Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Guitar hero Eric Clapton took to the stage at Arad Fort and it’s a good thing the venue has no roof because the second he struck the first chord, it would have been rocked off.
The venue was filled to capacity with screaming fans all eager to catch a glimpse of the rock legend, playing his first show in Bahrain … and even the VIP seats were taken.
The young, old and everyone in-between joined together to bask in the sunshine of Slowhand’s love … even if he didn’t say much between songs.
The set, which included originals and a few covers, featured a brilliant mix of electric and acoustic numbers, delivering a rollercoaster ride of a show.
For me the highlight of the night was his rousing rendition of Bob Marley’s I Shot the Sheriff. Even at the ripe old age of 69, his fingertips flew like lightning across the fret board to deliver an incendiary solo that’s still stuck in my head ... much to the dismay of my co-workers.
As most fans know, Tears in Heaven is a heart-breaking song written for his young son, Connor, who tragically died after falling to his death from a window in an accident at home.
I guess the emotional toll of playing that slow, sad song over and over again was too great. Perhaps adding a more upbeat reggae backing has enabled him to deliver it to appreciative audiences.
Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out, Before You Accuse Me and Pretending were all worth bragging about but the real crowd pleaser was … see if you can spot this one … Layla.
A few months ago I never thought I’d be able to listen to that song again after a split from a girl of the same name, but as Eric says: ‘I’ll make the best of the situation’. Regardless of my inner-turmoil, it was a great acoustic version.
At the end of the show, closed with the ironic High Time We Went, the entire crowd delivered a rambunctious standing ovation amidst deafening cheers and thumping of seats. Fit praise after a master class by the master. Also, it should be noted that told the crowd ‘I’ve visited Bahrain before and I’ll be back’ ... I hope so, inshallah!
-Charlie Holding
