Eric was part of several bands including Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominoes, Delaney & Bonnie. As a solo artist, his collaborations have been legendary. He makes it look so easy, but the virtuosity is undeniable. Amazingly, he was hesitant to take on lead vocals, not being very confident in his singing ability. Thank goodness he overcame that. This performance is stellar, and you correctly identify the great talent of all 3 musicians, not just Eric. 1 + 1 + 1 = 100!
We can't forget The Yardbirds, John Mayall and the Blues Breakers and the Plastic Ono Band. There are a couple more that I am not sure of but Eric sure has one hell of a resume.
Yep, I second that. They were among the best - and this is them at their best! Anything with Eric plus a Gibson and a tube amp... go at it and have a listen!!
Eric Clapton was the first and remains the only musician to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 3 times. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Yardbirds, again as a member of Cream, then again as a solo artist.
Real guitars, real drums, real vocals, no computers, no auto tune, no editing…. Just three incredible musicians caught at this moment in time! Incredible!
WOW, it's difficult to fathom that, as a guitarist, you've not heard this before. It's impossible to overestimate the importance and influence of this performance. Clapton's attack and phrasing here were just ferocious. In 1968 there were 2 guys who could improvise a solo at this level. One was Clapton, the other was Hendrix. I recall an "in the listening booth" segment with Steve Lukather back in the 80s with this performance as the topic. His take was, "It doesn't get any better than this, unless it's Voodoo Child (Slight Return)." Every bend, every vibrato, it's state of the art." The influence of Clapton's Cream playing has been felt by every generation of blues/rock players, whether they're aware of it or not. "Crossroads" was THE standard for lead guitarists throughout the 70s. Eddie Van Halen was obsessed with these licks for his entire life. He played them flawlessly in an interview with Lisa Robinson. The performance can be found on UA-cam. On a side not, it's important to mention that the video in this clip is NOT of the actual performance. Clapton was playing the "Fool" SG on this performance, not the ES-335. This video footage is from the '68 performance at the RAH, not the 3/10/68 Fillmore show, which is where the audio was actually recorded. That original audio was later mixed with this video footage.
I really think he is faking it for the clicks. There is no way he hasn't head radio in his life before. It still gets played on classic rock radio stations.
This was "the" song that started it. It was written by Robert Johnson in the 30's. Cream married blues with rock. Everyone who came after emulated this.
Clapton was on fire for this performance, and Jack Bruce on the bass is practically playing a separate lead. Amazing that this much music came out of 3 guys, no tricks! This is why graffiti at that time said "Clapton is God!" I have thought since the day this was released that this is the best live jam I've ever heard.
You need to react to Clapton's song Layla which he recorded with his band Derek and the Dominoes in 1970. Clapton had switched from the Gibson humbucker/Marshall sound, he made famous in Cream, to a Fender Stratocaster with a small Fender Amp. He was joined by the legendary Duane Allman on guitar who used a Gibson Les Paul on the song. This track is musical fireworks, as the two guitar greats play off of each other. Duane showcased his incredible slide guitar technique. Interestedly, Duanne died in a motorcycle accident around a year after this was recorded. He was just 24 years of age. Please listen to the original album version.
I agree with your assessment of the song Layla. The long version is the best. Also, the entire album-Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs-is fantastic. A fine showcase for both Clapton and Allman. Every song on the album is a great blend of rock and blues, a style both Clapton and the Allman Brothers excelled at.
This was one of the super groups of the 60's. Everyone of the 3 guys (Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker & Eric Clapton) was super talented but they also had big egos. So they didn't always get a long. They all came from previous successful bands. But in the few short years they were together they produced some classic songs such as "White Room", "Born Under A Bad Sign", "Tales Of Brave Ulysses", "Strange Brew", "Sunshine Of Your Love", "SWLABR" etc.
5:18 "Our musicians aren't that impressive". Yeah. Growing up in the 90s I was really sad that the peak of Rock was long gone. There are very few outstanding musicians still alive. I think Stevie Wonder is still alive but bit by bit they are dying.
Old school music!! You know, no autotune, real musicians, play real music, playing real instruments using skill, talent and musicianship!!! Makes me weep when comparing to the pasteurised, homogenised, computer generated pap. Class, sheer perfection, sheer class!!😁😁🇬🇧
It should be noted that the video is from the "Goodbye" (?) movie and the sound is from the "Wheels of Fire" album. The two events were several months apart. The performance was before the video.
Yes, spot on Mike. The video is from Royal Albert Hall, London and the audio is from the Fillmore. The original RAH video wasn’t much better synchronised as during one song Eric seems to switch between wearing and not wearing a jacket. They took the RAH video from the two performances and edited them together thinking that nobody would notice.
One of the best times for Clapton. More intense, he's on fire. So is the Entire band. Fantastic bass and drums too. Notice Clapton playing off the cymbals on his solos. Baker and Bruce are killing it too.
"24 NIGHTS" live concert is the finest selections and performances you could ever hope to hear. All on one album. If I could have only one album for the rest of my life, it'd be this one. I know, because I can't imagine living without it. Nothing could replace it. (This, coming from my eclectic self. That's a huge statement.) Also, his guests are all spectacular in their own rights. With the likes of Steve Winwood and Jimmy Johnson!! There's not an average performance on it. 🎤 🎸 🎹
Hearing someone say "hopefully good music" about Cream is just crazy to me, but I was around to hear them play then - Eric Clapton was in a lot of bands, all incredible - I have heard him play an 8 minute guitar solo live and it never got old - he is one pf the greatest guitarists in rock history - Ginger Baker is the metronome
There's a really good video of Eric, John Lennon, Keith Richards and Mitch Mitchell (The Jimi Hendrix Experience) appearing on The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus in 1968. They called the group The Dirty Mac. You should check it out. They killed it.
