Eric toured extensively in 1987 in support of August with dates in England, America, Australia and Japan. The year would mark the first of his annual residencies at London’s Royal Albert Hall. They would continue for the next decade. The Albert shows, along with scattered US dates, were recorded for a official live album that was later shelved. The tour was well-documented by archivists and numerous soundboard recordings have become available.
To build a core collection of Eric Clapton bootleg recordings from 1987, seek out:
On Tour 87 Parts 1 & 2 (Silver Rarities / SB5)
This complete show, with guests Phil Collins and Mark Knopfler, features great versions of “White Room” and “I Shot The Sheriff”. This show was recorded on 12 January 1987.
Note: 3 Nights (Zigzag Records / SB6) features all the performances from the inaugural RAH run, but it suffers from a heavy hand on the mixing deck and there is some sound distortion. The set list was the same each night. Some collectors have noted it may not be worthy of the SB6 rating. Phil Collins did not appear on 10 January and Steve Ferrone took the seat behind the drums.
Same Old Blues (Scorpion / SB6) or MSG 1987 (Imperial / SB6)
This fantastic show was recorded on 27 April 1987 at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. It includes a stunning “Holy Mother” — plus “Miss You”, “Tearing Us Apart”, and the rest of the late-1980s standards. Robert Cray joins the band for the encore. Some feel that this was the best show from the tour… it was one of “those” nights. This show was also recorded for the live album that was cancelled.
Ronnie Scotts 87 (Gold Standard / SB5)
Although the voices are not always audible, this double CD documents a rare London club appearance by Eric with Buddy Guy on 6 October 1987. In an interview for the South Bank Show a few days prior to this event, Eric said that when he is around Buddy Guy, “something happens, some strange chemical reaction.” This disc is perfect evidence of that. It has a fantastic version of “Worried Life Blues” —but the real gem is a down-and-dirty version of “Wanna Make Love To You”.
Black Magic Woman (EC Is Here - DJ Copy / 4+)
Over the years, Eric has played at a variety of small charity gigs with a pickup band of friends in front of a few lucky people. Not only do these gigs include his hits, they often feature rock and roll standards and obscure blues songs. On these occasions, Eric does not always step up to the mic for all the songs. Performances are often unpolished as it is simply a pickup band of friends getting together to jam for a good cause. On 27 March 1987, Eric played the clubhouse at Cranleigh Golf & Country Club. A lovely audience recording, the fun the entire band is having comes through the recording. Includes “Route 66”, “Black Magic Woman”, “Alberta”, “Hi Heel Sneakers”. Plus songs from Eric’s catalog like “Tulsa Time,” and “Behind The Mask.” The two CDs were packaged in a deluxe box with a bonus video of Eric’s episode of The Southbank Show.
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.
