Saw Cream at the Albert Hall in London Last Night

[Joe LaSorte]

Man, what an experience!

I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Cream reunion concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London last night. As most probably know, they are doing four shows this week, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. Other than the three song set they played at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 1993, this is the first time Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and Eric Clapton have played together since their farewell concert (also at the Albert Hall) in 1968.

Hearing “Sunshine of your Love” back in 1967 is what made me want to play the guitar. I was 14 years old then…….to say that I idolized Clapton would be a huge understatement. I used to lock myself in my bedroom for hours with my Harmony Rocket, my Cream albums, and a little monaural record player trying to learn Clapton’s solos. I can trace my love of the blues, which eventually developed into a love of jazz and eventually a respect for all creative forms of music, directly back to the time I spent with those Cream records. I never got to see them live, though, which I always regretted. When this week’s shows were announced I knew I had to attend.

There are several “geezer rock” concerts and reunion tours happening these days, with bands from the 1960’s and 1970’s hitting the stage again after many years. My view is that many of these efforts are pretty lame. So I wondered what a Cream show would be like given the players’ ages (all three are in their 60’s) and the length of time since they had broken up. I was not disappointed………Bruce, Baker, and Clapton played an energetic, well-rehearsed two hour set featuring an interesting sampling of songs from their Fresh Cream, Disraeli Gears, Wheels of Fire, and Goodbye Cream albums (they also played “Stormy Monday”…….the only non-Cream song of the show). There were some extended jams, but nothing beyond five minutes or so. Some of the song endings were a little rough, but overall the band copped the vibe of their old studio and live recordings very well. They did not talk to the audience much, other than to introduce each other and occasionally recognize one another after a particularly impressive solo or vocal performance. They played "Spoonful", "I'm So Glad", "White Room", "Deserted Cities of the Heart", "Outside Woman Blues", "Politician", "We're Going Wrong", "NSU", "Badge", "Crossroads", "Rollin" and Tumblin'", and a few others.

Clapton was superb. He has been criticized over the years for having lost much of the fire of his early playing, and for having ventured too far and too often into “safe” pop territory. Last night he didn't play it safe, and he proved that he still has the fire. He played a black Strat for almost all of the show (changing to a second Black Strat tuned for slide for only one song, “Rollin’ and Tumblin’”), through a pair of what looked like boutique tweed Twin recreations (I didn’t have a great view of his amps from my seat). He also has Lesile cabinet for the George Harrison part in “Badge”. There were no pedals visible, other than what I think was a rack effects switching device (or maybe an amp selector pedal). Whatever it was, Clapton was nailed the original guitar tones from the Cream catalog (pretty amazing, given that he was using a Strat and almost everything he played with Cream in the old days was done on Gibson guitars). You could tell this was a labor of love for him……..he went out of is way to relate to the other two while playing, and often broke our into big smiles during and after the songs.

Bruce played well, but his recent battle with liver cancer has taken an evident toll (he had a liver transplant last year). He looked frail and thin, and played much of the show sitting down. His voice was remarkable, though…….same power and range as he had 40 years ago. He used what appeared to be a Warwick bass through three Hartke amps for most of the night (changing over to another bass that I didn’t recognize for about a third of the show). Baker gave a virtuoso performance on a black DW double drum kit. His drums sounded enormous………the overall mediocre house sound system favored the drums but muffled Bruce’s bass. Baker’s playing was powerful and controlled, and he showed that he’s still a master of polyrhythm. He did the requisite drum solo in “Toad”, moving between African-influenced rhythms and straight-out rock pyrotechnics. He also sang “Pressed Rat and Warthog”.

If the legendary animosity between Bruce and Baker still exists it wasn’t on display last night. As Baker walked to the front of the stage after “Toad” (which closed the show, except for the encore “Sunshine of Your Love”) he embraced Bruce in what looked like a true gesture of affection. All three of them seemed to be enjoying being and playing together. During Baker's "Toad" drum solo Clapton and Bruce went off to one side of the stage where they laughed and chatted, obviously having a good time.

Regardless of what you think of Cream, it's hard to deny that they were an influencial band who (along with Hendrix and a few others) helped define what rock music would sound like for the next couple of decades. Last night they reminded me of what it was like listening to that music for the first time, almost 40 years ago. I'll remember this concert for at least another 40 years!

They are filming all four nights at the Albert Hall........look for the DVD sometime next year. Also, I heard rumors that a 10 date US tour is being contemplated........

