A deep dive into Eric Clapton's 2009 appearances with the Allman Brothers Band during their historic 40th anniversary Beacon run. PLUS: Bob Dylan's debut album and I stand with Asian Americans.
You buy your tickets well in advance so you never knew which guests you were going to get. You went for the Brothers not the guests. The rumors of a Clapton appearance were swirling around that whole run and the buzz in the building on the 19th before the show was definitely at a different level. I had already seen a great show on that Beacon run the week before. Whether fate or serendipity, we had tickets for the 19th. Every time I listen to that show I still cannot believe how lucky we were to be in the building for it. Spectacular! Hard to believe it already 12 years ago.
I was there on the 20th and it was truly amazing. It was like he said to Derek about 1969. Back then he played with reckless abandon. He became much more technical and structured as his career moved on. It was great to see him get back to what really turned me on to him in the 1st place. His solo on Liz Reed is sick.
Alan, great edition.....your review and shared experiences with the 2009 Beacon shows with Eric are priceless & thanks for sharing the video - incredible!! Thanks for your open comments on our inane racial divides & systemic racism in this country. While I did not live in China, for a few years back I was going back and forth to China for business that I earned my multiple entry visa for a few years. Loved my time in China and left me with some great indelible memories of the Chinese people.
Another great article. I found it interesting the EC sometimes bored you. I’ve seen him several times, and have always enjoyed his shows. I can remember several times where the hair would stand up on my arms when he was doing an amazing solo. By contrast, I’ve also seen the ABB several times, and when Dickey was still in the band, I found some of the jams a bit tedious. Not true when Warren and Derek were in the band though. All in all though they are still great artists one and all.
Alan, again thanks for sharing. Every time I read about this show, I get chills. Oh, to have been there! I love the story, and the music, brings tears to my eyes. Peace, Love, Music!
New subscriber here- thank you for this Alan. You are a wonderful writer- I am transported right into it by your words.
You buy your tickets well in advance so you never knew which guests you were going to get. You went for the Brothers not the guests. The rumors of a Clapton appearance were swirling around that whole run and the buzz in the building on the 19th before the show was definitely at a different level. I had already seen a great show on that Beacon run the week before. Whether fate or serendipity, we had tickets for the 19th. Every time I listen to that show I still cannot believe how lucky we were to be in the building for it. Spectacular! Hard to believe it already 12 years ago.
I was there on the 20th and it was truly amazing. It was like he said to Derek about 1969. Back then he played with reckless abandon. He became much more technical and structured as his career moved on. It was great to see him get back to what really turned me on to him in the 1st place. His solo on Liz Reed is sick.
Alan, great edition.....your review and shared experiences with the 2009 Beacon shows with Eric are priceless & thanks for sharing the video - incredible!! Thanks for your open comments on our inane racial divides & systemic racism in this country. While I did not live in China, for a few years back I was going back and forth to China for business that I earned my multiple entry visa for a few years. Loved my time in China and left me with some great indelible memories of the Chinese people.
Another excellent write up with a huge video bonus at the end. Thank you, Alan!
Another great article. I found it interesting the EC sometimes bored you. I’ve seen him several times, and have always enjoyed his shows. I can remember several times where the hair would stand up on my arms when he was doing an amazing solo. By contrast, I’ve also seen the ABB several times, and when Dickey was still in the band, I found some of the jams a bit tedious. Not true when Warren and Derek were in the band though. All in all though they are still great artists one and all.
Alan, again thanks for sharing. Every time I read about this show, I get chills. Oh, to have been there! I love the story, and the music, brings tears to my eyes. Peace, Love, Music!