A portion of 1986 was dedicated to recording a new album and concert dates were few. Eric played seven shows in Europe and England in the summer followed by four club dates in America in the late Fall. The latter gigs served as a warm-up for his massive 1987 world tour.
The best bootleg recordings from 1986 are:
Get Plugged In! (MidValley / SB6)
Montreaux 1986 (The Swingin’ Pig / SB6)
This three-CD set was recorded on 9 and 10 July 1986 in Montreaux, Switzerland during the city’s legendary jazz festival. The first two discs are Eric’s entire set with his new four-piece line-up featuring Phil Collins, Nathan East, and Greg Phillinganes. There is an excellent version of “Cocaine”. Portions of this show were aired on French and Swiss radio, but these discs were sourced from the master tape. The third disc features Otis Rush’s set with a guest appearance by Eric. Note: Although other titles with same sound quality have been issued, they are all incomplete.
Ringtrick (MidValley / SB6)
EC at NEC (EC Is Here / SB6)
Slowhand Masterfile Part 13 / Birmingham NEC (Antrabata / SB5)
These three releases, recorded on 15 July 1986, are complete and contain material not included on the officially released video and DVD, Eric Clapton & Friends, which clocks in at 60-minutes. These titles are not sourced from the video or released singles, but a different soundboard master. EC at NEC and Ringtrick are of slightly better quality. Unissued tracks include, “I Shot The Sheriff”, “Same Old Blues”, “Cocaine”, and “Further On Up The Road” — plus Phil Collins on drums.
Blood Brother (Tarantura / SB6)
At The Ritz / Breeze of August (Craze Music / SB6)
This 23 November 1986 show, from The Ritz in New York City, was recording during 4 date US club tour. Eric debuts his new four-piece line-up with Nathan East, Greg Phillinganes, and Steve Ferrone. Keith Richards guests on “Cocaine” and “Layla”. This is one of the few releases with “It’s In The Way That You Use It”. Eric and band are laid back and full of fun.
Note: There are several other boots from this show available that are extremely poor audience recordings.
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.