[jwells393]

.........Great report.

[Phil]

Thanks for the review. At 15, I got to see Cream at their last NY show at the Garden. I feel lucky to this day. They are the band that made me want to play. I can still sing Clapton's solo's almost note for note in a lot of their tunes (notice I didn't say play) even though I haven't heard some of the tunes in a long while. They're just etched in this old man's brain.
Happy for you you got to be a part of the reunion.
Phil

[Bob Mc]

Thanks Joe, I'm up to my eyeballs in 'EC played a Strat so he stinks' type comments. To hear firsthand that it sounded good to you is a relief, we can move on to why folks really hate him: HIS HAIR (don't even mention that shirt!).

Glad to hear you were there and truly appreciate your review.

[T Prior]

I doubt we will get a better review anywhere..

Thanks

glad you were there..wish I was too !

t

[harlycarly]

Sounds like a fun show, your review makes it even better.

[flyingb54]

Terrific review, brother!
JB
www.johnbeland.com

[dangerine49]

Thanks for a great review. I was fortunate to see Cream twice back in the 60's. Saw EC last year at MSG in NYC. He did Sunshine and it sounded great. He still has "it". Sure hope that rumor about an American Cream tour is for real.

[Big Lug]

Thank you for taking the time to write about the Cream concert you saw/experienced. It was so well-written that for moments I imagined being there. Thanks again!

[David Barnett]

I hate to nitpick, but on the original recording the Leslie guitar part on "Badge" was always Clapton. Harrison played the rhythm guitar and the signature intro riff. Clapton doesn't play any guitar in that song until where the "Leslie" arpeggio part comes in.

Did Clapton say anything about his friend Harrison before or after that song?

[dean]

Thanks for the great review - I could picture it, but alas, I coudn't hear the concert.

Glad you got to see it!

Dean

[Tom P.]

Thats a lifetime memory! Thanks for taking the time to share it with us.

[Joel66]

I'm, somewhat, hesitant to post this. There was mention yesterday on the local rock station about Cream, and the possibility of a US tour. They stated that a US tour, at this point, doesn't look like it will happen. (This is why I'm hesistant) Either Baker or Bruce, I don't remember which one they said it was, has immigration problems and can not come to the US at this time.

Hopefully, this is something that can be cleared up. However, it won't affect me......I could never afford the ticket price.

Joel

[chet]

I'm quite sure that any immigration problems could be cleared up with little effort.

They let Mexican illegals walk right over the border- they shouldn't keep Bruce or Baker out....

[Brewdude]

I'm not sure I can add much, but I'll try...

I was there opening night, Monday the 2nd. My £75 seats (roughly $165 with fees) were pretty much as far up as you could be without being in the standing stalls on the very top. Which is to say I was very far back, but fortunately I remembered to pack my binoculars so was able to zero in on the performers when I wanted to catch a particular lick or something.

Cream started a few minutes after the 8PM appointed time, and to my surprise they started with the very first cut from FRESH CREAM - "I'm So Glad"! They went quickly from one song to another and Clapton only spoke to the audience once all night, saying something like "we don't know many songs but we'll play every one we know"!

I too was a bit surprised and somewhat dissapointed that EC did not play anything other than his black Strat, but he did succeed in getting a great sound out of it regardless. The 2 tweed amps he had stacked looked like they might be re-issue Fender Bassman's but I truly was too far away to tell for sure, even with the binoculars. And although it was a bit hard to tell, the Leslie was only used for the little 3-chord guitar break in Badge. I could see a pedal board with what looked like 6 switches, and he also had a waa-waa which was used only once - on "White Room".

The sound where I was seemed very muddy on Bruce's bass - as a matter of fact it was difficult to tell just what notes he was playing all night. In contrast, both Clapton's guitar and Baker's drums came through clear and clean, as did the vocals.

Bruce's voice was as good as it ever was, and he had every bit of his range he once had. Although I was unaware of his liver surgury I did note he looked thin and perhaps a bit unhealthy.

Clapton's voice was strong and he sang with more power and control he had while in Cream's glory years. And what a treat to have Baker "sing" Pressed Rat and Warthog! I always loved the musical background to that one and never thought they'd ever perform it!

