Review by Shaun Hague
Clapton and crew made a stop through Anaheim last night and melted the Pond! It was another guitar-extravaganza and no one was left dissapointed. I have to say that there wasn't as much energy in this show, but being a professional/touring musician myself, I know towards the end of a tour you do get tired. That aside, the musicianship was still excellent and everyone ripped on their instruments. Derek Trucks was a highlight yet again during this performance. Much like the Los Angeles show, he was featured more than any other band member. He gets some serious tone out of his vintage Gibson SG and has the feel of a seasoned pro. One notable set change was replacing "Anyday", with "Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad". I am glad I got to see them pull this one off, because Eric and Derek played some amazing guitar work. They jammed together for about five minutes straight, playing off one another's guitar lick's and showing what a talent both men really are. Doyle also came through on "Little Queen of Spades" by doing some sweet Albert King blues riffs (listen to the live version of "Blues Power" by Albert and you know what I am talking about).
In my last review, I rambled on about Eric's playing..but you can't say much more about the man. I am looking forward to his Book/DVD coming out in the near future and for the next tour. I think that any music fan should check out a Clapton concert at some point in their lives. He doesn't run around the stage or have crazy pyro fireworks going off, he doesn't need to. You should just go, sit, listen and watch the man do what he does best. I truly believe Eric is one of the best performers and musicians in the world. His influence on music has stretched over 40 years and will always been a dominent force in the music world. Thank you Eric for sharing your talent and influencing not only generations of guitarists, but for making me love the guitar and a little thing called the blues.
Review by Eileen - Blond Rocker
17 March 2007 - St. Patrick's Day
California
God Shines on Anaheim
no JJ last night. He probably is ensconced in Escondido once more.
But, In a word, the gig was:
great.
Switched out "Anyday" for "Why Does Love....". Nice treat.
I believe, and could be mistaken, the boys actually rehearsed before the gig. You see, with me, it's always good, good to hear EC and the band play. But some nights, well, it's just up a notch or two or more with no mistakes, no running to the microphone, forgetting words, etc. For those of you who have had the good fortune of seeing a few shows on this tour, I know you know what I mean - "god" is not perfect - and he's still god! God he's good!
Last night was near perfect (my PERFECT fantasy show has EC doing 22 encore songs - so I'll keep that one in my dreams). In San Diego, there was one encore song as they did "Cocaine" in the sit down set with JJ Cale. Last night, the encore was back to Cocaine and Crossroads. Robert Cray was "on" last night. He was up there, during his set and then later with EC for Crossroads (I like Robert Cray!).
The audience was up and/or dancing for all songs, at least in my section. (I kept looking back to the rest of the audience and the entire Honda Center was up and out of their seats). Age group was an eclectic mix of baby boomers solos, date night couples, baby boomers with pre-teen and post teen children, grandparents, great grandparents, and 20-30 year olds just rockin' and enjoying the great music. When we entered the Honda Center, there was a woman with a young child - no older than 7. EC's music brings so many different types of people together...it's just lovely, or as me Brit friends say - "luv-ly".
Doyle was very very good, seemed like he was easing into something last night which might present itself after Derek leaves the tour tonight...just a Blond Rocker thought.
Derek's slide behaved beautifully as it sang to EC's throughout the night. Willie, Steve and Tim rocked. Chris was smiling all night. Top night!
EC was up there. His solos left me breathless. His voice was stronger than the Wednesday and Thursday gigs . He roared a few times (you know the EC roar?), had not heard the "roar" at Staples or San Diego. Someone mentioned cough drop usage sightings on stage at earlier gigs in Dallas and OKC.
I shed a tiny tear during "Running on Faith". Have heard the song a dozen million times, and then last night, there it was, that tiny spec of water on me cheek. He really is God! (well that's what the man behind me said, so it must be true).
And, oh yes, EC took a haircut!
My friend and I danced during "Wonderful Tonight". It's not my favorite song, (but I know he HAS to play it for the masses). The song sounded so wonderful, it just seemed right to dance.
Review by Brian Rogers
This was my 4th Clapton show of the current tour, having caught him in Paris last May and 2 of the 3 Madison Square Garden shows in NY last fall (is there an arena with worse acoustics in the world than the Garden). This was the best of the 4 I've seen and it's great to see how Derek Trucks' role in the band has increased over the tour. Doyle is a competent guitar player but, as in the past, he had trouble showcasing his talents when sharing the stage with the likes of Derek and Eric. Highlights of the show were Little Wing and the amazing guitar work at the end of Why does Love Got To Be So Sad between DT and EC. Outside Woman Blues was a highlight in the acoustic set which featured Derek on the National Steel. The new arrangement for Key To The Highway seemed a little off - like the tempo just didn't work for the song. Motherless Children was, as usual, incredible, but I preferred when all three guitar players were not doing the slide part and Derek was driving the rhythm - it was a better contrast. The encore seemed particularly energetic and it was great to see the band cooking at that high level of energy at the end of the show. I think Clapton found something special on this tour in the person of Derek Trucks and it will be interesting to see how the remaining shows will go without that amazing slide guitar player. Clapton, by the way, is still God!
Review by Douglas Wickham
My wife and I went to see Eric Clapton in concert at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, and we were very disappointed. EC has enough top hits in his lengthy career that he could have filled an entire concert with his best songs, including many from his Cream years. However, we walked out half way through the second set because he indulged himself in R&B guitar virtuoso and forgot that he had an audience that was starved to hear his hits. If we could demand our money back, we would.
