For much of 1973, Eric was in recovery from his heroin addiction. He only played once in public in 1973 on 13 January. That concert is now know as Eric’s historic “comeback” concert. It took place at London’s Rainbow Theater. He would return to recording and touring the following year.
The essential bootleg recording from 1973 is:
Eric Clapton’s Rainbow Concert - 25th Anniversary Edition (Empress Valley / SB6)
This 4 CD set is the definitive recording of Clapton’s historic “comeback” at the Rainbow Theater in London on 13 January 1973. The tapes are unedited and these superb stereo soundboard recordings rival the official release for sound quality. The set list comprised songs from Cream, Derek & The Dominos, and Eric’s first solo album. Also, this set may just settle the argument of Fender Stratocaster v. Gibson Les Paul as Eric played “Blackie” at the first show and a Les Paul at the second. Give a listen and decide for yourself. This title was first issued as a “limited” edition in Japan and later, as a non-limited edition in the rest of the world.
Note: The Slowhand Masterfile Part 3B / Rainbow Theater 13 January (Antrabata / SB6) contains a complete recording of the late show. Only four of the 15 tracks from this set made it to the official release. Although two other titles exist — Eric Clapton’s The Rainbow Outtakes (Capricorn / SB5) and Rainbow Concert(ARMS / SB5) — they are compilations from the early and late shows and are incomplete.
Where’s ERIC! does not encourage or condone the manufacture of bootleg recordings. They are illegal and artists do not receive royalties from their sale. However, Where’s ERIC! realizes that there are fans who collect these recordings. In that spirit, information about them is provided for fans’ research and guidance purposes. Where’s ERIC! does not sell, trade or provide free copies of bootleg recordings nor can we tell you how to obtain them.
