Eric Clapton to turn 70 with New York shows

[webfact]

Eric Clapton to turn 70 with New York shows


File photo. Source: Internet

NEW YORK (AFP) - Guitar legend Eric Clapton is planning to celebrate turning 70 by playing two concerts at New York's Madison Square Garden.

Clapton on Thursday announced the shows for May 1-2, which would come two weeks ahead of a previously announced residency of six sold-out concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall, also timed for his birthday.

Clapton and his former band Cream in 1968 inaugurated the modern version of Madison Square Garden, built after developers knocked down parts of historic Pennsylvania Station in Midtown Manhattan.

The latest shows would take to 47 the number of times Clapton played at the 20,000-capacity arena, one of the most prestigious venues for big-ticket artists.

The English guitarist’s birthday is March 30. With the shows, Clapton joins the growing club of still-active septuagenarian rockers who include the Rolling Stones, surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and Paul Simon.

Clapton, hailed for his guitar style that merges rock with elements of the blues and psychedelia, last year went on a selective tour that included shows in Japan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Eric-Clapton-to-turn-70-with-New-York-shows-30255935.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-13

[Oziex1]

One word,

Legend

[neverdie]

One word,

Legend

Absolutely

[Soutpeel]

One truly great guitar player's tribute to another truly great guitar player, who left too soon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJsUpM0Llmk

[ChrisY1]

Would love to be in the crowd at that concert in NY!!........

[DaddyWarbucks]

If raising hell, having fun, and living free counts for anything, then we're The Greatest Generation.

[sdanielmcev]

Still the best!

[Bignose]

I don't know what kind of person he is, no idea what his personality is like, none of that really matters as he's one musician that the word "legend" rightfully describes.

While it is all down to personal choice and preference, the quality of this mans contributions over such an extended period of time speaks for itself.

A true cultural icon that history will recognize as one of the real greats of our time...

[kinmaew]

Long live Eric Clapton. I will stand up for him any-time because he is someone who has actually achieved something phenomenal and people genuinely respect him.

[Humberstone]

He's a good musician granted. Is he great ?well that's conjecture. He was at his best in Cream imho. If you compare him to Jeff Beck, his contemporary and band member, he is very limited. He never really explored the possibilities of electric guitar or different genres but seems content to re hash 12 bar blues and indulge in AOR bore fests.

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[Credo]

Eric Clapton is one of the best musicians. They may be others that are better, but he is the whole package. He is a consummate entertainer.

[Soutpeel]

He's a good musician granted. Is he great ?well that's conjecture. He was at his best in Cream imho. If you compare him to Jeff Beck, his contemporary and band member, he is very limited. He never really explored the possibilities of electric guitar or different genres but seems content to re hash 12 bar blues and indulge in AOR bore fests.

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Albert Collins

BB King

Muddy Waters

John Lee Hooker

Stevie Ray Vaughn

Buddy Guy

Freddy King

etc

None of these guitar players strayed very far from 12 bar blues, or "explored the possibilities" of the electric guitar either, but their "greatness" is not in doubt

you could compare Jeff Beck to the likes of Gary Moore and suggest Jeff Beck hasn't really explored the possibilities of electric guitar or genres either

the only "modern" guitarist to ever really break the mould was Hendrix

its all personal opinion of course, and that's all debates like these can ever be, opinions and preferences

Is Clapton worthy of being included in the above list of "greatness" or in 50 or 100 years time will people mention him as being one of the great/influential blues men ever...the answer is yes

I like Clapton as a musician and guitarist , but do I like him as a guitarist as much as I like Gary Moore ?...No

[transam]

I do sing his songs.............. ...............And for free...........

In fact tonight................ ................Don't tell Weegee, he will......

[Oziex1]

Clapton and a few other white guitarist brought the black mans blues to the white audience and in doing so ensured the great black blues men got the recognition they so deserved.

Clapton has stated that there were guys on the streets of Chicago that are better players than him, maybe but EC is the one I know and love.

[transam]

I first saw the guy play live in 1963/4......."The Yardbirds"..........