I couldn't let the 10th anniversary of Eric Clapton playing at the Beacon go without celebrating the memory of a time when two of the greatest classic rock heavyweights combined forces to create some amazing music.
It's probably the highlight of the last 20 years of the band, and something that just about every Clapton and/or Allmans fan I know had been wishing would happen for literally decades. It was definitely a major highlight of my time at HTN. Even though I didn't go to the shows, at the risk of being corny I was happy to even be involved.
You know how a lot of times, when one great artist sits in with another, it isn't as great as you thought it would be? This was the opposite of that. The Brothers pulled something out of Clapton that made him allegedly say to Derek as he walked offstage "I haven't played like that since 1969." For their part of the equation, the Allmans were halfway through a Beacon run and warmed up and on their A game. They certainly wanted to put on their best possible show out of respect for Clapton, Duane, the Layla album and everything it all entailed. They did that and then some.
More tomorrow, including some analysis of the actual music, which still holds up really well. I've been going back to these shows for the past week or so, and it really is some of the best live music you will ever hear and one of the crowning achievements of the Derek/Warren era.
Don't know where I would find it or where I heard this, but I seem to recall Derek saying that during one of songs, EC had dropped his pick while playing and was glancing to the stage floor looking for it. Derek stated that he quickly shifted his foot, stepping on it so EC would have to play with only his fingers....Made me smile.
I've often wondered if there was ever thought or discussion of a joint
tour with EC and the ABB. The Allmans would have loved it; Eric was
probably ambivalent. Sheds and arenas and it would have gotten the
Brothers back to Europe perhaps.
I couldn't let the 10th anniversary of Eric Clapton playing at the Beacon go without celebrating the memory of a time when two of the greatest classic rock heavyweights combined forces to create some amazing music.
It's probably the highlight of the last 20 years of the band, and something that just about every Clapton and/or Allmans fan I know had been wishing would happen for literally decades. It was definitely a major highlight of my time at HTN. Even though I didn't go to the shows, at the risk of being corny I was happy to even be involved.
You know how a lot of times, when one great artist sits in with another, it isn't as great as you thought it would be? This was the opposite of that. The Brothers pulled something out of Clapton that made him allegedly say to Derek as he walked offstage "I haven't played like that since 1969." For their part of the equation, the Allmans were halfway through a Beacon run and warmed up and on their A game. They certainly wanted to put on their best possible show out of respect for Clapton, Duane, the Layla album and everything it all entailed. They did that and then some.
More tomorrow, including some analysis of the actual music, which still holds up really well. I've been going back to these shows for the past week or so, and it really is some of the best live music you will ever hear and one of the crowning achievements of the Derek/Warren era.
Right on!
From Oteil's facebook.
Oteil Burbridge
16 mins ·
Ten years ago today Eric Clapton sat in with the Allman Brothers Band for the very first time during our epic 40th anniversary run at The Beacon Theatre. The run included 62 special guests including Levon Helm, Taj Mahal, Billy F Gibbons, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Buddy Guy, Trey Anastasio, Page McConnell, David Hidalgo, Boz Scaggs, Jimmy Herring, John Bell, Sheryl Crow, Bruce Hornsby, Chuck Leavell and so many more. It's hard to believe that much time has passed. I remember as it was happening as the word got out how many people were coming to sit in, other artists started calling us wanting in on the fun. It was like watching a legend grow before our very eyes. I'll never forget what a magic time that was and I'm sure none of the people that were lucky enough to be there will either.
"I've often wondered if there was ever thought or discussion of a joint tour with EC and the ABB."
There may have been, but I'm pretty sure this was always understood to be a one-off, once-in-a-lifetime thing. Or a two-off, to be more precise. From before these shows ever happened, I think it was pretty clear to everybody this was going to be the first, last and only time Clapton played with the ABB. (I know there were those studio jams during the Layla sessions, but that's not the same thing.)
Maybe that's why it was so good? Everybody brought their A game, because you couldn't just have a bad show and say "Oh well, better luck next time." There wasn't going to be a next time, so you better make this count, and they did.
I couldn't let the 10th anniversary of Eric Clapton playing at the Beacon go without celebrating the memory of a time when two of the greatest classic rock heavyweights combined forces to create some amazing music.
