Tour Programmes, in addition to being a souvenir of a night out, are often a useful reference tool. Often, they contain brief biographies of band members, discographies, tour itineraries and a wealth of other information. Sometimes for high-profile one-off events, special concert programmes are printed. They have become highly collectible in recent years.
The below list fetaures many of Eric’s tour and one-off concert programmes by year starting in 1968. The tour name (if any) or event name is provided along with a brief summary of the contents, if available. All contain numerous photographs. In the sixties, many venues printed their own programmes for a concert or covering a week of shows, similar to a theatre programme. Prior to 1974, tour programmes were mostly a collection of photographs with minimal or no written content.
1968:
Cream / U.S.
Photographs of the band, short bios, minimal text
1969:
Blind Faith / U.S.
Photographs of the band
Delaney & Bonnie & Friends / Europe & U.K.
1970:
Derek & The Dominos / U.K. Tour
1974:
461 Ocean Boulevard / U.S.
Musical family tree; brief band member biographies
461 Ocean Boulevard / Japan
Extensive, uncredited essay in Japanese; biographical information
1975:
Eric Clapton & His Band / New Zealand & Australia
Eric Clapton & His Band / U.S.
Biographical essay
Eric Clapton & His Band / Japan
Three or four uncredited essays in Japanese; history of Clapton; rock family tree
1976:
No Reason To Cry Tour / UK
Fold-out musical family tree
[Note: A “one off” programme was printed for the 31 July concert at Crystal Palace for Garden Party IX]
No Reason To Cry Tour / U.S.
Rock family tree
No Reason To Cry Tour / Japan
Extensive, uncredited essay in Japanese
1977:
Eric Clapton & His Band / Slim Chance Tour With Ronnie Lane / UK
Humorous, tongue-in-cheek interview with Clapton by Anne Nightingale
1978:
Eric Clapton & His Band / U.S. & Canada Tour
Tour notes by John Pidgeon (author of Conversation with Eric Clapton 1976); comments from Eric on the difference between studio recording and live performances
Picnic At Blackbushe Aerodome / UK
Contains excerpts from the above listed tour program; main essay is about Bob Dylan. This programme was created for a day-long music festival that featured not only Bob Dylan and EC, but also Joan Armatrading, Graham Parker & The Rumour, and Lake.
1979:
Eric Clapton & His Band / Israel
Printed for the four dates in Tel Aviv and one date in Jersualem
Eric Clapton & His Band / North American Tour
Chronology of EC’s career; Eric’s thoughts about each of his albums from 461 Ocean Boulevard through Backless; reflections on the upcoming tour
Eric Clapton & His Band / Japan
1980:
Just One Night Tour / UK
Essay on Eric Clapton (uncredited), tour itinerary, band lineup and bios, photos of EC through the years, discography, bio on Chas & Dave (tour support)
1981:
Another Ticket Tour / U.S.
Essay by Ray Coleman on Clapton the man and musician, expanded from the 1980 tour programme Ray Coleman was Editor In Chief of Melody Maker (note that the 1980 essay was uncredited); discography
Secret Policeman’s Other Ball
Programme created for charity event at London’s Theatre Royal
Eric Clapton & His Band / Japan
Essays in Japanese by Haruko Minakami, Keisuke Kuwata, Ryusuke Akatsuka, and Nobuhiko Kadokawa; band member biographies, photos
1983:
Money & Cigarettes / U.S., Europe & U.K.
Essay by Ray Coleman; contains the usual historical information plus commentary on making the Money & Cigarettes album; discography
ARMS Concerts / U.K.
Programme for the two concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis research.
1984:
Roger Water’s Pros & Cons of Hitch Hiking / Europe, U.K., U.S. and Canada
EC joined Roger Water’s band for this tour
Eric Clapton & His Band / Australia
1985:
Behind The Sun Tour / U.K. & Scandinavia
Essay by Ray Coleman which emphasizes Eric’s improving vocal skills, his blues musicianship, and thoughts behind selecting Phil Collins as producer. It notes that EC’ favorite song on Behind The Sun is “Never Make You Cry”, which he then believed to be a worthy sequel to “Wonderful Tonight”, plus tour dates, Clapton Band family tree, photos. Cover has photo of EC from the “Forever Man” video shoot
Behind The Sun Tour / Japan
Essays in Japanese by Age Ogura, Atsumasa Fukasu, and Kaz Utsunomiya; musical family tree, photos. Programme cover based on “Behind The Sun” album artwork.