Jack Bruce the bass player was classically trained in Scotland at a young age. He and the drummer, Ginger Baker were arguably the most sought after Jazz and classical musicians of the early 60's era in Europe. Clapton hooked up with them with the thought that if he was going to showcase his virtuosity as a blues guitarist, he wanted seriously talented musicians around him. He got that and then some. Jack Bruce was a great vocalist and Ginger Baker brought virtuosity to the drums without limit. They made 4 to 5 albums in a two year period, caused the Beatles and Rolling Stones to rethink their approach to performing, but Clapton was somewhat insecure regarding which way to take his career as he got a pretty good heroine habit that took years to kick. No doubt though, Clapton and his group, Cream changed the marketplace of what people expected in the electric Rock evolution. If you want to take the time, go to UA-cam and watch their reunion concert of 1975 filmed at the Royal Albert Hall in London. They were paid 15 Million dollars for 3 nights of sold out concerts and finally gave the public what they dreamed of, their greatest rock heroes back together before they got too old to perform. It was a great platform and the elder hippies of the 60's swarmed from the USA to be a part of this famous event. Jack Bruce was always the better singer than Clapton, but the fans worshiped Clapton's guitar solos. You gotta sit and watch the whole thing to appreciate. But, that's the business you are in, correct?
I saw Jack Bruce say that him and Ginger saw the band as a jazz trio with Clapton playing the Ornette Coleman role on the guitar. He said they just didn’t tell Clapton. He might have been joking but given the characters of Jack and Ginger maybe not😂
One can only imagine the buzz the crowd got from the euphoria that night. To experience that live performance must have been electrifying. Magic (among other things) was definitely in the air that evening. The audience must've had a smile that remained for days after that show. Another superb performance by Clapton you ought to add to your reaction list is the song, Key To The Highway, recorded live in the studio in 1970. It's a blues number that's has a nice groove that illuminates Clapton's prowess on guitar. Similar to this tune, it seems that he's about to finish up his lead, but then he kicks it into the next gear and blows everyone away with even better licks. It's simply amazing. For a period in the late 60s into the 70s, graffiti began to appear that said Clapton is God. Clapton laughed it off, but it gradually got into his mind. After all, that's one heck of an image to live up to. Cheers to your future reactions. Enjoy!
cream Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce on bass, Ginger Baker on drums. Most of lead vocals for Cream were sang by Jack Bruce. Among Eric's credits is the lead guitar for the Beatles "While my Guitar Gently Weeps". Other good trakes from Cream are Badge, Sunshine of your Love, White Room. 😊 Have fun in the dive into Cream.
Eric Clapton started out in a group called the Yardbirds. The Yardbirds had several major guitarists i.e. Jimmy Page do yourself a favor and Google the Yardbirds. It was in the 60's and they played at my high school. Funny when you're 16 that you don't realize you're seeing future legends
This footage is not the recording you are watching. The video portion is from their farewell concert at the royal albert hall. The audio is from their double album Wheels of Fire Album. the live version of Crossroads is what you are listening too.
Yes. Their first album "Fresh Cream" is often overlooked; it suffers from a terrible recorded drum sound and some questionable mixing and arrangements. However, the lead guitar playing (ideas, technique, and tone) is epic. Some of his very best.
CREAM - aka The worlds first super group… the totality of what a 3 piece band was intended to be… Clapton is in a league of his own and he was my dads favorite musician of all time… unknowingly as a youngster, I had no idea he was passing along the gift of music all them years of our road trips, family vacations, just me and my dad kinda stuff, and so many other COUNTLESS MILES ALL OVER AMERICA… Above em all, CLAPTON was the man with the title BOSS when musicians gathered on any stage in my dads eyes… he never forced it on me but always encouraged me to just pick up the guitar… as our musical fates would ride together for 44 strong years, we both got to see Clapton live for each of our first times in 2007, together!!! Needless to say I finally took the advice from my dad and when we got home the next night I literally “just picked up the guitar” and got a little committed.. 3 months later we were making music together… my dad died just 7 short weeks ago and Sir Eric Clapton will most likely never know just how much he impacted me and my dad… so anytime I hear Clapton specifically now I can’t help but go back to that place where it made a man and his fathers already unbreakable bond into one that was never even questioned… and for that I’ll always be grateful…
This may be hard for you to grasp, but the audio is from the Wheels of Fire album, rcorded live at the Fillmore in March 1968. The visual is from the Farewell concert at the Albert Hall in Nov 1968. The Fillmore recording is superior, but there was nothing wrong with the Albert Hall audio, I don't know why someone had to mess with it.
Oh boy…..you have so much to hear and learn. I’m having fun watching you do these artists and tunes. But wow, you really didn’t know Clapton was in a band? More than one. Derek and the Dominoes, “Bell Bottom Blues” and “Layla”.
To Robert Johnson was the greatest influence on the blues is not an understatement. Johnson only recorded 29 songs before he was killed at a young age, but those songs laid the foundation of all the blues music that came afterward. Before Cream, Clapton first made a name for himself as the lead guitarist for The Yardbirds (the band that gave birth to Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page) and later wiith John Mayalll's Bluesbreakers. Check out the Bluesbreaker album with him on it, often referred to as the Beano album. Check out the Cream albums, they are all good.
They called themselves Cream without shyness. They knew they were the cream of the crop of London musicians. Check out their reunion concert in 2005. See them all as old men. but they still brought the house down.
When I was a teenager, I used to sneak into the living room early in the morning to listen to WZMF, the most awesome FM Station and tune the green "eye" on our big Curtis Mathis Console Stereo, being careful to keep the volume low and try to sit between the two big speaker and listen to Cream or anybody else they through at me before anyone got up.
In the '60s/'70s, garage bands were everywhere. "Battle of the Bands" were prolific. Live music was in virtually every bar on weekends and hump day. It was analogous to sand lot baseball, little league, pony league, etc., producing the eventual big league baseball players. (I guess it would be soccer in Europe). I'm suddenly reminded of a song. "Nashville Cats".
In 1968 music was real. Classically trained Jack Bruce - Cellist Glasgow conservatory -and Ginger Baker one of THE great rock/jazz/blues drummers. Nothing better EVER than Cream. Much of this improvised with Clapton and Bruce rivalling each other and Baker bringing it all on home
Classic Clapton, classic 3 piece volume. Love this. I remember listening to this album on my cousin's reel to reel machine, and was captivated by the guitar tone.
