With the dawn of the new millennium, Eric Clapton entered the fifth decade of his career as a recording artist. The year 2000 was extremely prolific. February 2000 saw Eric and his band join B.B. King in a Los Angeles recording studio to record the phenomenally successful, “Riding With The King”. Guesting on the album was the up-and-coming singer / songwriter / guitarist, Doyle Bramhall II. By the time “Riding With The King” was released, Eric was already back in the studio working on his next solo album with his core band, plus Bramhall, Billy Preston, Paulinho DaCosta, The Impressions, Joe Sample and a host of others. Entitled “Reptile”, it was released in March 2001.
On 19 January 2001 in New York City’s Carnegie Hall, Eric took part in a benefit concert to aid the Wyclef Jean Foundation. Less than a month later, he kicked off a massive world tour with a return to London’s Royal Albert Hall. The tour traveled to Europe, North America, South America and Japan before it concluded on 15 December at the Yokohama Arena. His tour stopped in a number of cities he had never played before, most notably three Russian dates in St. Petersburg and Moscow. The band underwent a number of personnel changes during the ten months they were on the road. The Impressions joined the band for the UK Tour and a select number of US Tour dates. Paulinho DaCosta was on-board only for the UK / European Tour. Billy Preston joined the touring band once they hit the US during the Spring / Summer of 2001. The lineup changed again with the South American and Far East dates as Greg Phillinganes took Billy Preston?s place.
On 20 October 2001, straight from his gig in Mexico, Eric flew into New York City to take part in the historic Concert For New York City, appearing in a two-song set with American Blues legend, Buddy Guy. The almost 6 hour concert aired live on VH1 (television) and US Radio Stations. It was a celebration of the strength of New York City and a “thank you” to the city?s firefighters, police and rescue workers. A fundraiser for the Robin Hood Relief Fund, the monies were dedicated to assist those affected by the World Trade Center tragedy on 11 September 2001.
2002 was a relatively quiet year professionally for Eric. “One More Car, One More Rider” was released on CD and DVD to commemorate his 2001 World Tour. Performances were limited to a number of one-offs including a spot on the bill at The Party At The Palace which celebrated Queen Elizabeth II?s Golden Jubilee and a one-off concert at the Ferrari Maserati Festival at Brands Hatch Racetrack in August. Clapton ended the year by acting as musical director for The Concert For George. He put together this show along with George Harrison’s widow, Olivia, and son, Dhani, to celebrate Harrison’s life and music.
2003 marked Eric’s 40th Anniversary as a professional musician and recording artist. During the year, he participated in a number of “one-offs” including a benefit for the Teenage Cancer Trust at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 25 April; Willie Nelson & Friends: Live & Kickin’ (taped 9 April / aired 26 May in the US), 2 June at Lincoln Center in New York City for a Jazz Foundation benefit and on 19 July, a concert to benefit UNICEF with John Mayall in Liverpool, England. Eric’s “Just For You” tour visited Japan in November / December. On his return home, he took part in a charity gig in Chiddingford, England. He also spent part of the year in the studio recording “Back Home” and a tribute album to Robert Johnson, entitled “Me and Mr. Johnson.” “Me and Mr. Johnson” was released in March 2004. “Back Home” would not be released until the latter part of 2005.
2004 was another a busy year. Clapton started things off on 4 January when he was the surprise guest at the Farewell Concert at Guildford’s Civic Hall. He then performed at the One Generation 4 Another benefit concert at the Royal Albert Hall on 15 March. Other participants include Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, Peter Green, Chris Rea, The Zombies and others. During the Spring, he toured Europe and the UK, hosted the Crossroads Guitar Festival on 4, 5, and 6 June in Dallas, Texas and then toured America with his band.
Eric’s first public performance of 2005 was for the Teenage Cancer Trust in March, joining UB40 on stage as a guest. On 2, 3, 5 and 6 May at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Eric reunited with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker for four Cream reunion concerts. Three further reunion concerts took place in New York City’s Madison Square Garden on 24, 25 and 26 October.
Eric’s most recent solo album, “Back Home”, was released on 30 August 2005. Work on it had started in 2003. In the latter part of 2005, Eric began work on a new solo album, with J.J. Cale as producer. Work continued in early 2006. As the project progressed, it changed from a solo CD to a joint CD produced by both men. Simon Climie served as co-producer. Eric and J.J.’s album, The Road To Escondido was released in November 2006.
Eric launched his extensive 2006 / 2007 world tour on 5 May 2006. With this solo tour, there were some familiar faces and a number of new ones in the band. New band members were Derek Trucks on slide guitar, Willie Weeks on bass and Steve Jordan on drums. The tour was also characterized by a set list that changed and evolved as the band made it’s way around the world. The tour ended on 6 April 2007.