It's probably the highlight of the last 20 years of the band, and something that just about every Clapton and/or Allmans fan I know had been wishing would happen for literally decades. It was definitely a major highlight of my time at HTN. Even though I didn't go to the shows, at the risk of being corny I was happy to even be involved.
You know how a lot of times, when one great artist sits in with another, it isn't as great as you thought it would be? This was the opposite of that. The Brothers pulled something out of Clapton that made him allegedly say to Derek as he walked offstage "I haven't played like that since 1969." For their part of the equation, the Allmans were halfway through a Beacon run and warmed up and on their A game. They certainly wanted to put on their best possible show out of respect for Clapton, Duane, the Layla album and everything it all entailed. They did that and then some.
More tomorrow, including some analysis of the actual music, which still holds up really well. I've been going back to these shows for the past week or so, and it really is some of the best live music you will ever hear and one of the crowning achievements of the Derek/Warren era.
Right on!
From Oteil's facebook.
Oteil Burbridge
16 mins ·
Ten years ago today Eric Clapton sat in with the Allman Brothers Band for the very first time during our epic 40th anniversary run at The Beacon Theatre. The run included 62 special guests including Levon Helm, Taj Mahal, Billy F Gibbons, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Buddy Guy, Trey Anastasio, Page McConnell, David Hidalgo, Boz Scaggs, Jimmy Herring, John Bell, Sheryl Crow, Bruce Hornsby, Chuck Leavell and so many more. It's hard to believe that much time has passed. I remember as it was happening as the word got out how many people were coming to sit in, other artists started calling us wanting in on the fun. It was like watching a legend grow before our very eyes. I'll never forget what a magic time that was and I'm sure none of the people that were lucky enough to be there will either.
Hard to believe 10 years have passed. We watched every show on Moogis. Wonderful music being played. Wouldn't be possible without Derek, Warren and Oteil. They really were responsible for the revitalization of the Allman Brothers.
A story that Kirk West mentioned regarding the planned setlist.
The musicians had gone through their rehearsals of the Layla material and started to put their instruments away when Eric said "hold on, what about this one?" He then proceeded to start playing Little Wing. It became the surprise addition.
I had 8th row for the thursday show. Still remember the excitement I felt when gregg announced clapton. Truly a magical evening for sure.
The wife and I caught both nights with Clapton and ten years ago tonight met two great friends from Chicago, the concerts were amazing and the friendships priceless , thank you ABB.
And 10 years ago TODAY was the second Clapton show, which can be found in its entirety here...
The Elizabeth Reed from 3/20 really stands out as a highlight. I think most people just expected Clapton to play the Layla material, and would have been happy with that. But for Clapton to play ABB songs like Dreams and Liz Reed, and play them really WELL, was just the cherry on top of the sundae.
After work I will post more about the music and what these shows meant to the ABB.
And 10 years ago TODAY was the second Clapton show, which can be found in its entirety here...
The Elizabeth Reed from 3/20 really stands out as a highlight. I think most people just expected Clapton to play the Layla material, and would have been happy with that. But for Clapton to play ABB songs like Dreams and Liz Reed, and play them really WELL, was just the cherry on top of the sundae.
After work I will post more about the music and what these shows meant to the ABB.
This brings up one of the more interesting elements of the 2 nights to me. On night 1, Clapton did not do well on Dreams in my opinion - couldn't get the feel and got a little lost to be honest. One night 2 - he was all over it. I have no idea what happened in between - but I don't think the transformation happens without EC going back to the hotel and putting in some time on Dreams to get it - and if that is what happened - the fact a legend like that made the effort has always impressed me. There was no obligation for him to play on ABB songs at all, and if he did, he could have strummed some chords and nobody would have batted an eye. For him to put some time in on Dreams, which is what I think happened, speaks to him wanting to raise his game to keep up with what was happening on that Beacon stage throughout that 40th run.
[Edited on 3/20/2019 by slothrop8]
I saw both Clapton shows and it is something I feel extremely fortunate to have done. One of my most cherished concert memories.