Clapton was in a number of bands, in addition to his solo work. He also played with/for many very famous musicians. Eric got his start while the Brits were swapping bands and band members all over the place. His autobiography tells all of the things going behind the scenes.
I'm an old Millennial so the first time I heard Clapton was his MTV Unplugged album. I remember later on hearing about how he was this "guitar god" and I was confused because I thought of him as that Tears In Heaven guy. Eventually I heard Cream and his solo work and finally understood. Cream rips!
This is the Mt. Everest of guitar solos. I’ve listened to this a thousand times and never gotten bored with it. The only thing to equal it is Jimi’s “Voodoo Child.”
The first time I heard this version of "Crossroads", was on FM radio, in the early summer of 1968, while driving I-25 between Colorado Springs and Denver. As a guitar playing 18 year old, I was emotionally overwhelmed by this song, and Eric's soloing, to the point of tears in my eyes, and banging on the steering wheel, along with the beat. I'm 74 now, and everytime I hear this "Wheels of Fire" live version of Crossroads, to this day, I have to "crank it up"! I simply cannot listen to it, at "normal" volume, even now. Cheers! :D
Just subscribed last night. you are among the better in this genre. I'm old, so most of the musicians that are new to you are what I grew up on and still listen to now. Eric Clapton is a standout guitarists that other guitarists worship. His nickname is "Slowhand". You should check out his live performances at his own Crossroads Festivals where he has hosted many of the worlds best guitarists all playing on the same stage. Keep up the good work!
This was Eric Clapton's 3rd band that he was a part of. His first band was The Yardbirds, followed by John Mayall's Blues Breakers, then Cream. When Eric left The Yardbirds he was replaced there by Jeff Beck and then Jimmy Page.
Before you despair about where the three piece band has gone, remember Stevie Ray Vaughn and the two guys that never get any credit in reaction videos, Double Trouble. All that music at the El Mocambo came from 3 dudes and it was DECADES after this performance! The fading of real music is a Gen Z thing.
Sebs I think that Cream reunited for 3 night's concert event at Royal Albert Hall in 2005. All 3 are little older in 2005. Today, Eric is one living today as both Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce died few years ago. At 78 going to 79 next month, Eric hasn't slowed down yet.
Check out the movie, “ The Last Waltz,” directed by Martin Scorsese. It is the last concert of the rock band, “The Band.” Eric Clapton is playing and his strap comes off Robbie Robertson jumps in the cover for Eric till he gets his strap fixed. Plus you will see an amazing lineup of artist.
Clapton and others lead the blues based British invasion. A very early power trio with 3 lead players. Ginger Baker playing 4 rhythms at once. African polyrhythms. Another early great power trio leader was the Irish bluesman Rory Gallagher. Check out Rory with his '61 Strat on "Shinkicker", "Bullfrog Blues" or anything else. He said no the the Rolling Stones, when asked to join. Also check out Dave Davies guitar with the Kinks "All Day and All of the Night". I saw Clapton in Tacoma, WA. I saw Janis Joplin and Savoy Brown in '69 at Winterland. Thanks Sebs
Before there was Zeppelin we had Cream. Luckily LZ showed up after Cream left and filled the hole they were leaving. (Actually there were a still a few other blues rockers)
Saw Cream in 68 at the Anaheim Convention Center. One of the best concerts I've ever been to. You should check out some of his guitar playinwith the Bluesbreakers. After Bluesbreakers and Cream he never had the same sound or intensity to me.
Wow, I've thought that for years, but never heard anyone else share that opinion. His solos became predictable and stale, almost as if they were scripted rather than improvised. At the time, I thought Clapton was God (not literally), but as time passed, he lost that feel he had early on. I loved Gary Moore's interpretations of Cream's songs when he played with Jack Bruce.
Saw them in 69 at their farewell concert at the LA Forum. Amen ! We were young kids looking for a fourth guy to explain this amazingly full and fiery tone. It wasn't just Marshall stacks
Best sounding version of this song on UA-cam I've heard. Bass, drums clear as bells, bellbottoms and most of us boomers. Three extraordinary musicians jamming. Eternal. 😊❤
This song is the first track on one side of the Wheels of Fire double album from this concert. The second track is Spoonful, another old blues tune. Spoonful is something like 17 minutes long with these three awesome musicians just jammin'! When I was playing basketball in college in the early 70's, these two tunes were my clear-my-mind-and get-ready-to-rumble pregame ritual.
The World's FIRST SUPERGROUP, taking Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, and Eric Clapton from other Bands and, aptly, becoming CREAM. Graffiti all around London in 1969/1970 "Clapton Is God" lol
Check out The Beatles original version of Why My Guitar Gently Weeps. Eric Clapton plays the lead guitar on it. It's amazing. He also plays it in a tribute concert for George Harrison.
This shows just what 3 talents can achieve. Eric has been my "go back to" musician since the 80's no matter what I listen to. He is very generous on stage when joined by other artists allowing them to shine while holding a quietly dominant presence, remarkable. As a solo artist, a part of an ensemble or duet he can do it all. An unlikely duet with Luciano Pavarotti (Holy Mother), the force behind A Concert for George (Harrison) playing on While My Guitar Grntly Weeps and with Sheryl Crow are perticular highlights. You simply must see the chemistry, humour, respect and professionalism as David Sanborn steals the stage, Nathan East trundles through his bass lines, Gadd hammers the drums and Eric and Sheryl vocally intertwine...... ua-cam.com/video/iEuVH_16vRg/v-deo.htmlsi=xoeTe60YwdDg9TPr
The caption says Live At Fillmore Winterland - San Francisco, California. This is 100% WRONG. This footage is from the Royal Albert Hall in London in November 1968. This was Cream's farewell concert - until their reunion concert in 2005. I know, I have both concerts on DVD.
I can't believe there's a generation in music, who haven't heard of Cream... the first supergroup. Eric Clapton was an immense blues guitarist, who pretty much wrote the book. Jack Bruce was a superb bass player with a jazz/blues background, and Ginger Baker was a legendady drummer. Watch Cream's farewell concert at the Albert Hall and enjoy!