One of my favorites was N.S.U. and my view from the eagle's nest allowed me to watch the intricate rhythms Baker was playing while the guitars ground along. In fact while Clapton played well during the entire show, I came away being most impressed with Baker's performance. Despite being 66 he can drum with the best of them and played effortlessly throughout the night. Every so often during a number he'd break out into a wide smile as though he was enjoying this was much as we were! And the drum solo he played on Toad didn't disappoint, and all the old Ginger Baker with his jungle rhythms were evident during the 6 or 7 minute drum break.

In between songs they all would at various times converse briefly with each other before launching into the next number. Here's the song line-up:

I'm So Glad
Spoonful
Outside Woman Blues
Pressed Rat and Warthog
Sleepy Time Time
N.S.U.
Badge
Politician
Swet Wine
Rollin' & Tumblin'
Stormy Monday
Deserted Cities of the Heart
Born Under a Bad Sign
We're Going Wrong
Crossroads
Sitting On Top Of The World
White Room
Toad

(Encore)

Sunshine Of Your Love


The impression I came away with that night was that it almost seemed like the band was well rehearsed and comfortable with the numbers, yet might have been playing conservatively with respect to solos and such. Which is to say while the soloing was very good it didn't seem great or overly adventurous. Perhaps during subsequent performances they would feel more comfortable playing with each other in front of an audience again and take a bit more chances. There was only one number where they even began to get into that trademark "independant-while-soloing-together" routine, and then only briefly.

I also wished EC would have used more varied positions for his soloing, as he seems to stick to the same octave range quite a lot these days. Still, I can't fault his technique as it was more than evident that Clapton was playing.

They played their one encore after what seemed like ages of clapping, shouting, and whistling. And then I was rather surprised that they only did one more number, but in retrospect they did just play for 2 straight hours and pretty much exhausted all their better known repetoire. I was hoping they might also play SWLABR but it was not to be.

An old friend of mine who I was in a band with (back in the mid-70's and now living in Singapore) attended the opening night concert as well as the 2nd night so I'll get a full report from him as to any changes or differences from the first night.

Overall I was quite pleased, as I was heavily influenced by CREAM and Clapton in particular back in the day. And I'll be sure to get the DVD when it comes out. If they do decide to come to the states I'll que up for my tickets early, as this 5-concert series sold out in about 2 hrs after they went on sale. Fortunately I have some good friends in the UK who were able to obtain tickets for this once in a lifetime event.

[Loni Specter]

Thanks for the great reviews! I would have been there if my own production of the LA AMP SHOW hadn't kept me here.
I saw Cream twice back in another dimension. The Santa Monica Civic, and Anaheim Convention Center, where I pulled a poster off a phone pole. (still have it)
I also made Blind Faith twice.
I loved that band, and much of my oun passion for guitar was inspired by them. If they come to the US, I will be first in line for tickets. I think I paid $3.25 for tickets the first time round. How much these days? I'd pay double!

www.ampshow.com This Sat!

[stevieboy]

Sounds pretty cool--thanks guys for the recaps.

I understand Clapton 's been using the new Fender low power twin reissue--maybe that's what the tweed amps were?

Driving in my car, smoking a cigar...

[marshallmelloman]

Excellent reviews. I did not know about the Bruce surgery either. Maybe that is partly why Clapton agreed to go through with this now. I'm glad he did. Cream Has been a huge influence on me as well and I wish I could have been there. I love Hyde park also and could envision so vividly walking from the Columbia hotel through the park to the Cream show getting all excited . Thanks for sharing.

[Twangmeister]

You lucky dog. I've always thought that I would have had your gear and travel opportunities if I didn't have to finance all that food, clothing, and education for my kids! Sheesh!

Thanks for the descriptive review and the accompanying vicarious thrill.

[Joe LaSorte]

You lucky dog. I've always thought that I would have had your gear and travel opportunities if I didn't have to finance all that food, clothing, and education for my kids! Sheesh!

Jere......great to hear from you. Hey man, I know you travel too........to play your twangin' Tele over in Scandinavia!

I have some business in California next month.....I'll get in touch with you before I come out that way. Would love to hook up and hear you play!

[Joe LaSorte]

Just found these on the net........they are from Monday night's show:

<center></center>

<center>

[Twangmeister]

Please get in touch, would love to get together, and if possible, hook up some other TDPRI dudes. Not much gigging these days, mostly sub work and slaving away on the CD. Looking forward to hearing from you!

[Twangmeister]

Am I the only one who feels like he's flipping us off when he makes those barre chords, hee hee?

[Joe LaSorte]

<center></center>

<center>