I was at the second night.
re Clapton he is not a risk taker and likes his comfort zone. He needs to be pushed. If he was a horse he couldn't run like Secretariat in the Belmont; he was like Affirmed - needed Alydars push to move to greatness.
That is why it was so special that night. He ventured out of his comfort zone in Liz Reed. I'm sure he wouldn't have without testing the waters that Thursday first.
EC & The ABB did play the fabulous Crossroads together at MSG. I was only hitting one of the two shows so I chose the night that EC came out with the ABB to close. Smokin' to be there.
As far as the 40th Shows I entered the lottery and won. I grabbed 3 nights. I wound up 7th Row for Levon (and the Midnight Ramble Band) & Taj, 6th Row for Bonnie, Beka, Susan, & John Hammond, and lastly upstairs for Sheryl Crow, Tommy Talton, & Scott Boyer.
While I didn't get either of the Clapton shows, I was Thankful to be in the room for the 3 nights I went. Weren't they all winners?
Kudos to Mr. Hollems for his work on compiling the info, The Gent put some time in. It's a nice refresher.
http://www.allmanbrothersband.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=734
EMR I cannot agree on Clapton not being a risk taker. He founded Cream arguably the first Jam band and groundbreaking at the time. His work with the bluesbreakers was also groundbreaking even though it doesn't seem that way now.
I made it to 3 shows from the run and was HEARTBROKEN to miss the Kingpins (for the second time, they also sat in in 2006).
The 3/19 show was my last ABB show at the Beacon after having gone every year since 1999 (seeing 1-3 shows each trip). I had a pair of good seats and had a business trip to N.Vriginia with my last meeting at 1pm Thursday. I took Amtrak to Penn Station where I randomly met up with Gail & JimK from the Listserve/HTW, which was a great omen for the night. I had already arranged to crash in PaulK's Beacon Hotel room for the night.
I gathered with about 25 usual suspects in a suite before the show, with the EC rumor basically confirmed by that point (he had been seen coming in/out of the side exit that day). The vibe and energy walking into the theatre that night was unlike any other entrance into the Beacon. Hard to explain. I then ran into another 15-20 HTW folks before, during and after the show.
I had 2 seats and traded my Loge pair with a musical brother (to get his real brother into his first ABB show) for a single ticket 25th row orchestra. It was already a unique and tremendous show before EC got involved: electric Derek/Warren Little Martha opener, Whipping Post first set closer, Gregg on grand piano for Oncoming Traffic to open set 2, Danny Louis on piano as a guest on Good Morning Little School girl etc.
But when they opened the 2nd set & there was an additional mic stand right of center on stage, we all knew what that meant. Clapton's 55 minutes playing with the Brothers was sublime. The roar of the crowd after Key to the Highway (first tune with EC) was loudest roar I ever heard in that building. Butch stood up & applauded from this drum set.
Why Does Love Have to Be So Sad might be the greatest live song I've ever experienced....Little Wing isn't far behind. Clapton looked like he had an immense amount of fun. Clapton and Warren had a really natural layered vocal harmony. It lived up to it's glory and then some.
Afterward we all stumbled out to the cold air in front of the Beacon, hugged, shook our heads and knew we experienced something truly special. I told Lefty..."I don't have words."
A big group of us partied late into the night in the Hotel. I got up early took a jog in Central Park in 36° temps with huge snow flakes......one of my favorite runs ever. I jumped in a cab to Laguardia and was out on a 11:30am flight.
It was an amazing whirlwind and one of the most memorably 18 hours of my life. I can't believe it's been 10 years!
[Edited on 3/20/2019 by hotlantatim]
Great, great post Tim. That really captures the excitement of the event as well as anything I've read.
A few more thoughts today. Let me piggyback off of Tim for this one...
"Why Does Love Have to Be So Sad might be the greatest live song I've ever experienced"
Man, does that hold up 10 years later. That outro jam, with all 3 guitarist really getting after it but never stepping on each other's toes, is just magical. I think the 3/19 version is the highlight of that night, and one of the best things about either night.
I also wanted to mention just how good the first set on 3/20 is. Oteil fumbles a bit with Little Martha, the tapes don't lie, but everything else is outstanding. Nice Mountain Jam sandwich set construction, really good versions of Gambler's Roll and Wasted Words, and maybe Derek's finest performance of Ain't Wastin' Time No More. That song in particular really grabbed me on relistening.