Behind The Sun Tour / U.S.
Essay by Ray Coleman (same as U.K. & Scandinavia programme), photos revised, tour itinerary. Programme cover is based on “Behind The Sun” album artwork.
Live Aid / July
One programme was created for the charity concerts which took place in London and Philadelphia
1986:
The Prince’s Trust Birthday Party
Programme for the multi-act concert at Wembley Arena to raise funds for The Prince’s Trust
Four Piece Band / Scandinavia, Europe & U.K.
1987:
Four Piece Band / U.K. & Europe
Short comments from EC, bios on Nathan East, Greg Phillinganes, Steve Ferrone and Big Town Playboys (tour support), lots of photos
Four Piece Band / U.S.
Short comments from EC and Phil Collins, bios on Nathan East, Greg Phillinganes and Robert Cray Band (tour support), lots of photos
The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala
Programme for two multi-act concerts at Wembley Arena to raise funds for The Prince’s Trust
Eric Clapton & His Band / Japan
Essays by Tsuneo O’Mori, Hiroyuki Aida and Yasafumi Amatatsu, list of band members (EC, Nathan East, Steve Ferrone, Alan Clark), photos of EC, bio and photos of Robert Cray Band (tour support)
1988:
Eric Clapton & His Band / U.K.
Colour cover, black and white text / photos interior pages. Essay with quotes from EC
25th Anniversary Tour / U.S.
Lengthy, uncredited essay reviewing Eric’s career from 1963-1988; many photos of rare memorabilia
1989:
Eric Clapton & His Band / Royal Albert Hall, London
Short essay provides overview of EC’s activities and triumphs during each month of 1988
Eric Clapton XI Cricket Tour / UK
Details the formation of Clapton’s cricket team by David English; cartoon drawings of each team member and photographs
[Note: One-off programmes were printed for each of EC’s concerts in Swaziland and Botswana]
1990:
Journeyman Tour / UK and Europe
Reflections on 1989 including recording of Journeyman; overview of his recent career; comments by EC, commentary by Russ Titelman; chronology of Gianni Versace; complete list of EC’s Desert Island Discs, photos of individual band members, photo recap of 1989, profile of Zucchero Fornaciari (tour support UK), tour itinerary, list of various lineups for RAH (4 Piece, 13 Piece, Blues Band, Orchestra) and Europe.
Journeyman Tour / U.S.
Reflections on 1989 including recording of Journeyman; overview of his recent career; comments by EC, commentary by Russ Titelman; chronology of Gianni Versace; complete list of EC’s Desert Island Discs, photos of individual band members, photo recap of 1989. Revised from UK and Europe Tour.
The Silver Clef Award Winners
Programme for multi-act the one-off charity concert at Knebworth, U.K. on 30 June to raise funds for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy. Two page spread on EC with bio and photos
1991:
24 Nights / Royal Albert Hall, London
Two versions - the pink bordered cover with sketch of EC was withdrawn after the first night. Remaining dates had a colour photograph of EC. Comments by EC, list of various lineups for RAH (4 Piece, 9 Piece, Blues Band, Orchestra), bios of band members, recap of 1990 including a list of all concert performances
Rock Legends: George Harrison With Eric Clapton & His Band / Japan In Japanese; essays by Ichiro Fukuda and Reiko Yukawa; uncredited biographies of Harrison and Clapton
1992:
Eric Clapton & His Band / RAH and UK
Brief uncredited essay on 1991 and early 1992 activities; band member biographies; comments on 24 Nights Project by Russ Titelman; musical family tree; essay on the U.S. Viewpoint by Dan Neer; essay on UK Viewpoint by Ray Coleman; short, uncredited essays on Rush and Unplugged
Eric Clapton & His Band / U.S.
Programme essentially the same as above, revised to reflect US dates and 1992 activities
Eric Clapton & Elton John Tour / UK, Europe, and U.S.