On 28 July 2007, Eric hosted the second Crossroads Festival in Bridgeville, Illinois. The all day event was a fundraiser for Crossroads Centre Antigua. In addition to performing his own set with guests Robbie Robertson and Steve Winwood, Eric joined in on several other other sets. In October 2007, Eric’s autobiography was published and a greatest hits compilation, Complete Clapton, was released worldwide. Eric ended the year with two guest appearances. On 29 November he sat in with Jeff Beck at Ronnie Scott’s Club in London. Jeff’s shows were filmed for DVD release, but as of May 2008 a release date has not been announced. On Friday 21 December Eric joined Gary Brooker’s band, No Stiletto Shoes, at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club in Chiddingfold, England.
The band lineups and the dates of Clapton’s participation are as follows:
RIDING WITH THE KING STUDIO BAND (February 2000)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), B.B. King (guitar / vocals), Andy Fairweather Low (guitar), Doyle Bramhall II (guitar / backing vocals), Jimmie Vaughan (guitar), Nathan East (bass), Steve Gadd (drums), Tim Carmon (Hammond Organ), Joe Sample (Wurlitzer / Rhodes / piano), Susannah Melvoin (backing vocals), Wendy Melvoin (backing vocals), Paul Waller (drum programming)
REPTILE STUDIO BAND (2000)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Andy Fairweather Low (guitar), Doyle Bramhall II (guitar), Jimmie Vaughan (guitar), Nathan East (bass), Pino Paladino (bass), Steve Gadd (drums), Paulinho DaCosta (percussion), Paul Carrack (keyboards), Billy Preston (Hammond Organ / piano / harmonica), Tim Carmon (Hammond Organ / synthesizer / piano / organ), Joe Sample (Wurlitzer / Fender Rhodes / piano / electric piano), The Impressions (backing vocals), Paul Waller (drum programming)
REPTILE TOURING BAND
EUROPE (February 2001 to April 2001)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Andy Fairweather Low (guitar), Nathan East (bass), Steve Gadd (drums), David Sancious (keyboards / guitar), Paulinho DaCosta (percussion), The Impressions (backing vocals on selected dates)
UNITED STATES (May to August 2001)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Andy Fairweather Low (guitar), Nathan East (bass), Steve Gadd (drums), David Sancious (keyboards / guitar), Billy Preston (Hammond Organ), The Impressions (backing vocals on selected dates)
SOUTH AMERICA / JAPAN (September to December 2001)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Andy Fairweather Low (guitar), Nathan East (bass), Steve Gadd (drums), David Sancious (keyboards / guitar), Greg Phillinganes (Hammond Organ / keyboards)
FERRARI MASERATI FESTIVAL BAND (August 2002)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Andy Fairweather Low (guitar), Albert Lee (guitar), Dave Bronze (bass), Gary Brooker (keyboards), Henry Spinetti (drums)
CONCERT FOR GEORGE BAND (November 2002)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Paul McCartney (vocals / guitar / ukulele / piano), Dhani Harrison (guitar / vocals), Jeff Lynne (vocals / guitar), Andy Fairweather Low (guitar), Tom Petty (vocals / guitar), Albert Lee (guitar), Marc Mann (guitar), Dave Bronze (bass), Gary Brooker (vocals / keyboards), Billy Preston (vocals / Hammond Organ), Jools Holland (piano), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Ringo Starr (vocals / drums), Jim Keltner (drums), Jim Capaldi (drums), Phil Capaldi (drums), Ray Cooper (percussion), Henry Spinetti (drums), Joe Brown (vocals), Sam Brown (vocals), Katie Kissoon (backing vocals), Tessa Niles (backing vocals), Michael Kamen (string conductor), Anoushka Shankar (sitar / conductor), Jim Horn (alto sax), Tom Scott (tenor sax), Klaus Voorman (bass) Ron Blair (bass), Mike Campbell (guitar), Steve Ferrone (drums), Benmont Tench (keyboards), Scott Thurston (guitar / harmonica), Neil Gauntlett (guitar), Dave Rico Niles (bass) plus an Indian orchestra, the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Boys & Girls Choir, the English Chamber Choir, the London Metropolitan Orchestra, and The Monty Pythons (and their Mounties)
TEENAGE CANCER TRUST BAND (MARCH 2003)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Gary Brooker (keyboards / vocals), Andy Fairweather Low (guitar / vocals), Dave Bronze (bass), Henry Spinetti (drums)
2003 STUDIO BAND (SESSIONS FOR “BACK HOME” AND “ME & MR JOHNSON”)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Andy Fairweather Low (guitar), Nathan East (bass), Steve Gadd (drums), Billy Preston (hammond organ and piano), Doyle Bramhall II (guitar), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Jerry Portnoy (harmonica), Jim Keltner (drums), Pino Palladino (bass)
JUST FOR YOU TOURING BAND (Japan - November / December 2003)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Andy Fairweather Low (guitar / vocals), Nathan East (bass / vocals), Steve Gadd (drums), Chris Stainton (piano / Hammond Organ / keyboards)
FAREWELL CONCERT AT GUILDFORD CIVIC HALL BAND (4 January 2004)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Gary Brooker (keyboards / vocals), Andy Fairweather Low (guitar / vocals), Dave Bronze (bass), Henry Spinetti (drums)
ME AND MR. JOHNSON TOURING BAND
EUROPE AND UK (March to May 2004)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Doyle Bramhall II (guitar / vocals), Nathan East (bass / vocals), Steve Gadd (drums), Chris Stainton (piano / keyboards), Billy Preston (Hammond Organ / keyboards), Michelle John (backing vocals), Sharon White (backing vocals), Robert Randolph (Pedal Steel Guitar on encores only)
US (June to August 2004)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Doyle Bramhall II (guitar / vocals), Nathan East (bass / vocals), Steve Gadd (drums), Chris Stainton (piano / keyboards), Billy Preston (Hammond Organ / keyboards), Michelle John (backing vocals), Sharon White (backing vocals), Robert Randolph (Pedal Steel Guitar on encores only). Note: Tim Carmon (Hammond Organ / keyboards) substituted for Billy Preston on select US dates due to Preston’s hospitalization.