The concert shown was their farewell performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 1968, ‘but’ the audio is from the album ‘Wheels of Fire’, which was a double album, on studio, one live, and the live recording was from an American tour. Someone has just melded them together. I think Taste and Yes were the support bands at the Albert Hall. I was 15 at the time and would have loved to have gone to that concert, but I lived in the north of England and didn’t have the means.
Sebs, yer in my wheelhouse now. Been a fan of Eric since I heard him in the Yard Birds, 1972. There are too many recommendations here, so I will watch as you explore him. Rock on.
My older brother introduced me to Cream, and most of the popular bands of the 60’s. Moody Blues, Jefferson Airplane, Crosby Stills and Nash to name a few.
Heres a reaction 4 You. Was present to experience 'Cream 'LIVE' In 68' very up close . Jack Bruce was absolutely Phenomonal.. Together there was no band then or now that even come close . No, matter who You think is good now .Right -not impressive Now..I was in a Band then ,already playing Cream tunes .We walked to the venue and blew our Minds totally. There was nothing chaotic about Cream.They ,were a supremely structured Band that jammed out together in certain tunes .Jack ,pushed this Band off the Stage.. Youngsters TAKE NOTE PLEASE.
Got to see THE CREAM. Only 3 guys live at Massey Hall in Toronto. Jack Bruce is a phenomenal Bassist and Ginger Baker played African inspired drums. Eric Clapton Slow Hand was called God in the 60's. They blew the roof off. Then I got to Meet him and he was a lovely gentleman, we watched Bobbe Kennedy's assassination report on TV. Eric is redoing a 1930's Robert Johnson song.
Baker and Bruce were at each other's throats most of the time over creative differences and other things. While Clapton mostly stayed to himself, and stayed above the fray. But there was a lot of personal tension, which was why they split up after a couple of years. But WHAT a couple of years!!
You mention tears in heaven. It's worth noting that clapton basically popularised the unplugged format. This after having popularised the Blues, invented Blues Rock, written Layla, popularised reggae music. And still going. Immense contribution
Love your comments Sebs. I've been to the legendary spot in Mississippi where Robert Johnson went. Bob Dylan refers to this spot, also. This rendition by Cream is smoking hot and set the rock music world on fire when it appeared. Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce just tear it up behind Clapton. Rock virtuosity at its finest.
EC was only 23 when this was recorded. Already a rock icon, with "Clapton is god" written on London subway walls. Cream did very heavy improvisation band. His blues skills are incredible and he's influenced so much great music. Crossroads is an old Robert Johnson classic...this was recorded at the Fillmore West in San Fran.
Crossroads is a very old song from one of the early black river bottom blues musicians.., this song was only released as a live recording, never a studio release! You have to listen to Sunshine of your love and White room!
You should check out Tom waits sometime. He is an artist unlike any other. You either will love him or hate him. His voice is like gravel wrapped in velvet. Amazing lyrics. I recommend “picture in a frame” or “all the world is green” for lyrics. “The Train Song” sounds like he is quite literally bleeding out his lyrics, truly amazing. If you just wanna listen to something crazy them I recommend “Underground” or “Raised right men”. Sorry for the rant lol 😂 I just love the dude, gotta be my favorite song artist
You can do lists of the greatest musicians of rock and Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker are on the Mount Rushmore for each of their respective instruments and also jack Bruce who sung the majority of Cream songs isn't thought as one of Rock's greatest vocalists, but hew should be. All three were necessary to create such an amazing, and sizable collection of music in so short amount of time back in the late 60s.
Hardly chaotic. Just inspired improvisation within a simple 12 bar progression. Clapton's solos in this piece are exceptional. Jack Bruce's bass lines are perfection.
I was 14yrs. old when this came out in 1968, & blew me away. I believe Eddie Van Halen spoke very highly of it. It''s a standard must for any guitarist worth his salt to master. Kind regards
Eric was part of several bands including Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominoes, Delaney & Bonnie. As a solo artist, his collaborations have been legendary. He makes it look so easy, but the virtuosity is undeniable. Amazingly, he was hesitant to take on lead vocals, not being very confident in his singing ability. Thank goodness he overcame that. This performance is stellar, and you correctly identify the great talent of all 3 musicians, not just Eric. 1 + 1 + 1 = 100!
We can't forget The Yardbirds, John Mayall and the Blues Breakers and the Plastic Ono Band. There are a couple more that I am not sure of but Eric sure has one hell of a resume.
@@sammybeck7794 Thanks for the important additions. Especially the Yardbirds.
More correctly Delaney and Bonnie and friends , with Eric Clapton. They made that distinction on the album.
The Buesbreakers.
Don’t forget the Yardbirds.
This is Cream. They were the cream. Three top musicians, the best of their kind. How can't it be so good. He was 23 at this time.
He was so good, Ginger loved him!.. now think of what he said about Mick Jagger..😅
Yep, I second that. They were among the best - and this is them at their best! Anything with Eric plus a Gibson and a tube amp... go at it and have a listen!!
Ginger and Jack were jazz musicians, according to Ginger and both regarded Clapton as one, too, despite his insistence he was a blues player.
Jack Bruce's bass on this song is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Eric Clapton was the first and remains the only musician to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 3 times. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Yardbirds, again as a member of Cream, then again as a solo artist.
He's eligible for for more: Delaney and Bonnie, Blind Faith, Derrick and the Dominos and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers
@@onemorecastflyshop
Agree!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I’m unfamiliar with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Research time.
Real guitars, real drums, real vocals, no computers, no auto tune, no editing…. Just three incredible musicians caught at this moment in time! Incredible!
