This was probably the only time in the band's history (outside the solo in "Toad") that Ginger Baker could clearly hear what his drumkit actually sounded like.
Yes, and I just came here from some other Cream videos from 67-68, and it looks like someone either stole about half his cymbals or put all the cymbal stands to his left and right so they wouldn't block the camera shooting him. I know Baker was notorious for having two arms and two legs all moving independently, but if you've been playing songs with one setup for a couple of years and suddenly you're playing a different setup live on camera, that has to be weird! 🙄
I recently watched the documentary "Beware of Mr. Baker" on netflix. And on it, I think an MTV reporter, asked Ginger while he was a member of the Masters of Reality in the early 90's, if he thought Nirvana was the new Cream...Ginger may have given her the best "I can't f*cking believe you just asked that" reaction ever. Watching this video just makes me crack up when I think of it.
Ginger Baker was not merely a drummer. He was a bloody musician who was far more versatile than other double-bass-drummers Keith Moon & Bonzo Bonham. And I love those guys, too. But Ginger was in a class all by himself, IMO. His drum solos are actually LISTENABLE compared to "Moby Dick." Ginger gave Jack & Slowhand the "space" they needed to improvise yet was still there all the time.
Cream was a very talented band. One could imagine if they stayed together and made more great albums, this was probably the first blues rock band that made great music and played LOUD...this was before Zeppelin hit the rock scene.
After reading your comment I went back and PAID EXTRA careful ATTENTION to his solo..........it is one hell of a tasty nugget. At first I was nonplussed by it. the clean tone and the overall levelness of it at first put me off, but you are on to something. It really was perfect.
Such vivid memories of watching this as a teen. The set was just crazy… Eric and Jack not facing the camera, giant monolith shaped mirrors reflecting their images, a camera doing an entire 360 of the set. Just brilliant. The only thing that suffers is Eric's tone, since it sounds like he was only able to turn his Marshall half stack up to about .2 out of ten.
Agree, he plays fantastically despite his lack of his usual sustain from an overdriven amp. It's a credit to his technique that he could play through the changes so well...
Thanks for uploading a pristine version of this. Clapton sparkling clean lead guitar. A group breaking up, but completing commitments. Jack with his styled hair in the backlight. Eric too, has his hair styled and full. Love Jack's appearance here-so healthy-and the 1968 studio set colors ~ reflecting the fading psychedelia of an era.
I remember watching this on the Glen Campbell show which aired in the Smothers Brothers time slot when they went on summer vacation. Boy was Ginger pounding those skins! And loved Jack’s vocals
I'm amazed they were allowed to play live on a TV show. The guitar tone suffered as a result because those old Marshalls needed to be cranked to get that lovely tone Cream were known for. And a cranked Marshall is very loud.
I've heard that the Glen Campbell show made them turn down the volume on this performance. Cream turned this into "less is more". Clapton's guitar prowess come through vs. a loud performance.
Mostly correct! This was 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour' summer replacement show ('Summer Brothers Smothers Show') hosted by GC that became 'The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour' in '69. This episode aired 7-14-68.... Cream had broken up by the end of '68.
Yes, the guitar dynamics aren't quite what they are in other live performances, but this is a very good performance nonetheless- live on a TV show in the late 60's, quite unusual. Eric could not turn his Marshall up to get that power tube distortion, but it is a credit to his incredible technique that he played so cleanly with such great picking. Another thing- he was using his Firebird I which is a one pickup, trebly instrument. It would not naturally distort at a lower volume like a Les Paul or SG would especially in a mid-range position.
I really love this performance, Jack has a bounce and a jauntiness to his delivery that nicely compliments Eric's low volume clean sound. It gives an excellent opportunity to listen to just how tasteful & skilled Clapton was at this time. This arrangement is a cool thoughtful low volume way to be Cream live in a TV studio. I have to think Glen Campbell being one of the great guitarists himself, was very impressed. And of course Mr. Baker is killing it and holding nothing back.
