CityLife

In awe-what an honour!<br /> <br /> Some people will undoubtedly have certain expectations of Eric Clapton based on past perceptions and reputation. I went to the MEN gig with none of these other than that I was going to see 64 year old reputed world class act and I was not in any way disappointed. On the contrary in fact, he was quite simply ‘amazing’ and I genuinely felt honoured to be in the company of such profound talent. I also felt that 'Old Love' moment when his very essence seemingly flowed through that Guitar. Not one for gushing but I thank you Eric Clapton for continuing to share with us mere mortals and trust that the less self centred among your audiences will feel the same. <br />

Eric Clapton delivered a set not just for his own benefit and enjoyment but also for that of a packed house of admiring and knowledgeable fans at the MEN Arena. It was again simply wonderful to marvel at a man who makes guitar play look so effortless as Eric truly makes his guitar cry and sing as if an extension of his very being.<br /> <br /> We had a good mixture of the blues, acoustic numbers and a selection of Eric's better known hits. From a moody Going Down Slow to the classic Key To The Highway, we were then treated to an incredible Old Love that deserved a standing ovasion. Then came a change of pace with a seated acoustic collection of Layla (not my favourite version but still moving), the lively Lay Down Sally and unexpected Dylanesque Not Dark Yet.<br /> <br /> The more familiar I Shot The Sheriff livened up the audience and Eric still found a new way to interpret this Bob Marley classic. A delightful Somewhere Over The Rainbow brought a tear to the eye before Harrison's rocky Badge and Before You Accuse Me led to a rousing Cocaine. Eric was well supported by a very accomplished backing band and even took a back seat to allow each of them solo spots. Special mention to Chris Stainton and Tim Carmon on keyboards that added so much to the polished sound.<br /> <br /> Peter Kay may be a very funny man but he sure knows his music heroes and I bet he wouldn't miss a Clapton masterpiece for anything.<br />

I wasn,t a big fan of the Blues and definately not a Clapton fan and I didn,t really understand why this man is held in such high esteem ..Apart from a few songs, to me ,he seems largely uncommercial.<br /> <br /> So i went along last night with my "Clapton Fan" girlfriend and I finally understood.Anybody that can make a guitar talk like he can ,mostly with his eyes literally closed ,scores highly in my book.<br /> <br /> 4/5<br />