2003 was another relatively quiet year. Eric spent several months recording a new solo album of original material (pending release in 2005) as well as a tribute disc to the songs of Robert Johnson. As usual, Eric participated in a few benefit concerts including the Teenage Cancer Trust, UNICEF, Lincoln Center Jazz Foundation and Pavarotti & Friends / SOS Iraq. A Japan Tour rounded out the year. The tour is important as it heralded the high-energy shows of 2004 and a return Eric’s Guitar God status of decades past.
The best bootlegs from 2003 are:
Mersey River Side Blues (EC is Here / 5)
Although much of the material on this 3 CD set has been officially released on CD and DVD, it is included here for the rehearsal material it contains. The rehearsal tracks are a unique insight into how Eric “gets it together” before a concert. The show was also historically important as it marked the first time Eric worked with John Mayall in many years.
Turn The Lights Out At SSA (Kamikaze / 5)
Recorded at Saitama Super Arena on 24 November 2003. Eric had an “off” night the evening before in Nagoya so in Saitama he really went all out. Very good sound, with a teeny bit of clapping near the taper that can be a bit distracting. “Holy Mother” was a true standout. Also features some songs not performed during the 2004 World Tour: “When You Got A Good Friend,” “Crossroads,” “Bell Bottom Blues,” “White Room” and more.
How Long Must This Go On (Kamikaze / 6)
Recorded on 30 November, Eric’s second night in residency at Tokyo’s Budokan. Steve Gadd was an absolute monster and Eric and the gang turn it up a notch in response. A slightly different set list from the above entry. It has a bonus track of Eric’s solo on “Kind Hearted Woman” from his wireless guitar feed. The master au naturel.
Note: For the completists, a deluxe box set of the entire tour was released by EC is Here in a limited edition of 300. Entitled “Eric Clapton: Just For You - 18 Days” all shows are very good to excellent (5 to 6) 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.