WOW, it's difficult to fathom that, as a guitarist, you've not heard this before. It's impossible to overestimate the importance and influence of this performance. Clapton's attack and phrasing here were just ferocious. In 1968 there were 2 guys who could improvise a solo at this level. One was Clapton, the other was Hendrix. I recall an "in the listening booth" segment with Steve Lukather back in the 80s with this performance as the topic. His take was, "It doesn't get any better than this, unless it's Voodoo Child (Slight Return)." Every bend, every vibrato, it's state of the art." The influence of Clapton's Cream playing has been felt by every generation of blues/rock players, whether they're aware of it or not. "Crossroads" was THE standard for lead guitarists throughout the 70s. Eddie Van Halen was obsessed with these licks for his entire life. He played them flawlessly in an interview with Lisa Robinson. The performance can be found on UA-cam. On a side not, it's important to mention that the video in this clip is NOT of the actual performance. Clapton was playing the "Fool" SG on this performance, not the ES-335. This video footage is from the '68 performance at the RAH, not the 3/10/68 Fillmore show, which is where the audio was actually recorded. That original audio was later mixed with this video footage.
I really think he is faking it for the clicks. There is no way he hasn't head radio in his life before. It still gets played on classic rock radio stations.
Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker & Eric Clapton were top musicians and in the short time they were together as CREAM, produced some fantastic music!
This was "the" song that started it. It was written by Robert Johnson in the 30's. Cream married blues with rock. Everyone who came after emulated this.
"The Blues had a baby and they called it Rock 'n' Roll." -Muddy Waters
A lot of blues covers from the Brits. Stones, Zeppelin, Cream all had a few in their play lists. Diggin' deep for those gems!
Clapton was on fire for this performance, and Jack Bruce on the bass is practically playing a separate lead. Amazing that this much music came out of 3 guys, no tricks! This is why graffiti at that time said "Clapton is God!" I have thought since the day this was released that this is the best live jam I've ever heard.
Well said Sir....!!! Dead On
You need to react to Clapton's song Layla which he recorded with his band Derek and the Dominoes in 1970. Clapton had switched from the Gibson humbucker/Marshall sound, he made famous in Cream, to a Fender Stratocaster with a small Fender Amp. He was joined by the legendary Duane Allman on guitar who used a Gibson Les Paul on the song. This track is musical fireworks, as the two guitar greats play off of each other. Duane showcased his incredible slide guitar technique. Interestedly, Duanne died in a motorcycle accident around a year after this was recorded. He was just 24 years of age. Please listen to the original album version.
I agree with your assessment of the song Layla. The long version is the best. Also, the entire album-Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs-is fantastic. A fine showcase for both Clapton and Allman. Every song on the album is a great blend of rock and blues, a style both Clapton and the Allman Brothers excelled at.
I was at this concert at Winterland! It was my first concert and was truly unforgettable. Thanks for sharing this one!
This was one of the super groups of the 60's. Everyone of the 3 guys (Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker & Eric Clapton) was super talented but they also had big egos. So they didn't always get a long. They all came from previous successful bands. But in the few short years they were together they produced some classic songs such as "White Room", "Born Under A Bad Sign", "Tales Of Brave Ulysses", "Strange Brew", "Sunshine Of Your Love", "SWLABR" etc.
The only three time inductee to the rock and roll hall of fame.
Cream of the crop
Crème de la Crème.
5:18 "Our musicians aren't that impressive". Yeah. Growing up in the 90s I was really sad that the peak of Rock was long gone. There are very few outstanding musicians still alive. I think Stevie Wonder is still alive but bit by bit they are dying.
Incorrect, Ginger and Jack didn't get along. Clapton was tired of the fighting.
Cream - Sunshine of Your Love. One of the most iconic songs of all time
Old school music!! You know, no autotune, real musicians, play real music, playing real instruments using skill, talent and musicianship!!! Makes me weep when comparing to the pasteurised, homogenised, computer generated pap. Class, sheer perfection, sheer class!!😁😁🇬🇧
It should be noted that the video is from the "Goodbye" (?) movie and the sound is from the "Wheels of Fire" album. The two events were several months apart. The performance was before the video.
Yes, spot on Mike. The video is from Royal Albert Hall, London and the audio is from the Fillmore. The original RAH video wasn’t much better synchronised as during one song Eric seems to switch between wearing and not wearing a jacket. They took the RAH video from the two performances and edited them together thinking that nobody would notice.
One of the best times for Clapton. More intense, he's on fire. So is the Entire band. Fantastic bass and drums too. Notice Clapton playing off the cymbals on his solos. Baker and Bruce are killing it too.
"look how calm he is". That's why his nickname is Slowhand. Effortless brilliance.
"24 NIGHTS" live concert is the finest selections and performances you could ever hope to hear. All on one album. If I could have only one album for the rest of my life, it'd be this one. I know, because I can't imagine living without it. Nothing could replace it. (This, coming from my eclectic self. That's a huge statement.)
Also, his guests are all spectacular in their own rights. With the likes of Steve Winwood and Jimmy Johnson!! There's not an average performance on it. 🎤 🎸 🎹
Hearing someone say "hopefully good music" about Cream is just crazy to me, but I was around to hear them play then - Eric Clapton was in a lot of bands, all incredible - I have heard him play an 8 minute guitar solo live and it never got old - he is one pf the greatest guitarists in rock history - Ginger Baker is the metronome
Favourite Cream track and a classic. One of the best live performances ever. Eric calm and stoned.
There's a really good video of Eric, John Lennon, Keith Richards and Mitch Mitchell (The Jimi Hendrix Experience) appearing on The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus in 1968. They called the group The Dirty Mac. You should check it out. They killed it.
Jack Bruce the bass player was classically trained in Scotland at a young age. He and the drummer, Ginger Baker were arguably the most sought after Jazz and classical musicians of the early 60's era in Europe. Clapton hooked up with them with the thought that if he was going to showcase his virtuosity as a blues guitarist, he wanted seriously talented musicians around him. He got that and then some. Jack Bruce was a great vocalist and Ginger Baker brought virtuosity to the drums without limit. They made 4 to 5 albums in a two year period, caused the Beatles and Rolling Stones to rethink their approach to performing, but Clapton was somewhat insecure regarding which way to take his career as he got a pretty good heroine habit that took years to kick. No doubt though, Clapton and his group, Cream changed the marketplace of what people expected in the electric Rock evolution. If you want to take the time, go to UA-cam and watch their reunion concert of 1975 filmed at the Royal Albert Hall in London. They were paid 15 Million dollars for 3 nights of sold out concerts and finally gave the public what they dreamed of, their greatest rock heroes back together before they got too old to perform. It was a great platform and the elder hippies of the 60's swarmed from the USA to be a part of this famous event. Jack Bruce was always the better singer than Clapton, but the fans worshiped Clapton's guitar solos. You gotta sit and watch the whole thing to appreciate. But, that's the business you are in, correct?
