With 1985, the “Golden Age of Bootlegs” begins. For the next decade, gorgeous sounding and beautifully packaged discs would be the rule, rather than the exception for many recording artists. Often, they would come with detailed liner notes.
In 1985, Eric and his band was on the road in support of Behind The Sun. For fans, the tour also marked the beginning of the era of static, or unchanging, set lists. With his appearance at Live Aid in July, Eric’s career reached even greater heights.
The essential Eric Clapton bootlegs recordings from 1985 are:
Wembley Arena (Tube / SB5)
This is a complete performance recorded on 3 March 1985. Eric’s playing has more bite than the 1984 Australian tour. It features the rarely performed “Everybody Oughta Make A Change” — plus Dan Akroyd (of Blues Brothers and US Television’s Saturday Night Live) guests on the encore.
Chicago No Bad Blues (Tarantura / SB6)
A truly excellent soundboard recorded during the American Tour on 5 July 1985 and a very good concert. It features gems like “Motherless Children”, “White Room”, “Badge / Let It Rain” and “Forever Man”.
Talk To The Boss (Bell Bottom / SB6)
Wonderful Tonight / On Stage (The Swingin’ Pig / SB6 / Discs 5 and 6)
Portions of this show, which was recorded in Richmond, Virginia on 22 April 1985, were broadcast on American Radio. One of the best live versions of “Same Old Blues” along with a terrific “Further On Up The Road” (which has a fun intro by Duck Dunn). See the Box Sets section for details about the Wonderful Tonight release.
Civic Hall Guildford (EC is Here / 4+)
Eric’s UK tour had taken place in the Spring. This one-off on 20 October at Guildford Civic Hall was the night before Eric was a guest at the filming of Carl Perkins & Friends: A Rockabilly Session. This gig also served as a warm-up for Eric’s European tour which started on 23 October. Vocals are clear and the guitar is upfront, although the sound is a bit boomy. This release is a distinct improvement over previous releases of this show. Mid-80s takes on “Tulsa Time,” “Same Old Blues,” “Tangled In Love,” “White Room,” and “Double Trouble.” “Knock on Wood” is not listed on the packaging. Phil Collins sits behind the drum kit on the last 5 tracks. Carl Perkins joins in on the final four: “Matchbox,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Goodnight Irene,” and “Mean Woman Blues.”
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.