Double tour program also featuring Elton John. Edited version of the RAH / U.S. Programs, 1992 activities slightly revised; band member biographies; essay on UK Viewpoint by Ray Coleman; uncredited essay on Unplugged
1993:
Eric Clapton & His Band / Royal Albert Hall, London
Introductory essay by Eric; uncredited essay on his blues roots; band member biographies; overview of Clapton’s 1992 activities
Eric Clapton & His Band / Japan
Essays by Ichiro Fukuda and Hiroshi Ohtomo in Japanese language; rest is translation of the 1993 RAH Program adding in the 1993 Grammy Awards
1994:
Royal Albert Hall / UK
Historical essay on Eric’s appearances from 1964-1990 at the venue; brief comments and set lists for years 1987-1990; reproduction of some newspaper articles. A special “one off” programme was printed for the 28 February concert which was EC’s 100th at the Royal Albert Hall. It served as a fundraiser for Children in Crisis.
Nothing But The Blues / U.S.
Brief historical essay; lengthy interview with Clapton, both uncredited
T.J. Martell Foundation / New York City
Programme was created for the fundraising concert at Avery Fisher Hall in New York on 2 May.
1995:
Nothing But The Blues / RAH, UK, and Europe
Same as U.S. Nothing But The Blues Programme (above) with updated dates / venues
Nothing But The Blues / U.S.
Same as above with updated dates / venues
Nothing But The Blues / Japan
1996:
Eric Clapton & His Band / Royal Albert Hall / UK
Essay by Ray Coleman; band member biographies
Masters of Music Concert For The Prince’s Trust / Hyde Park, London
Brief biography
1997:
Legends / European Jazz Festivals
A tour programme was not created for the “jazz tour” which featured EC, Marcus Miller, Steve Gadd, David Sanborn and Joe Sample. Programmes were distributed at each festival and included all the acts slated to appear. They featured a short article about the musicians and photographs.
Music For Montserrat / Royal Albert Hall
Brief biography, photograph
Eric Clapton & His Band / Japan
Essay by Ray Coleman; band member biographies. Appears to be a direct translation of the 1996 RAH Program
1998:
Pilgrim Tour / U.S.
Brief biographies of each band member (and support acts) including Eric, Eric’s comments on each song on his “Pilgrim” CD
Pilgrim Tour / Canada, UK and Europe
Same as above
1999:
Eric Clapton & His Band / Japan
Very similar to the 1998 Pilgrim Tour Programmes content translated into Japanese with a different cover. For the Japan tour, programmes came in custom made envelope. The envelopes came in three different colors: red, grey and black and were closed with an EC sticker.
2000:
Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame / New York City
Programme created for the annual induction ceremony, distributed to attendees. Eric was inducted as a solo artist on 6 March
2001:
An Evening With Wyclef / New York City
Carnegie Hall programme distributed to concert-goers. EC was part of a multi-act charity concert raising funds for Clef’s Kids.
Reptile Tour / UK and Europe
Introduction by Eric and lengthy interview. Band member and support act biographies. Paulinho DaCosta on percussion for this leg of the tour only.
Reptile Tour / US and Canada
Same as above except Billy Preston joins the band
Songwriters Hall Of Fame / New York City
Photograph and bio. Annual induction ceremony programme from the 14 June event.
Wintershall ‘01 / Wintershall, Surrey
Programme created for charity concert in aid of HASTE. Photo and few sentences about E.C. who performed with the Band du Lac
Reptile Tour / South America
Same as above except Greg Phillinganes replaced Billy Preston on keyboards.
Reptile Tour / Japan
Japanese language version of the tour program. Lineup is the same as South America. The program came inside a sturdy, beige envelope. Each night, a limited number were sold with dated city / venue stickers.
2002:
The Queen’s Concerts / Buckingham Palace
Photos and text. Special concert to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee
Concert For George / Royal Albert Hall
Distributed to all attendees at the one-off concert to celebrate George Harrison’s musical legacy.
2003:
Teenage Cancer Trust / Royal Albert Hall, London
Programme created for the week-long series of concerts.
