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Rating: As soon as I heard Clapton was coming to my area, I did not miss the chance to see him up close. I've always respected and admired this artist, but I've never been a big fan of his, in fact, to be honest, some of the songs on the setlist, I'd never heard before.
At the beginning of the concert, I was also a bit worried. I thought that after a certain time I would get bored. It didn’t happen. Clapton surprised me, and he seemed to exceed my expectations. Not so much for his technique (by now well known) but rather for his way of doing Rock. I had never admired this side of the English guitarist in the few works of his I had listened to. The energy he was able to unleash from the first note of "Pretending" onwards was incredible.
Thanks also to the help of Steve Jordan on drums and left-handed Doyle Bramhall on guitar, pieces like "So Tired" and "Got To Get Better In A Little While" drew all the spectators present in the arena. Cray's presence (another guitar) was significant especially at the beginning and end of the show, when he showed all his technical skill and his peculiar and instructive way of holding the instrument (chest-height).
A little unconvincing at the beginning Derek Trucks and his Gibson redeemed themselves in the -Sit Down Set-. "Back Home" and "I Am Yours" were moving and delicate in execution. The classic "Layla" and the fast "Old Love" received great acclaim. The fiery conclusion with "Cocaine". Worth noting is the presence of Stainton on piano and Tim Carmon on keyboard, repeatedly called by Clapton for long solos. Eric seemed confident and precise in execution, both vocally and instrumentally.
A bit stiff and not very familiar with the audience, he only repeatedly said "Thank You" and offered only one meager encore. Perhaps Clapton's attitude is the only thing that negatively struck me. Very strict even with the organization, he prohibited the use of alcohol in the backstage and forced the staff to cover all the official sponsor's advertising billboards, a renowned Italian beer.
Nonetheless, overall a good concert, energetic and engaging that offered intense emotions throughout the entire performance.
Setlist:
Pretending
So Tired
Got To Get Better
In A Little While
Old Love
Everybody Oughta Make A Change
Motherless Children
Back Home
I Am Yours
Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
Running On Faith
After Midnight
Little Queen of Spades
Let It Rain
Wonderful Tonight
Layla
Cocaine
-ENCORE-
Crossroads
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