The song “After Midnight” was written by J.J. Cale. In 1970, Eric recorded it for his first solo album, “Eric Clapton.” Released as a single, it peaked at #18 on the U.S. charts. The album is still available on CD. An alternate version recorded in 1970 is available on the box set, “Crossroads”.
In September 1987, Eric re-recorded the song for use in a Michelob Beer commercial. It was issued as a single in 1988 to promote Eric’s first box set, “Crossroads.” Although the single is long out of print, the box set is still widely available. At the time it was released, it was quite controversial and seen as inappropriate as Eric was a practicing alcoholic.
In June 2004, Eric and J.J. Cale performed the number at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas, Texas. It is available on the DVD of the festival.
The version most widely heard on radio today is the 1987 re-recording.