I got picked to stand on the stage beside ginger baker drumming to this song and Eric was playing guitar I was wearing a lime green miniskirt and a gold and green striped sweater at Edmonton Sales Pavilion in 1967 or 68
I was a high school sophomore in 1968. I was completely out of control, and I do not see how I avoided going to jail for my willing participation in the whole 60's culture and condition.Looking back on what I had a chance to experience, and this was a transport vehicle for me, I would not change a single thing. I am lucky to have lived and been a young man in these incredible times.
warming up just in case the band plays any surprise gigs in the deep south, possibly to avoid any stereotypical Deliverance (before the film existed) situations.
I've played drums for 20 years with a local wedding band..... hey! it was GOOD pay! LOL But Ginger is still my hero and I sure wish I could play like he does.
Clapton's guitar sounds pretty thin. I think they were trying to tone it down a little bit because of the type of tv show, but I do agree with the other comment that it brings a new element to a very well known song.
@vakeromty I saw the Cream a few times and all 3 were extraordinary musicians. Jack Bruce's vocals are amazing. Clapton's guitar - flawless. Baker's drumming - great.
Baker always approached rock drumming like a jazz drummer.. He accents the off beats on this song. That's why Jack Bruce although great was never able to capture that Cream vibe when he performed his Cream hits later. Nobody else could play it like Ginger. Ironically they hated each other off stage...and sometimes on stage.
I might have already known the source from the Glen Campbell show. In one of is bizzare shows he had an awesome banjo player who preformed Foggy mountain breakdown and dueling banjos. And for the first time on his show the bagpipes which he also played. I do also remember that Eric Clapton played this at 2 concerts in Royal Albert Hall on January 24, 1990 And February 9, 1990.
I am sure I saw this when it was broadcast. It is so cool to watch it now. It's amazing that Clapton's guitar is so clean with no fuzz at all. The Marshall must not have been turned up very much as those things would start to distort very quickly. Thank you for posting.
@@ForthDimensionMeditationSounds indeed, same here.... even a jtm45 was LOUD before it had some gentle breakup.... Impressive though, how Eric was stunningly ON even when soloing clean !!!!!!! And it being the Glen Campbell Show made the whole event, a wonder to behold... the broadcast stage and production crew requirements are a whole ‘nother level of headache and “orders from the top”..... I grew up in Sacto and Fairfield....
@Robert Hurless, I hope that didn't sound argumentative of me.... my experience with Marshalls through the years is, if you don't have a RangeMaster or equivalent pedal, you turn them way up and "jumper" both channels to get some "grind"..... I play 15w and 20w heads now that have some good clean headroom, so I can turn up the POWER section and get a "singing" tone..... EL84 tubes are my chosen tube "voicing"..... and Strats and Teles ! 😊
When Clapton wanted to look like George Harrison, I was always more impressed by the substantial rhythmic support and yet perpetual contributions toward an ever evolving nuance and unique form.
He really was cool back then. He had the gentleman dandy hippie look down perfect. No thrift store hand me downs from Haight Ashbury for him; just a nice clean cut stylish long hair rock star look with tasteful threads instead.
I'm surprised these guys were able to keep this group together as long as they did. This music is so beneath their musical talents and it shows. Not to say that it's bad because it isn't but you can see Eric and especially Ginger look like they're about to explode at any second and just go into something totally different and way crazier.
They should've tried to keep it together. With the stuff they were doing on the 'Goodbye' album they would've gone on to bigger and better things. Imagine hearing 'What A Bringdown' live?!
I suspect that the producers of The GCGTH wouldn't let the band play at their usual concert volume, which would explain Clapton"s thin guitar tone. Also, the fact that he is using a Firebird, which has a thin almost Fender like tone anyway. I have heard rumor that the day after this was broadcast, the phones were ring of the hook at Gibson. People wanting to know what model of guitar was Eric playing. Too bad for Gibson that the original "reverse" models of the Firebird were already discontinued.
They were going against type /reputation for being incredibly loud.And, Yes the board engineers had told them what the paremeters must be.So, they just used counterpoint, to give the pure , stripped down version here.
