Two of the biggest stars in the history of Rock 'n' Roll are playing this week at Madison Square Garden, and after seeing them Monday night, we highly recommend catching the show.
Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood cover the gamut of rock 'n' roll history, and feature tunes from Cream, Blind Faith, Traffic and their respective solo careers.
I covered a 6 p.m. New Jersey state playoff game Monday between Kennedy and Passaic Tech, won by the Knights, 50-49, behind 20 points, 20 rebounds and six blocks from 6-5 Kennedy senior Davian Plunkett.
Then I raced like a bat out of heck to Madison Square Garden to catch Winwood and Clapton. I had an adult beverage in my hand by the 2nd song of the night.
The boys (now in their 60s) were awesome, with Winwood splitting time between the guitar and the organ and Clapton playing electric and acoustic guitars. Some of my favorites included 'Pearly Queen,' ' Georgia on My Mind,' 'After Midnight,' 'Presence of the Lord,' and Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing' and 'Voodoo Chile.' The last three songs of the night were a tour de force: "Can't Find My Way Home'; 'Dear Mr. Fantasy'; and 'Crossroads.'
My guess is the last two shows will feature some other gems, including 'Gimme Some Lovin' and 'Layla.'
Catch it if you can. These guys won't be around forever. Although Clapton was invited to play in North Korea...
(Photo courtesy NY Daily News)
I was at this show last night, and it was evident that Clapton was in a different stratosphere than everyone else on stage... Winwood included (sorry, folks).
I'd personally love to see Eric Clapton and Trey Anastasio (former Phish front man) in a collaborative effort at MSG. In this humble SHU hoops fan opinion; Clapton and Anastasio are the best and most passionate guitarists alive.
Mark it.
Posted by: Hall Ball | February 26, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Wow i agree. i saw Trey this past summer when he guested at a DMB concert hes amazing anyone who ever heard a phish live album knows that. Other great ones today would be Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, and Robert Randolph on the steel pedal. Trey has a little legal trouble but id love to see him start touring again
Posted by: phishingpirate | February 26, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Trey's legal issues offered him the ability (mandatory, actually) to not tour. As such, he has cleaned up and seems to be of much healthier mind / body.
I agree with your assessment of Trucks, Randolph and of course Warren Haynes. Trey and Warren have played a lot together in the last few years... its nice to know that Trey is getting the acknowledgement he rightfully deserves... he just needs to be introduced to Clapton.
Last night's "Crossroads" encore (while much more blusey than the original) brought back great memories of Phish rocking out to the very song. I've seen then 49 times, and every time they play a classic like that ("Fire," "Good Times Bad Times," "Funky Bit@h" etc.) I feel the connection that Trey has with the greats.
But alas, this is primararly a college basketball site...
Lets go Hall!
Posted by: Hall Ball | February 26, 2008 at 11:52 AM
How did an article about EC and Winwood turn to a Phish love-fest?
Phish is wasted music for wasted people.
Posted by: RUNuts? | February 26, 2008 at 01:34 PM
RUNuts -
Your comments are amazingly insightful and clearly you put a lot of thought into them... thank you for your share.
*as an aside, I've been to 49 Phish shows and I've never done a drug (sans alcohol). So your assessment, although stereo-typical, is inaccurate.
But thanks for comin' out.
Posted by: Hall Ball | February 26, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Phish is on a short list of the best bands of the last 20 years hands down
Posted by: phishingpirate | February 26, 2008 at 05:05 PM