Eric toured in support of the now-classic album, Slowhand. Although blues legend Muddy Waters was the opener, Eric did not bring him on stage to jam as he had done with Freddie King in 1976. The tour was Eric’s most extensive since 1975. Despite this, numerous titles have not surfaced. 1978 shows are mainly the province of the trading community.
The core collection of Eric Clapton bootlegs from 1978 are:
Bottom Dollar (Bell Bottom / SB6)
Wonderful Tonight / On Stage (The Swingin’ Pig / SB6 - Discs 1 & 2)
Slowhand Backless on the Road (EC is Here / SB6)
This show, from the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on 11 February 1978, was broadcast on radio and has been widely booted. Almost all are incomplete because only seven of the 18 songs performed were broadcast. Bottom Dollar is a complete soundboard recording which has a gorgeous version of “Peaches & Diesel” — plus rare tracks like “Rodeo Man”, Fools Paradise” and a late-1970s take on “Bottle Of Red Wine”. All the now-classic tracks from Slowhand are also present. See the Box Sets section for details about the Wonderful Tonight release. Slowhand Backless on the Road also features a complete soundboard recording from Glasgow Apollo on 24 November 1978.
Ripley’s Son (Blackie / 3)
Although this audience recording is not on par with many others listed here, it is essential because Muddy Waters, Jerry Portnoy, George Harrison and Elton John all stepped out on stage for the encores (Standing Around Cryin and Further On Up The Road). This was also the final show of the tour and took place at Eric’s hometown venue, the Guildford Civic Hall.
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.
