Eric returned to the road in earnest in 1983. The tour supported his most recent album, Money and Cigarettes. The tour encompassed most of the year and it has been well-documented by collectors.
Eric also took part in a series of all-star concerts to benefit Multiple Sclerosis research in England and America in the late summer.
The essential Eric Clapton bootlegs from 1983 are:
Slowhand Masterfile Part 9 / National Stadium Dublin (Antrabata / SB6)
This is a complete show, recorded on 14 April 1983, that includes the rarely performed “Ain’t Going Down” and “The Shape You’re In” — plus some 80s Clapton standards like “Tulsa Time”, “Lay Down Sally”, and “Blues Power.”
Back From The Edge (Silver Rarities / SB6)
No One Else (Bell Bottom / SB6)
Wonderful Tonight/On Stage (The Swingin’ Pig / SB6 - Discs 3 and 4).
This complete show was recorded at the Stadhalle in Bremen, Germany on 20 April 1983. It includes all the standard songs of that time — plus “Worried Life Blues”, “Double Trouble”, and “Ramblin’ On My Mind.” See the Box Sets section for details about the Wonderful Tonight release.
Eric Clapton Page & Collins (EC is Here / 4+)
Guildford 1983 (Heartbreakers / 4)
This was Eric’s “hometown show” on 23 May at the Guildford Civic Hall. The setlist was standard for the tour, but the band kicks it up a notch in the second half, especially during the blues medley. The encore starts with “Further On Up The Road” and “Cocaine” featuring Phil Collins and Jimmy Page. They are then joined by Chas & Dave and Paul Brady. The night concludes with “Roll Over Beethoven,” “You Win Again,” “Matchbox” and “Goodnight Irene.”
ARMS Benefit (Posh / SB6)
The ARMS Concert / Live in Cow Palace SF (Heart Breakers / SB4)
Take your pick of one of the superstar ARMS shows that featured Clapton, Beck, Page, Bill Wyman, Joe Cocker, and a bunch of others. ARMS Benefit on Posh was recorded at the Royal Albert Hall on 20 September 1983. It is sourced from the officially released video and is missing a handful of non-Clapton tracks — but has a short interview with Clapton on disc one. The ARMS Concert on Heartbreakers was recorded in San Francisco on 2 December 1983 and features Yardbirds Alumni, Clapton, Beck, and Page on “Stairway to Heaven” AND “Layla”. Note that the set lists between the two are different. If you’re into sound quality, ARMS Benefit from the Albert Hall would be the preferred choice.
Milwaukee Time (Silver Rarities / SB6)
Cocaine & Alcoholic (Imperial / SB6)
This show was recorded on 10 July 1983 during Clapton’s summer shed tour. It includes the rare “Blow Wind Blow” and a marvelous medley consisting of “Don’t Say You Don’t Love Me”, “Have You Ever Loved A Woman”, and Ramblin’ On My Mind”. WOW!
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.