The non-Clapton portion of the second set is strong too, with a touching Melissa and fiery versions of Leave My Blues At Home and No One To Run With. It's fair to say 3/20/19 is one of the best overall shows of the Derek/Warren era.
I have always considered 2004/2005 to be the true peak of the Derek/Warren years, but 2009 was an outlier in the most delightful of ways. They really rose to the challenge of the 40th Anniversary, and for one last year they were the greatest band in the world, just like 1971 and 1973 and 1994.
By 2010, everything had changed. You had a truncated United Palace run instead of the Beacon, and Gregg had his liver transplant, which basically ended that version of the Allmans as a real road warrior touring machine. The ABB never played as many shows as 2009 again, and they never sounded that good again, in my humble opinion. By the end of 2010, there was a palpable sense that the end was near, and 2009 seemed like a different lifetime.
And that is yet another reason to really celebrate that 2009 Beacon run. In retrospect, Gregg in specific and the band in general were on their last legs and very close to the end, but you'd never know it listening to these shows. They burn like an eternal flame, one last final burst of greatness before the ABB finally succumbed to the ravages of time and age. Long may they reign!
I was blessed to see 3 shows for their 40th anniversary.3-9 Levon &company he had his drum kit set up on the right side of the stage pretty cool.3-13 Boz Scaggs doing loan me a dime with the boys wow.3-20 with Clapton my wife & I were in the ninth row right in front of Eric.Little Wing blew me away.This whole show was just tremendous.There was nothing better than going to the Beacon shows every spring I looked forward to them every year.Was a great way to forget about all your responsibilities for awhile.They were the greatest I miss them a lot as I’m sure you all do as well.Lots of great memories & instant live cds to listen to.Peace to all
Great thread
I was there on the 20th. My son and I had seats in the loge, as Clapton walked on stage I said to my son who was 25 at the time, enjoy this because you’ll never see this happen again. Sadly I was right.
Thank you Alan! Love hearing the background on this event.....as it was much more than a guest "sit-in" with the band. They became a band on stage for the 55/70 minutes they played together each night. Wish I could have been there for night 2 as well, but feel blessed to have made it that Thursday.
Great quotes Alan - especially EC saying he hadn’t played like that since ‘69!
I was at 3/20 that year and it was great. I revisited it on my subway ride this morning and the subway ride ended too soon - man, that is some great music!!
I wrote about it here. >> http://bit.ly/ABBCLAPTON
Yep. I missed 3/20 because I was in Michigan for my father in law's 70th birthday party.. Leaving tomorrow to go celebrate his 80th!
Yep. I missed 3/20 because I was in Michigan for my father in law's 70th birthday party.. Leaving tomorrow to go celebrate his 80th!
All Our Best AlPaul!!!!!..........Peace......joe
I was there on the 20th. My son and I had seats in the loge, as Clapton walked on stage I said to my son who was 25 at the time, enjoy this because you’ll never see this happen again. Sadly I was right.
I was at the show with a good friend (RIP) who was an ABB virgin live. Had to explain to him that this doesn't happen every day.
Two years later took him back and we were at the Scofield show. He was an "expert" by then - and I had a hard time convincing him that there were aspects of that show that were better.
And re Clapton not being a risk taker/liking his safe zone comments from before
1 - Blues Breakers = John Mayall (greatest talent scout ever)
2 - Cream was largely the creation of Ginger Baker (god help us when he's the collected one)
3 - Blind Faith was Stevie Winwoods baby.
Clapton is a great guitarist/had a great solo career, but plays it safe whenever i see him in concert
I have said it before but with about 20 years of Beacon shows under my belt, that Scofield show was right at the top and on the night that one blew me away more than Clapton.
Two years later took him back and we were at the Scofield show. He was an "expert" by then - and I had a hard time convincing him that there were aspects of that show that were better.
My wife and I attended both the Thursday and Friday shows. She did not and doesn't really get how big of an event that was. Maybe the tears in my eyes during Little Wing gave her a hint. I remember seeing that baby blue strat brought out and put on the stand during the set break and was like "hmmm wonder who that could be for"!