It's awesome. I especially like Jack's singing and Clapton's solo and sound of guitar.Do you think Clapton practiced that solo before performance or played it first time on the show?
A good example of "less is more". They were told to turn down the volume for the TV show and fortunately it was Cream who dod not need loudness to sound good. Other acts would have sounded terrible.
What a cool sound and what great musicians! Besides, Jack Bruce is one of the most creative and inventive bass players ever and he has always been underestimated, which is both a pity and a shame. Creativity and taste does matter much more than technique.
R.I.P Ginger Baker
R.I.P Jack Bruce
Cream, there are no words for how amazing talented and brilliant they were.
Even with a clean tone they gave an epic performance.
Because they were amazing
I love this version! Jack's improvisational voice inflections are awesome...I have always loved his voice, he is so unique.
This was probably the only time in the band's history (outside the solo in "Toad") that Ginger Baker could clearly hear what his drumkit actually sounded like.
Yes, and I just came here from some other Cream videos from 67-68, and it looks like someone either stole about half his cymbals or put all the cymbal stands to his left and right so they wouldn't block the camera shooting him. I know Baker was notorious for having two arms and two legs all moving independently, but if you've been playing songs with one setup for a couple of years and suddenly you're playing a different setup live on camera, that has to be weird! 🙄
I like this version! Even with that clean guitar tone. And that solo is spectacular!!!
Three Gods!
Three Gods!
Jack singing higher than ever at the end was very memorable. "I've been waiting so long!" Seriously epic.
I recently watched the documentary "Beware of Mr. Baker" on netflix. And on it, I think an MTV reporter, asked Ginger while he was a member of the Masters of Reality in the early 90's, if he thought Nirvana was the new Cream...Ginger may have given her the best "I can't f*cking believe you just asked that" reaction ever. Watching this video just makes me crack up when I think of it.
Ginger earned the right to be dismissive, but Nirvana cannot be denied.
Got a clean setting on
Clapton on lead banjo.
I like this version! Even with that clean guitar tone. And that solo is spectacular!!!
its a bloody shame these three couldn't get on longer. peak of all their careers. ERIC INCLUDED.
Music history is filled with partners in bands that went their separate ways for whatever reasons. SIGH.
Ginger Baker was not merely a drummer. He was a bloody musician who was far more versatile than other double-bass-drummers Keith Moon & Bonzo Bonham. And I love those guys, too. But Ginger was in a class all by himself, IMO. His drum solos are actually LISTENABLE compared to "Moby Dick." Ginger gave Jack & Slowhand the "space" they needed to improvise yet was still there all the time.
Completely different styles they can all do things that each other can't do...
Bonham was not a double base player
Cream was a very talented band. One could imagine if they stayed together and made more great albums, this was probably the first blues rock band that made great music and played LOUD...this was before Zeppelin hit the rock scene.
no you can't crank it sonny
Got a clean setting on
Even with a clean tone they gave an epic performance.
thank!
Fascinating.
What you see here is one of Clapton's GREATEST solos...and I don't say this lightly. So perfect. He was on top of his game here.
After reading your comment I went back and PAID EXTRA careful ATTENTION to his solo..........it is one hell of a tasty nugget. At first I was nonplussed by it. the clean tone and the overall levelness of it at first put me off, but you are on to something. It really was perfect.
Such vivid memories of watching this as a teen. The set was just crazy… Eric and Jack not facing the camera, giant monolith shaped mirrors reflecting their images, a camera doing an entire 360 of the set. Just brilliant. The only thing that suffers is Eric's tone, since it sounds like he was only able to turn his Marshall half stack up to about .2 out of ten.
These cats are laying it down heavy like man ya dig
Bruce had amazing vocals.
I like this version! Even with that clean guitar tone. And that solo is spectacular!!!
Got a clean setting on
Agree, he plays fantastically despite his lack of his usual sustain from an overdriven amp. It's a credit to his technique that he could play through the changes so well...