The Royal Albert Hall reunion was in the mid-2000s rather than 1975. I know that because I was there.
I saw Jack Bruce say that him and Ginger saw the band as a jazz trio with Clapton playing the Ornette Coleman role on the guitar. He said they just didn’t tell Clapton. He might have been joking but given the characters of Jack and Ginger maybe not😂
One can only imagine the buzz the crowd got from the euphoria that night. To experience that live performance must have been electrifying. Magic (among other things) was definitely in the air that evening. The audience must've had a smile that remained for days after that show.
Another superb performance by Clapton you ought to add to your reaction list is the song, Key To The Highway, recorded live in the studio in 1970. It's a blues number that's has a nice groove that illuminates Clapton's prowess on guitar. Similar to this tune, it seems that he's about to finish up his lead, but then he kicks it into the next gear and blows everyone away with even better licks. It's simply amazing.
For a period in the late 60s into the 70s, graffiti began to appear that said Clapton is God. Clapton laughed it off, but it gradually got into his mind. After all, that's one heck of an image to live up to. Cheers to your future reactions. Enjoy!
Jack Bruce is incredible Scotland is extremely proud
cream Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce on bass, Ginger Baker on drums. Most of lead vocals for Cream were sang by Jack Bruce. Among Eric's credits is the lead guitar for the Beatles "While my Guitar Gently Weeps".
Other good trakes from Cream are Badge, Sunshine of your Love, White Room. 😊 Have fun in the dive into Cream.
Eric Clapton started out in a group called the Yardbirds. The Yardbirds had several major guitarists i.e. Jimmy Page do yourself a favor and Google the Yardbirds. It was in the 60's and they played at my high school. Funny when you're 16 that you don't realize you're seeing future legends
This footage is not the recording you are watching. The video portion is from their farewell concert at the royal albert hall. The audio is from their double album Wheels of Fire Album. the live version of Crossroads is what you are listening too.
"Badge" is also great song by Cream to check out.
Two words “ Sweet Wine” studio version of Fresh Cream their 1st album . Incredible guitar solo .
Yes. Their first album "Fresh Cream" is often overlooked; it suffers from a terrible recorded drum sound and some questionable mixing and arrangements. However, the lead guitar playing (ideas, technique, and tone) is epic. Some of his very best.
CREAM - aka The worlds first super group… the totality of what a 3 piece band was intended to be… Clapton is in a league of his own and he was my dads favorite musician of all time… unknowingly as a youngster, I had no idea he was passing along the gift of music all them years of our road trips, family vacations, just me and my dad kinda stuff, and so many other COUNTLESS MILES ALL OVER AMERICA… Above em all, CLAPTON was the man with the title BOSS when musicians gathered on any stage in my dads eyes… he never forced it on me but always encouraged me to just pick up the guitar… as our musical fates would ride together for 44 strong years, we both got to see Clapton live for each of our first times in 2007, together!!! Needless to say I finally took the advice from my dad and when we got home the next night I literally “just picked up the guitar” and got a little committed..
3 months later we were making music together… my dad died just 7 short weeks ago and Sir Eric Clapton will most likely never know just how much he impacted me and my dad… so anytime I hear Clapton specifically now I can’t help but go back to that place where it made a man and his fathers already unbreakable bond into one that was never even questioned… and for that I’ll always be grateful…
Cream was the first "Super group". Clapton, Jack Bruce on Bass and Ginger Baker on Drums.
Musicians keep it together by paying attention to each other
This may be hard for you to grasp, but the audio is from the Wheels of Fire album, rcorded live at the Fillmore in March 1968. The visual is from the Farewell concert at the Albert Hall in Nov 1968. The Fillmore recording is superior, but there was nothing wrong with the Albert Hall audio, I don't know why someone had to mess with it.
Oh boy…..you have so much to hear and learn. I’m having fun watching you do these artists and tunes. But wow, you really didn’t know Clapton was in a band? More than one. Derek and the Dominoes, “Bell Bottom Blues” and “Layla”.
To Robert Johnson was the greatest influence on the blues is not an understatement. Johnson only recorded 29 songs before he was killed at a young age, but those songs laid the foundation of all the blues music that came afterward. Before Cream, Clapton first made a name for himself as the lead guitarist for The Yardbirds (the band that gave birth to Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page) and later wiith John Mayalll's Bluesbreakers. Check out the Bluesbreaker album with him on it, often referred to as the Beano album. Check out the Cream albums, they are all good.
They called themselves Cream without shyness. They knew they were the cream of the crop of London musicians. Check out their reunion concert in 2005. See them all as old men. but they still brought the house down.
Three of the greatest musicians
When I was a teenager, I used to sneak into the living room early in the morning to listen to WZMF, the most awesome FM Station and tune the green "eye" on our big Curtis Mathis Console Stereo, being careful to keep the volume low and try to sit between the two big speaker and listen to Cream or anybody else they through at me before anyone got up.
In the '60s/'70s, garage bands were everywhere. "Battle of the Bands" were prolific. Live music was in virtually every bar on weekends and hump day. It was analogous to sand lot baseball, little league, pony league, etc., producing the eventual big league baseball players. (I guess it would be soccer in Europe). I'm suddenly reminded of a song. "Nashville Cats".
In 1968 music was real. Classically trained Jack Bruce - Cellist Glasgow conservatory -and Ginger Baker one of THE great rock/jazz/blues drummers. Nothing better EVER than Cream. Much of this improvised with Clapton and Bruce rivalling each other and Baker bringing it all on home
Classic Clapton, classic 3 piece volume. Love this. I remember listening to this album on my cousin's reel to reel machine, and was captivated by the guitar tone.
