The first night of Eric Clapton’s two night 70th birthday celebration shows was a solid night of Slowhand Blues and Rock and Roll classic rock hits. 

Clapton opened with a nice blues number “Somebody Knockin’ on My Door” but the show shifted into another gear when John Mayer came out on the third song and played on “Pretending”. John Mayer seemed inspired to shred on the song and it made me wonder how his solo career, for me, is so lackluster.  Mayer can obviously play a mean guitar but he seems to be known more for his love of weed and his love life.

Eric Clapton mixed in his beloved blues with some of the more popular hits like “I Shot the Sheriff” and “Wonderful Tonight”. Jimmy Vaughn came out for a tune but the real highlight of the night was “Let It Rain” with Derick Trucks of the Allman Brothers Band and Clapton’s long time left handed foil Doyle Bramhall Ii. 

Paul Carrack sang Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful” and bass player Nathan East sang lead on the classic Blind Faith song “Can’t Find My Way Home” which was nice but no Winwood. Clapton nodded to his Cream days with a nice take on “Crossroads”. “Cocaine”, while sounding a bit dated now, still packed a punch.

Clapton did a mostly solo unplugged acoustic set in the middle of the proceedings that included “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven” that was nice but an electric “Layla” with the assembled guitarists would have blown the roof off the building.

It would be near impossible to make everyone in the Madison Square Garden crowd completely satisfied with the setlist because of all the great hits and musical style diversions through the decades but for one night Clapton reminded everyone why he is so beloved.

The second show at MSG that was supposed to happen on this Saturday night was pushed back to tomorrow Sunday due to a NY Rangers hockey playoff game this afternoon. The rest of the “world tour” will take place at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Happy Birthday Eric!

Beware Mr. Baker

Rock on

GQ