Ginger's drums with Jack Bruce's vocals are so awesome!
I like this version! Even with that clean guitar tone. And that solo is spectacular!!!
Thanks for uploading a pristine version of this. Clapton sparkling clean lead guitar. A group breaking up, but completing commitments. Jack with his styled hair in the backlight. Eric too, has his hair styled and full. Love Jack's appearance here-so healthy-and the 1968 studio set colors ~ reflecting the fading psychedelia of an era.
Riff Digger Thanks for watching! :)
I've listened to about all of the live videos of this song I can find and I'd say this one's the best. 👍
Those drummings are kick-ass sick!
I remember watching this on the Glen Campbell show which aired in the Smothers Brothers time slot when they went on summer vacation.
Boy was Ginger pounding those skins! And loved Jack’s vocals
DAMN JACK 'S VOICE SOUNDS GREAT!
What an amazing guitar solo bruv
I'm amazed they were allowed to play live on a TV show. The guitar tone suffered as a result because those old Marshalls needed to be cranked to get that lovely tone Cream were known for. And a cranked Marshall is very loud.
"Rude and Crude" - The way rock and roll was always meant to be.
This is the ultimate classic rock song from Cream. One of those songs that stands the test of time.
The “Boys” IN Their Ever Lovin’ PRIME!! I LOVE IT!!
Cream war eine großartige Band
I've heard that the Glen Campbell show made them turn down the volume on this performance. Cream turned this into "less is more". Clapton's guitar prowess come through vs. a loud performance.
Mostly correct! This was 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour' summer replacement show ('Summer Brothers Smothers Show') hosted by GC that became 'The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour' in '69. This episode aired 7-14-68.... Cream had broken up by the end of '68.
great😍😍😍RIP Jack Bruce a fucking legend! 😟😟
Yes, the guitar dynamics aren't quite what they are in other live performances, but this is a very good performance nonetheless- live on a TV show in the late 60's, quite unusual. Eric could not turn his Marshall up to get that power tube distortion, but it is a credit to his incredible technique that he played so cleanly with such great picking. Another thing- he was using his Firebird I which is a one pickup, trebly instrument. It would not naturally distort at a lower volume like a Les Paul or SG would especially in a mid-range position.
I really love this performance, Jack has a bounce and a jauntiness to his delivery that nicely compliments Eric's low volume clean sound. It gives an excellent opportunity to listen to just how tasteful & skilled Clapton was at this time. This arrangement is a cool thoughtful low volume way to be Cream live in a TV studio. I have to think Glen Campbell being one of the great guitarists himself, was very impressed. And of course Mr. Baker is killing it and holding nothing back.
I've somehow always loved the Eric's tone & riff variation combination in this version. He adds those 8th notes
R.I.P. Jack Bruce. Brilliant Bassist. Best Supergroup 60s . Tears- In Rock N Roll Heaven.
Happy birthday (14MAY) to the late Jack Bruce.
Amazing!!!
I got picked to stand on the stage beside ginger baker drumming to this song and Eric was playing guitar I was wearing a lime green miniskirt and a gold and green striped sweater at Edmonton Sales Pavilion in 1967 or 68
That is the coolest thing!
Did you lower the drawbridge and raise the portcullis?
in Alberta? or at a summer fair? surprising they played so out of the way back then.
Oh man.....details, details, pleeeeeze!!!
1 JUNE 1968
The cleaner lower volume guitar Eric's doing brings a whole new element to this well known song.
I was a high school sophomore in 1968. I was completely out of control, and I do not see how I avoided going to jail for my willing participation in the whole 60's culture and condition.Looking back on what I had a chance to experience, and this was a transport vehicle for me, I would not change a single thing. I am lucky to have lived and been a young man in these incredible times.
Got a clean setting on
Even with a clean tone they gave an epic performance.
thank!