Clapton, yes!!!
Clapton was in a number of bands, in addition to his solo work. He also played with/for many very famous musicians. Eric got his start while the Brits were swapping bands and band members all over the place. His autobiography tells all of the things going behind the scenes.
I'm an old Millennial so the first time I heard Clapton was his MTV Unplugged album. I remember later on hearing about how he was this "guitar god" and I was confused because I thought of him as that Tears In Heaven guy. Eventually I heard Cream and his solo work and finally understood. Cream rips!
I wouldn’t call any of it chaotic. It might seem that way because they are such excellent musicians and yes, they DO love what they do.
The bass and drums are crazy good too.
Check out the album 'John Mayall's Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton'. The cover of the album has Eric reading 'The Beano' on it.
probably the greatest guitar solos ever, they say the second solo was ground breaking and brought in modern blues
This is the Mt. Everest of guitar solos. I’ve listened to this a thousand times and never gotten bored with it. The only thing to equal it is Jimi’s “Voodoo Child.”
The band was called CREAM! This was live at the Filmore East in Manhattan, NY. Listen to Jack Bruce on bass, incredible.
The first time I heard this version of "Crossroads", was on FM radio, in the early summer of 1968, while driving I-25 between Colorado Springs and Denver. As a guitar playing 18 year old, I was emotionally overwhelmed by this song, and Eric's soloing, to the point of tears in my eyes, and banging on the steering wheel, along with the beat. I'm 74 now, and everytime I hear this "Wheels of Fire" live version of Crossroads, to this day, I have to "crank it up"! I simply cannot listen to it, at "normal" volume, even now. Cheers! :D
Just subscribed last night. you are among the better in this genre. I'm old, so most of the musicians that are new to you are what I grew up on and still listen to now. Eric Clapton is a standout guitarists that other guitarists worship. His nickname is "Slowhand". You should check out his live performances at his own Crossroads Festivals where he has hosted many of the worlds best guitarists all playing on the same stage. Keep up the good work!
This was Eric Clapton's 3rd band that he was a part of. His first band was The Yardbirds, followed by John Mayall's Blues Breakers, then Cream. When Eric left The Yardbirds he was replaced there by Jeff Beck and then Jimmy Page.
Before you despair about where the three piece band has gone, remember Stevie Ray Vaughn and the two guys that never get any credit in reaction videos, Double Trouble. All that music at the El Mocambo came from 3 dudes and it was DECADES after this performance! The fading of real music is a Gen Z thing.
that's a23 year old Eric knocking it out with 2 of the best musicians to ever grace a stage-his 2nd solo on this is off the scale good.
Sebs
I think that Cream reunited for 3 night's concert event at Royal Albert Hall in 2005. All 3 are little older in 2005. Today, Eric is one living today as both Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce died few years ago. At 78 going to 79 next month, Eric hasn't slowed down yet.
Check out the movie, “ The Last Waltz,” directed by Martin Scorsese. It is the last concert of the rock band, “The Band.” Eric Clapton is playing and his strap comes off Robbie Robertson jumps in the cover for Eric till he gets his strap fixed. Plus you will see an amazing lineup of artist.
Clapton and others lead the blues based British invasion. A very early power trio with 3 lead players. Ginger Baker playing 4 rhythms at once. African polyrhythms. Another early great power trio leader was the Irish bluesman Rory Gallagher. Check out Rory with his '61 Strat on "Shinkicker", "Bullfrog Blues" or anything else. He said no the the Rolling Stones, when asked to join. Also check out Dave Davies guitar with the Kinks "All Day and All of the Night". I saw Clapton in Tacoma, WA. I saw Janis Joplin and Savoy Brown in '69 at Winterland. Thanks Sebs
Before there was Zeppelin we had Cream. Luckily LZ showed up after Cream left and filled the hole they were leaving. (Actually there were a still a few other blues rockers)
One story is that Ginger Baker was the inspiration for Animal in the Muppets...
I heard there was a bit of Keith Moon mixed in there as well.
Saw Cream in 68 at the Anaheim Convention Center. One of the best concerts I've ever been to. You should check out some of his guitar playinwith the Bluesbreakers. After Bluesbreakers and Cream he never had the same sound or intensity to me.
Wow, I've thought that for years, but never heard anyone else share that opinion. His solos became predictable and stale, almost as if they were scripted rather than improvised. At the time, I thought Clapton was God (not literally), but as time passed, he lost that feel he had early on. I loved Gary Moore's interpretations of Cream's songs when he played with Jack Bruce.
Saw them in 69 at their farewell concert at the LA Forum. Amen ! We were young kids looking for a fourth guy to explain this amazingly full and fiery tone. It wasn't just Marshall stacks
You would have to consider that Clapton is one of the most important musicians in history. 😎
This song is going to be played at my funeral. First super band!
Best sounding version of this song on UA-cam I've heard. Bass, drums clear as bells, bellbottoms and most of us boomers.
Three extraordinary musicians jamming. Eternal. 😊❤
16 when this hit..Cream was huge...what great music from them!! Sunshine of your Love.. Strange Brew..on and on!!!
This song is the first track on one side of the Wheels of Fire double album from this concert. The second track is Spoonful, another old blues tune. Spoonful is something like 17 minutes long with these three awesome musicians just jammin'! When I was playing basketball in college in the early 70's, these two tunes were my clear-my-mind-and get-ready-to-rumble pregame ritual.
Dude, he was so good there were graffiti scrawls in Britain that said “Clapton is God”
The World's FIRST SUPERGROUP, taking Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, and Eric Clapton from other Bands and, aptly, becoming CREAM.
Graffiti all around London in 1969/1970 "Clapton Is God" lol
thats how it is when you hear the best musicians in the world !!!
Hey Jan, great comment below. One detail… Clapton wasn’t in Blind Faith, he was in the Yardbirds “ Sunshine of Your Love”
Check out The Beatles original version of Why My Guitar Gently Weeps. Eric Clapton plays the lead guitar on it. It's amazing. He also plays it in a tribute concert for George Harrison.