Pavarotti & Friends / Modena, Italy
Programme created for the charity concert
John Mayall & Friends / Liverpool, U.K.
Programme created for fundraising concert for UNICEF and to celebrate John Mayall’s 70th birthday.
Just For You / Japan
A Japanese language tour program which includes band member bios and a detailed photographic retrospective of Eric’s 40-year career. Many of the photos are rare or previously unpublished. Includes a brief introduction by Eric in English. Tour itinerary.
2004:
The Last Fling at Guildford Civic Hall / Guildford, UK
photos and comments on performances that took place at the venue between 1962 and the closing night.
One Generation 4 Another / Royal Albert Hall, London
One night benefit concert - bio and photo of EC, other performers
Eric Clapton & His Band / Europe and UK
A 40-year pictorial journey through Clapton’s career. Layout / photos vary extensively from the 2003 program. Into by EC, band member bios, tour dates / venues.
Crossroads Guitar Festival / Dallas, TX
Message from Eric Clapton, information on Crossroads Centre, musician bios, event schedule
Eric Clapton & His Band / US
List of US dates / venues. Each program came with a CD single of “If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day” (from EC’s 2004 album “Me & Mr. Johnson”). Some minor revisons from the Euro / UK programme
2005:
Tsunami Relief / Cardiff, Wales
Brief bio of Eric, two photos. Programme was created especially for the one-off benefit concert at Millennium Stadium on 22 January. Includes bios / photos of all other participating artists and articles about the Tsunami Relief effort. Portions of the text in Welsh.
Cream Reunion / London
Complete list of all Cream concert appearances 1966-Present, extensive programme notes including a “History of Cream” by Chris Welch, bios of Eric, Jack and Ginger, discography, images of memorabilia, numerous archival and rehearsal photos.
Picnic By The Lake / Wintershall, Surrey
Programme for charity concert featuring the Band du Lac and guest star EC
Cream Reunion / New York City
Essentially the same as above. Tour dates updated to reflect NYC concerts, photos from London shows added.
2006:
Eric Clapton & His Band / Europe and UK
List of concert dates / venues (including cancelled Moscow concert), message from Eric, essay “Since We Last Met” (by Tony Edser / Where’s Eric!), musician bios, pictorial history of tour programmes from 1964 to present, including concert and band lineup details, UK discography. Cover of tour programme has lettering in orange and yellow, cover image is EC’s hand on a Strat neck (from behind).
Highclere Rocks / UK
One off event at Highclere Castle. Multi-act picnic concert, EC sat in with the Band du Lac. Photo and brief bio of EC
Eric Clapton & His Band / US and Canada - Eastern Regions
List of concert dates / venues revised for US and Canada, message from Eric, essay “Since We Last Met” (by Tony Edser / Where’s Eric!, revised for US), musician bios (revised to reflect band changes), bio of The Robert Cray Band (tour support), pictorial history of tour programmes from 1964 to present, including concert and band lineup details (revised and expanded), US discography. Cover of tour programme changed; has lettering in blue and dark beige, cover photo of Eric playing a stratocaster.
Eric Clapton & His Band / Japan
List of concert dates revised for Japan, message from Eric (in Japanese), essay “Since We Last Met” (by Tony Edser / Where’s Eric!, in Japanese), musician bios (in Japanese), pictorial history of tour programmes from 1964 to present, including concert and band lineup details (same as US, in English), album discography, photo recap of Cream Reunion 2005 / London. Two versions of the programmed were sold using the cover art from the Europe / UK and US / Canada tours.
2007
Eric Clapton & His Band / Far East and Down Under
Information needed
Eric Clapton & His Band / US and Canada - Western Regions
List of concert dates / venues revised for US and Canada, message from Eric, essay “Since We Last Met” (by Tony Edser / Where’s Eric!), musician bios, bio of The Robert Cray Band (tour support), pictorial history of tour programmes from 1964 to present, including concert and band lineup details, US discography. Cover of tour programme changed; has stylized image of Eric playing guitar, lettering is black outlined in white (on black cover).
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Did we miss a tour programme? If you have one in your collection and would like to share the information with fans around the world, please send a description of it to The Where’s Eric! Team by email so we can add it to this list.
