Eric Clapton and Friends (1988) Reviews

• Vintage Clapton

  ccthemovieman-12006-06-01

  Even though almost all the songs were very familiar by the time I acquired this tape, it's such solid rock 'n roll and offers enough variations on a few favorites that I still enjoy playing this. "Tearing Us Apart" with Clapton and Tina Turner is a highlight of this 62-minute concert, as is the venerable "Crossroads" as Eric puts a few new twists on it. "Layla" is the second-to-last song on the tape and perhaps a fitting way to end viewing this, as the last song, "Sunrise Of Your Love," is not anywhere as good as on Clapton's "24 Nights" concert. There is a rarity in here: a mistake made by Eric (with a "sorry" captioned on the screen) after he plays a sour note. Still, it's vintage Clapton and a very good one-hour concert.

• Sure, Clapton played a wrong note

  daisyfetherweight2007-01-24

  That one mistake at the end of the concert when there is a big "sorry" above Clapton's head is NOT there because of a wrong note Clapton played. Me thinks it was the keyboards that messed up a bit. At around 55 minutes you see a closeup of Clapton's fingers doing their mojo. And then, the viewpoint switches suddenly to a camera on Claptons left so you see him with the keyboards behind him. It is at that time during an otherwise perfect performance that the pitch goes through the ceiling and you see Clapton almost turn green (not really, he laughs it off). The director chose to let you see the guilty party. During that weird second you can still hear Claptons guitar grinding away, undisturbed in the groove. Eastern tapestry alway has one flaw in it because only divinity can be perfect. This too applies to the concert which is a masterpiece ever so slightly.

• Classic mid eighties Clapton & Collins

  RJS35662005-07-04

  This is a very rare pairing of Phil Collins and Eric Clapton in a UK concert for television. It is a time capsule in that both Phil Collins and Eric Clapton have now attained legendary status and it is highly unlikely to ever see them performing a full length concert together again. This Concert includes most of the hits of Clapton that the average fan would be able to name up till 1986, the year of the actual concert. Phil Collins plays drums and does background vocals throughout the performance and also has a solo spot in the show. Collins also perform with two other friends who I do not have any information on other than what is on the VHS box so I can not comment on them here, although the are also excellent musicians in their own right and would be worthy of mention if I had additional info. According to IMDb this concert is unavailable in the US and in the countries that it is available it is only on DVD, So I consider my VHS copy a very rare find, especially because I live in the US. I found my copy in the "bargain bin" at our local supermarket and I have seen others floating around so it is possible that with a little persistance and a sharp eye you might find one. If you do find one you have found a very rare tape and you should snap it up.

• Great Video capture of Clapton's 4 man mid 80s band.

  adash662005-02-08

  This 1986 video document from Tyne Tees captures a stripped down line up of EC, Nathan East, Greg Phillinganes and Phil Collins. Sure its got some cheesy 80's wipes and not the greatest picture quality. Still this is one is all about Clapton with the cream tunes: Crossroads, White Room and Sunshine of Your Love. Holy Mother and Miss You are also great. Plus a solid "In the Air" from Collins. The DVD also has DTS audio option. Recorded: Birmingham, Enlgand July 1986 Complete track listing: Crossroads,White Room, Run, Miss You, Tearing Us Apart, Holy Mother, In the Air Tonight, Layla, Sunshine of Your Love. 60min, 4x3 NTSC.