Slowhand

When I saw Eric Clapton this time last year, I’d decided that was probably going to be his last tour, which is why I saw him twice in a month at Liverpool Arena and the Royal Albert Hall.
And then he announced a world tour for 2025. Initially, I thought I wouldn’t bother as I’d seen him last year. But then I thought, what if this is going to be the last tour?
So I had to get tickets. Both nights at RAH were sold out and the only other UK date was at Nottingham Arena. Surprisingly, there were still tickets left for this event and I managed to get a couple quite near the front, although they were described as “restricted view” due to being sideways on to the stage. Well, I couldn’t see the big screens but I could see the action on stage perfectly well!
As per last year, Andy Fairweather Low provided the support set - some excellent Chicago type blues - with his band, but that was the limit of his involvement and he didn’t join Eric’s band as previously. Otherwise, the band was as last year with long term members Nathan East, Doyle Bramhall and Chris Stainton a familiar presence, along with Katie Kissoon and Sharon White on backing vocals.
The big change was that the political messages of last year had been dropped, as had the inclusion of more obscure numbers.
Opening with “White Room” and ending over an hour and a half later with “Before You Accuse Me”, we were treated to a selection from over 50 years of hits - “Crossroads”, “Cocaine” & “Wonderful Tonight” to name but a few. Naturally, there was an unplugged section as well.
A superb concert, and I’m glad I booked it. Not a bad venue, though Nottingham was a nightmare to get in and out of. Obviously it was a bit late/too far to head back to Kendal after the show. Fortunately, we’d booked a very cheap Travelodge in nearby Derby, so we were tucked up in bed less than an hour after Eric left the stage!