By Matt De Marco
The guitar god, Eric Clapton, and the “Blue-Eyed Soulster,” Steve Winwood, performed together at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 25, 26 and 28 to sold-out, electric crowds of fans who were anything but disappointed.
Clapton and Winwood first performed together in 1969 when they formed the group Blind Faith along with Ric Grech and Ginger Baker. The short-lived group only made one album before Clapton decided to leave it to pursue other interests. Thirty-eight years later, Clapton and Winwood performed six songs together at Clapton’s “Crossroads Guitar Festival,” in Chicago in July 2007. Soon after, they announced that they would be performing together at the Garden.
The set-list was unpredictable; no one knew what was coming next. Almost out of nowhere, Clapton broke out his 1985 hit, “Forever Man,” and his popular version of J.J. Cale’s “After Midnight.” From his Derek and the Dominos days, they played “Tell the Truth” and “Little Wing.” The duo played “No Face, No Name, No Number” and “Pearly Queen” from Winwood’s time with the band Traffic. They also played a few numbers from their Blind Faith days, including “Had to Cry Today,” “Presence of the Lord” and “Can’t Find My Way Home.”
The excitement level in “the world’s most famous arena” reached an all-time high when Clapton played the most unexpected song of the night, Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile.” Clapton played an amazing, thrilling, extended guitar solo, and Winwood used the Hammond Organ to accentuate it in just the right way.
As if this wasn’t enough, Clapton followed the song up with his hit single, “Cocaine.” Again, Clapton blew the crowd away with his masterful guitar work.
The encore of the night was Winwood’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy.” It was amazing. “Winwood’s voice has not changed one bit since I saw him when Blind Faith played here the first time!” said one excited fan as the crowd exited the building. We also saw Winwood’s extensive guitar skills being put to work in this song, as he played an amazing solo parallel to Clapton’s.
These two Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers put on an amazing show. Not one audience member left with a disappointed face. These two should play together more often, whether it be another album or on tour, because when they play together, they put on a show that leaves everyone in attendance with a smile on their face and yearning for more.
Clapton and Winwood, both Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famers, perform together for the third time in their careers to sold out crowds. (leregardobscurviabloga.com)