Eric started 1989 with his third residency at the Royal Albert Hall. He spent the spring in New York City recording Journeyman. In the summer, the mammoth Journeyman Tour started in Europe, followed by dates in Africa and Israel. In October, he would guest at several Rolling Stones Concerts in America.
The best Eric Clapton bootleg recordings from 1989 are:
Beetle Clasher (Tarantura / SB6) - Preferred
The Twelfth Night (Silver Rarities / SB5)
Beetle Clasher is the complete show from 3 February 1989, Twelfth Night is missing Mark Knopfler’s solo number, “Solid Rock”. Despite the different sound ratings, the sound quality between the two discs is fairly close and hard to detect on the average home stereo system. This concert featured the rarely performed “Behind The Mask.” There’s great interplay between Eric and Knopfler on “Lay Down Sally”, “Can’t Find My Way Home”, and “I Shot The Sheriff”.
Roomful Of Blues (Whatever – WER06-07 / SB6)
Roomful Of Blues (Whatever - WER13-14 / SB6)
Eric has historically played excellent shows in The Netherlands. This 6 July 1989 show at Den Hague is no exception. A stunning soundboard, the show starts with a jaw-dropping version of “Crossroads” and segues into a wah-wah fueled “White Room”. Great versions of “I Shot The Sheriff”, “Can’t Find My Way Home” and “Layla”. Includes the rarely performed “After Midnight”, “Wanna Make Love To You” and “Forever Man.” The crowd sings along on “Wonderful Tonight” and Eric tells them “you were wonderful” and comments “fantastic”. In response, the band kicks it up another notch. The only difference between the two releases is the bonus tracks. The initial release (WER06-07) features “Key To The Highway” from 7 July 1974. The subsequent release includes the officially released live version of “No Alibis” and “I Shot The Sheriff” from the UK “Wonderful Tonight” CD single.
Journeyman Outtakes (ARMS / SB6)
Gems From The Back (label unknown / SB6)
This is the second set of studio outtakes to make it to the list. This behind-the-scenes look at songs in progress was recorded during March / April 1989 in New York City. Both titles contain instrumentals, unreleased or alternate takes, and different mixes than found on the officially relased Journeyman and Lethal Weapon 2 CDs. Some prefer this recording of “Hard Times” to the one that was released on Journeyman.
Honorable Mention:
Rolling Stones / Atlantic City 1989 (label / ##)
For those who like the Stones and want to check out an Eric in a “guest spot”, search out this four CD set. Soundboard
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.