CREAM
May 2, 3, 5, 6 2005
October 24, 25, 26 2005
Jack Bruce (bass / vocals), Ginger Baker (drums), Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals)
BACK HOME STUDIO BAND
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Nathan East (bass), Andy Fairweather Low (guitar),Doyle Bramhall II (guitar), Steve Gadd (drums), Abraham Laboriel, Jr. (drums), Billy Preston (hammond organ, keyboards and piano), Sharon White (backing vocals), Michelle John (backing vocals), Lawrence Johnson (backing vocals), Nicky “Misschief” Shaw (drum programming and percussion), Simon Climie (keyboards and programming), The Kick Horns (Simon Clarke, Roddy Lorimer, Tim Sanders with Annie Whitehead and Paul Spong), Nick Ingram (strings), Gavin Wright (strings), Isobelle Griffiths (strings). Guest musicians on Back Home: Toby Baker, Chris Stainton, Pino Palladino, Robert Randolph, John Mayer, Steve Winwood, Stephen Marley, Paul Fakhourie, Vince Gill.
THE ROAD TO ESCONDIDO STUDIO BAND
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), J.J. Cale (guitar / keyboards / vocals), Jim Karstein / James Cruce / Steve Jordan / Abraham Laboriel Junior (drums), David Teegarden / James Cruce / Jim Karstein (Percussion), Gary Gilmore / Willie Weeks / Nathan East / Pino Palladino (bass), Billy Preston (Hammond Organ, Wurlitzer Piano & Rhodes), Walt Richmond (Acoustic Piano, Wurlitzer Piano & Rhodes), Doyle Bramhall II / Derek Trucks / John Mayer / Albert Lee (guitar), Christine Lakeland (Accoustic Guitar & Background Vocals), Bruce Fowler / Marty Grebb / Steve Madaio / Jerry Peterson (horns), Taj Mahal (harmonica), Dennis Caplinger (fiddle)
2006 / 2007 TOURING BAND
EUROPE AND UK (May 2006 - July 2006)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Doyle Bramhall II (guitar / backing vocals), Derek Trucks (slide guitar), Willie Weeks (bass), Steve Jordan (drums), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Tim Carmon (keyboards), Michelle John (backing vocals), Sharon White (backing vocals), The Kick Horns (Simon Clarke, Roddy Lorimer, Tim Sanders)
US / CANADA - EASTERN REGIONS, JAPAN, SINGAPORE, THAILAND, CHINA, KOREA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, AND US / CANADA - WESTERN REGIONS (September 2006 - April 2007)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Doyle Bramhall II (guitar / backing vocals), Derek Trucks* (slide guitar), Willie Weeks (bass), Steve Jordan (drums), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Tim Carmon (keyboards), Michelle John (backing vocals), Sharon White (backing vocals)
* until 18 March 2007
2007 CROSSROADS GUITAR FESTIVAL BAND (28 July 2007)
Musicians: Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Doyle Bramhall II (guitar / backing vocals), Derek Trucks (guitar), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Tim Carmon (keyboards), Willie Weeks (bass), Ian Thomas (drums), Steve Jordan (drums), Sharon White (backing vocals), Michelle John (backing vocals) and special guests Robbie Robertson (guitar / vocals) and Steve Winwood (hammond organ / guitar / vocals)
Related links:
2004 Crossroads Guitar Festival - Details and Line Up
2007 Crossroads Guitar Festival - Details and Line Up