Cream was considered the first Super Group. This has one of my favorite guitar riffs
I am so blessed to have come up in the time of all this great music and musicians
Eric the love of my life😊❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
No fancy electronics, tube amps, pure sound!!!
This shows just what 3 talents can achieve. Eric has been my "go back to" musician since the 80's no matter what I listen to. He is very generous on stage when joined by other artists allowing them to shine while holding a quietly dominant presence, remarkable. As a solo artist, a part of an ensemble or duet he can do it all. An unlikely duet with Luciano Pavarotti (Holy Mother), the force behind A Concert for George (Harrison) playing on While My Guitar Grntly Weeps and with Sheryl Crow are perticular highlights.
You simply must see the chemistry, humour, respect and professionalism as David Sanborn steals the stage, Nathan East trundles through his bass lines, Gadd hammers the drums and Eric and Sheryl vocally intertwine......
ua-cam.com/video/iEuVH_16vRg/v-deo.htmlsi=xoeTe60YwdDg9TPr
The three greatest musicians to ever live!
The caption says Live At Fillmore Winterland - San Francisco, California. This is 100% WRONG. This footage is from the Royal Albert Hall in London in November 1968. This was Cream's farewell concert - until their reunion concert in 2005. I know, I have both concerts on DVD.
I can't believe there's a generation in music, who haven't heard of Cream... the first supergroup. Eric Clapton was an immense blues guitarist, who pretty much wrote the book. Jack Bruce was a superb bass player with a jazz/blues background, and Ginger Baker was a legendady drummer. Watch Cream's farewell concert at the Albert Hall and enjoy!
The bassist, Jack Bruce is KILLING it....✌ The BPM must be 1180
Jack Bruce was the bassist for Cream
The concert shown was their farewell performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 1968, ‘but’ the audio is from the album ‘Wheels of Fire’, which was a double album, on studio, one live, and the live recording was from an American tour. Someone has just melded them together. I think Taste and Yes were the support bands at the Albert Hall. I was 15 at the time and would have loved to have gone to that concert, but I lived in the north of England and didn’t have the means.
They're just very good musicians!
Sebs, yer in my wheelhouse now. Been a fan of Eric since I heard him in the Yard Birds, 1972. There are too many recommendations here, so I will watch as you explore him. Rock on.
Eric was in the Yardbirds before he was in Cream.
72 was when I first heard YB,
My favorite Clapton guitar solo is the exquisite work he did on Ginger Baker's song "Do What You Like" on Blind Faiths only album.
My older brother introduced me to Cream, and most of the popular bands of the 60’s. Moody Blues, Jefferson Airplane, Crosby Stills and Nash to name a few.
Eric Clapton was in Cream, Blind Faith & Derek & The Dominoes (Layla)
Heres a reaction 4 You. Was present to experience 'Cream 'LIVE' In 68' very up close . Jack Bruce was absolutely Phenomonal.. Together there was no band then or now that even come close . No, matter who You think is good now .Right -not impressive Now..I was in a Band then ,already playing Cream tunes .We walked to the venue and blew our Minds totally. There was nothing chaotic about Cream.They ,were a supremely structured Band that jammed out together in certain tunes .Jack ,pushed this Band off the Stage.. Youngsters TAKE NOTE PLEASE.
Wheels of Fire is my favorite Cream album, lots of old blues done in 60's rock fashion like Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters.
Got to see THE CREAM. Only 3 guys live at Massey Hall in Toronto. Jack Bruce is a phenomenal Bassist and Ginger Baker played African inspired drums. Eric Clapton Slow Hand was called God in the 60's. They blew the roof off. Then I got to Meet him and he was a lovely gentleman, we watched Bobbe Kennedy's assassination report on TV. Eric is redoing a 1930's Robert Johnson song.
Baker and Bruce were at each other's throats most of the time over creative differences and other things. While Clapton mostly stayed to himself, and stayed above the fray. But there was a lot of personal tension, which was why they split up after a couple of years. But WHAT a couple of years!!
You would enjoy listening to more of his music!
You mention tears in heaven. It's worth noting that clapton basically popularised the unplugged format. This after having popularised the Blues, invented Blues Rock, written Layla, popularised reggae music. And still going. Immense contribution
Love your comments Sebs. I've been to the legendary spot in Mississippi where Robert Johnson went. Bob Dylan refers to this spot, also. This rendition by Cream is smoking hot and set the rock music world on fire when it appeared. Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce just tear it up behind Clapton. Rock virtuosity at its finest.
EC was only 23 when this was recorded. Already a rock icon, with "Clapton is god" written on London subway walls. Cream did very heavy improvisation band. His blues skills are incredible and he's influenced so much great music.
Crossroads is an old Robert Johnson classic...this was recorded at the Fillmore West in San Fran.
Crossroads is a very old song from one of the early black river bottom blues musicians.., this song was only released as a live recording, never a studio release! You have to listen to Sunshine of your love and White room!
You should check out Tom waits sometime. He is an artist unlike any other. You either will love him or hate him. His voice is like gravel wrapped in velvet. Amazing lyrics. I recommend “picture in a frame” or “all the world is green” for lyrics. “The Train Song” sounds like he is quite literally bleeding out his lyrics, truly amazing. If you just wanna listen to something crazy them I recommend “Underground” or “Raised right men”.
Sorry for the rant lol 😂 I just love the dude, gotta be my favorite song artist
You can do lists of the greatest musicians of rock and Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker are on the Mount Rushmore for each of their respective instruments and also jack Bruce who sung the majority of Cream songs isn't thought as one of Rock's greatest vocalists, but hew should be. All three were necessary to create such an amazing, and sizable collection of music in so short amount of time back in the late 60s.
Hardly chaotic.
Just inspired improvisation within a simple 12 bar progression.
Clapton's solos in this piece are exceptional.
Jack Bruce's bass lines are perfection.
I was 14yrs. old when this came out in 1968, & blew me away. I believe Eddie Van Halen spoke very highly of it. It''s a standard must for any guitarist worth his salt to master. Kind regards