Clapton on lead banjo.
warming up just in case the band plays any surprise gigs in the deep south, possibly to avoid any stereotypical Deliverance (before the film existed) situations.
johnnyhmash that’s a firebird
@@INDLIS it was a joke in case you didn't know
that solo was killer haha
Never saw this before...Never saw Eric on a Firebird...Cleanest version yet..Thanks for posting!
I've played drums for 20 years with a local wedding band..... hey! it was GOOD pay! LOL But Ginger is still my hero and I sure wish I could play like he does.
Howie McRae clapton is my hero!
Awesome footage, thanks for sharing..........
Cool. They didn't fake it and lip-sync to a pre-recorded hit like so many of their contemporaries did. They did it LIVE.
and thankfully this video hasn't been remastered!
I remember they were required to turn way down. Baker not so interested in doing so.
The guitar is really quiet but Jacks singing is alot louder, I like this
They were told "no amplifiers, you gotta go direct." Yet Clapton pulls it off!
Bruce's ,Voice Here iz Just implicably amazingly over the Friggin Top.
Jack Bruce clearly was the best musician in Cream without him there would be no Cream!
Ginger Baker was Cream
GB was the one who created cream. He first ask Eric and Eric was the one who suggested Jack.
Clapton's guitar sounds pretty thin. I think they were trying to tone it down a little bit because of the type of tv show, but I do agree with the other comment that it brings a new element to a very well known song.
I thought they same when i first heard this, but have come to realize less is more.
Nice solo from Eric. Gingers drums sound fucking great!
These cats are laying it down heavy like man you dig man
@vakeromty I saw the Cream a few times and all 3 were extraordinary musicians. Jack Bruce's vocals are amazing. Clapton's guitar - flawless. Baker's drumming - great.
lets not forget how brilliant ginger baker is on drums..
Baker always approached rock drumming like a jazz drummer.. He accents the off beats on this song. That's why Jack Bruce although great was never able to capture that Cream vibe when he performed his Cream hits later. Nobody else could play it like Ginger. Ironically they hated each other off stage...and sometimes on stage.
Sounds like they are gearing up for a extensive tour of Tennessee, West Virgina, Alabama and Georgia.
Three Gods!
I might have already known the source from the Glen Campbell show. In one of is bizzare shows he had an awesome banjo player who preformed Foggy mountain breakdown and dueling banjos. And for the first time on his show the bagpipes which he also played. I do also remember that Eric Clapton played this at 2 concerts in Royal Albert Hall on January 24, 1990 And February 9, 1990.
un verdadero Power trio!!!! maestros!!!!
I am sure I saw this when it was broadcast. It is so cool to watch it now. It's amazing that Clapton's guitar is so clean with no fuzz at all. The Marshall must not have been turned up very much as those things would start to distort very quickly. Thank you for posting.
ive been playing guitar for 50+ years, pre JCM Marshalls do NOT distort quickly.....
@@paultorbert6929, I fully agree! We used them back in '71 in S.F., and it was very challenging to play small venues with those amps.
@@ForthDimensionMeditationSounds indeed, same here.... even a jtm45 was LOUD before it had some gentle breakup....
Impressive though, how Eric was stunningly ON even when soloing clean !!!!!!!
And it being the Glen Campbell Show made the whole event, a wonder to behold... the broadcast stage and production crew requirements are a whole ‘nother level of headache and “orders from the top”.....
I grew up in Sacto and Fairfield....
@@ForthDimensionMeditationSounds I subbed your channel, digging MOONCLOUD right now...!
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Robert Hurless, I hope that didn't sound argumentative of me.... my experience with Marshalls through the years is, if you don't have a RangeMaster or equivalent pedal, you turn them way up and "jumper" both channels to get some "grind".....
I play 15w and 20w heads now that have some good clean headroom, so I can turn up the POWER section and get a "singing" tone..... EL84 tubes are my chosen tube "voicing"..... and Strats and Teles ! 😊
Every time I now hear this song I think of Robert DiNiro in Goodfellas when he thinks about whacking Maury.
awesome!!!!
