cream’s rendition of Johnson’s “Cross Road Blues”, the power trio signified their competitive, almost chaotic, nature of their instrumental prowess. This performance, another clip from the Behind The Sun tour, shows Clapton performing a high energy version of the song, trading off solos with guitarist Tim Renwick, who follows Clapton’s skill at exactly the right time.Īmerican blues artist Robert Johnson was a huge influence on Clapton growing up. The song perfectly encapsulates the dynamic of Harrison and Clapton, writing a fairly traditional pop song with an execution of technicality being conveyed on behalf of Clapton’s guitar playing. The title of the song was a mistake on Clapton’s behalf, misreading Harrison’s handwriting of the word “Bridge” as “Badge.” Clapton found this humorous and decided to name the song exactly that. The dynamic Harrison and Clapton share on stage as they play off each other’s dueling guitar solos proved that the two were a powerful presence instrumentally.įollowing the success of Harrison and Clapton’s collaboration on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, the duo would go onto collaborate on “Badge”, a track off Cream’s final album, Goodbye.

This performance finds Clapton and Harrison reunited, alongside Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, performing the hit for the 1987 Prince’s Trust concert. Regardless of his hesitance, Clapton laid down the lead on the track and the song would soon become a fan favorite and widely acclaimed as one of the best Beatles songs. This was part of the reason Clapton was hesitant to play lead guitar on George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” though he and Harrison were friends, Clapton thought that the other Beatles would not be fond of his inclusion on the song. Not many musicians could hop in the studio with The Beatles and combat with the musical prowess presented by the band. George Harrison and Eric Clapton "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" Clapton showcases some amazing technical guitar playing while keeping up with some of the instrumental chaos being provided by bandmates Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker.ģ.

In this live performance, Cream boasts exactly what made them so special in their peak. Cream would lay the groundwork for bands in the years to come, such as Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. The short-lived rock band from the 60s may have spanned for only two years, but Cream’s technicality on top of their heavy, fuzzy signature sound made a huge impact on popular music in the 60s.

Channeling the musical stylings of blues legends such as Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, this era of Clapton serves as a preview of his brilliance for years to come. The showcase from the group perfectly conveys Clapton’s major influences coming up in the British blues scene. Taking on a classic John Lee Hooker tune, this version of “Louise” finds Clapton jamming in an early live performance with his first group, The Yardbirds (who would find success with Clapton, as well as later members Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page). Cheers to one of our greatest musical inspirations. Join us as we celebrate the essence of his live performances which encapsulate what makes him such a treasure to rock 'n' roll. Eric Clapton has solidified himself as one of the most influential and skilled artists of all time.
