Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck Concert #1

My parents are heading out to the concert tonight pairing the guitar legends Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck at Madison Square Garden in New York City and I am incredibly envious. Yesterday the duo played the first show of their four-city mini tour to a fantastic crowd (as I read). Beck and Clapton played separate sets and then combined for a eight song exploration into the craft of guitar.

Beck, who may be the most underrated guitarist of all time, had a 10 song set that highlighted his excellent 12 piece orchestra and his three other band members. Talking about Beck to Rolling Stone magazine, Eric Clapton was asked why Beck has never rose to superstar status like him. Clapton responded, “He deliberately carved that image. I don’t think he would deny that. He likes to be left alone. He wants to be underneath the car, working on the engines.” Yet, if last night proved anything. Beck’s modest denial of fame should not be a good enough reason for him to not be just as known as Eric Clapton. “Big Block” was certainly a favorite in the set-list. Beck’s immaculately crafted cover of “A Day in the Life” and his stunning performance of “Nessun dorma” from Puccini’s opera Turandot were also favorites.

Clapton, who may be the greatest guitarist of all time, effortlessly played a 10 song set-list that included an opening of four straight acoustic songs (not normal by Clapton standards). “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” and “I’ve Got a Rock N’ Roll Heart” were quite popular. Clapton then pulled out his electric and just played in procession “Tell The Truth”, “Key To The Highway”, “I Shot The Sheriff”, “Little Queen Of Spades” and “Cocaine.” No big deal or anything.

Clapton and Beck’s combined set included a fantastic variety of music including everything from “Moon River” to the classic encore of “Crossroads.” “You Need Love,” “Wee Wee Baby” and of course “(I Want to Take you) Higher.

I am sure tonight will be just as amazing. Enjoy the concert if you are going and let me know about it! I wish a I were going.

Here is the entire set-list and band lists from the Thursday, Feb 18 show courtesy of whereseric.com.