NEC, Birmingham, England
30th April 2004

Review by : Simon Hadley

It was a relief when Eric Clapton stepped out onto the stage looking unshaven, wearing jeans, shirt and a guitar at the Birmingham NEC last night. I 'm not alone in the belief that his late eighties/early nineties excursion into bland M.O.R. rock was intrinsically linked with his decline into Miami Vice style Armani suits (complete with rolled up sleeves) .It's a bit of a cliché I know, but contented middle-aged millionaires and the blues just don't seem to mix; life is just a little to comfortable. In contrast at the NEC, Clapton - influenced by the angry modern blues of contemporary groups such as the White Stripes, Black Keys and The Von Bondies - appears to have rediscovered the electric form of the 1960s that inspired the graffiti-proclaiming mantra 'Clapton is God'. As an aspiring teenage rock guitarist I was in awe of Clapton's early recordings with The Yardbirds, The Bluesbreakers and then Cream. It is from this illustrious back catalogue combined with his new album ,a tribute to blues legend Robert Johnson, that the majority of last night's set was drawn. Highlights being a stripped-down Wonderful Tonight, an upbeat Badge and a metallic Cocaine. My personal favourite was a stunning emotive version of the blues classic Have You Ever Loved a Woman originally recorded by Eric on the album Layla. It was Eric Clapton at his best and I am grateful that I got to see it. 'Eric Clapton is God'... maybe. Wonderful tonight ?... definitely.

Review by : Kevin Noon

First saw EC in 1976 @ Lancaster Uni. Friday surpassed everything I had expected from the concert, especially as managed to be only ten rows from the front - missed the standing up.

EC's guitar work as ever is sublime, powerful and addictive. This should be required listening for all children starting out listening to music, even if they never listen again.

Look forward to the next tour!

Review by : Simon Hadley, Birmingham Post

It was a relief when Eric Clapton stepped out onto the stage looking unshaven, wearing jeans, shirt and a guitar at the Birmingham NEC last night. I 'm not alone in the belief that his late eighties/early nineties excursion into bland M.O.R. rock was intrinsically linked with his decline into Miami Vice style Armani suits (complete with rolled up sleeves). It's a bit of a cliche I know, but contented middle-aged millionaires and the blues just don't seem to mix; life is just a little to comfortable. In contrast at the NEC, Clapton - influenced by the angry modern blues of contemporary groups such as the White Stripes, Black Keys and The Von Bondies - appears to have rediscovered the electric form of the 1960s that inspired the graffiti-proclaiming mantra 'Clapton is God'. As an aspiring teenage rock guitarist I was in awe of Clapton's early recordings with The Yardbirds, The Bluesbreakers and then Cream. It is from this illustrious back catalogue combined with his new album ,a tribute to blues legend Robert Johnson, that the majority of last night's set was drawn. Highlights being a stripped-down Wonderful Tonight, an upbeat Badge and a metallic Cocaine. My personal favourite was a stunning emotive version of the blues classic Have You Ever Loved a Woman originally recorded by Eric on the album Layla. It was Eric Clapton at his best and I am grateful that I got to see it. 'Eric Clapton is God'... maybe. Wonderful tonight ?... definitely.

Review by : Paul

E.C. was awesome, a guitar genius at work. Sound quality was excellent, considering the NEC. is a giant barn with poor acoustics. Backing band was brilliant, but I must admit I've probably not seen Eric play better, but I have been to better Clapton concerts. With the high price of the tickets I would have expected a longer show - at least another 40 minutes. I'm sorry to say I think I only got half a concert for my money - too many of Clapton's classic songs were sadly omitted. But he is still a "guitar god !!"

Review by : Kevin Eva

The most incredible concert I have ever seen Clapton at his best lots of tracks from the new album Me and Mr Johnson as well as old favourites this guy just gets better and better you just got to get a ticket !!!!!

Review by : Paul

I've loved the guy for 35 years, got all the albums, been thrilled by 10+ concerts but last night's show at the NEC was a disaster. Eric played as well as I can remember and the band and support were excellent but the sound quality was appalling, probably the worst I have ever heard. Your still the greatest Eric but for but for God's sake loose your sound engineers before you disappoint any more dedicated fans.

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