Dang, Eric must've been playing through Glen's amplifier! Glen Campbell was a fantastic guitarist too, btw
When Clapton wanted to look like George Harrison, I was always more impressed by the substantial rhythmic support and yet perpetual contributions toward an ever evolving nuance and unique form.
Ginger's drumming is killer here
His hands are like lightning.
Tdum tsss, tdum tsss, tdum tsss
Ginger's snares sound so sick
This was taped in May 1968 at the tail end of the endless tour that resulted in the decision to break up.
It's a shame, so many good bands break up back then because they were either robbed or exploited by greddy managers.
'Endless'...even though it did end, and they broke up, only because of their pissy egos.
@@CooManTunes not quite so, there were many other factors leading to their break up
Fascinating.
thank!
No bands are even trying to play like this anymore.
You gotta look deep , local bands , underground artists.. there’s some in your town I’m sure
It's not like they can anyway.
nothing but, classic!
Cream's Royal Albert Hall (Farewell Concert,1968) version
¡Locos y genios!
Clapton is turned way down but wow he really pulled off a great solo even with such a clean tone! Impressive.
OMG Clapton looked so cool back then. ..
He really was cool back then. He had the gentleman dandy hippie look down perfect. No thrift store hand me downs from Haight Ashbury for him; just a nice clean cut stylish long hair rock star look with tasteful threads instead.
Jack's vocals are fucking amazing!
The truth is that Eric's do a finest work and not neccesary a noisy and comfortable guitar show
agreed. its nice to hear it clean for a change.
I like this version of the song the best.
Damn Ginger's snare sounds incredible here
Might be his favorite Leedy
I'm surprised these guys were able to keep this group together as long as they did. This music is so beneath their musical talents and it shows. Not to say that it's bad because it isn't but you can see Eric and especially Ginger look like they're about to explode at any second and just go into something totally different and way crazier.
tight!!!
I think Eric's plugged into a 2x10 Univox here.
Wicked groove.
They should've tried to keep it together. With the stuff they were doing on the 'Goodbye' album they would've gone on to bigger and better things. Imagine hearing 'What A Bringdown' live?!
I suspect that the producers of The GCGTH wouldn't let the band play at their usual concert volume, which would explain Clapton"s thin guitar tone. Also, the fact that he is using a Firebird, which has a thin almost Fender like tone anyway. I have heard rumor that the day after this was broadcast, the phones were ring of the hook at Gibson. People wanting to know what model of guitar was Eric playing. Too bad for Gibson that the original "reverse" models of the Firebird were already discontinued.
They were going against type /reputation for being incredibly loud.And, Yes the board engineers had told them what the paremeters must be.So, they just used counterpoint, to give the pure , stripped down version here.
1:46- 1:52 Ginger's satan or a goblin!
Derek Lepiesza Maybe a Satanic goblin????
Does this mean this was filmed inside Glen Campbell's RV? Pretty roomy in there :)
😄
Yep, Glenn had a pretty large one used to drive all over the states back then.
So much more dynamic with the guitar cleaner
Interesting phase of the cream to have a document from...the playing was distinctively less loud and more melodic during this "Goodbye" period...
no you can't crank it sonny
It's awesome. I especially like Jack's singing and Clapton's solo and sound of guitar.Do you think Clapton practiced that solo before performance or played it first time on the show?
First time..he would never sit down and practice a solo note for note, he knows how to improvise
Solo begins at 2:10
A good example of "less is more". They were told to turn down the volume for the TV show and fortunately it was Cream who dod not need loudness to sound good. Other acts would have sounded terrible.
People i think they may have been told to not play it so loud and heavy because the type of show they were on 👍
@airtech4 It's more interesting then, as it exhibits Clapton playing more studio and within the constraints of the sitch...they can work it...
What a cool sound and what great musicians!
Besides, Jack Bruce is one of the most creative and inventive bass players ever and he has always been underestimated, which is both a pity and a shame. Creativity and taste does matter much more than technique.
Assume you mean the 1968 performance...and of course, there is NO comparison between this concert hall and a tv show!
this is great where ever did you get this??
❤❤❤❤