Eric Clapton at the United Center: It's complicated

My relationship with Eric Clapton is complicated. I'm a huge fan of his music; when it comes to his life views, not so much.

I loved him in Cream and then Blind Faith. It grew stronger with his early solo albums plus Derek & the Dominoes.

But along with the music comes some more than questionable behavior. Racist rants, snagging Pattie Boyd from his best friend George Harrison and lately, his selfish, out-of-touch views on the Covid vaccine and the pandemic lockdown.

Trying to separate the music from the rest isn't easy. When it was announced that he was going to play two shows in Chicago, I immediately said no. I just couldn't get past the inane behavior. But yet, it's night two at the United Center and here I am, watching one of my musical idols.

I guess I decided the music trumps the politics and all the rest. Plus, it's his first time performing in the city since a brilliant duo concert with Steve Winwood. At his age, I don't know if he’ll be back. Maybe it's the last chance to see him play.

That's a lot of reasons…mostly excuses for going. It comes down to this, more than any of the above, I wanted to see Eric Clapton play live again.

So let's cut to the chase: how was the show?

First, we have to talk a bit more about Clapton, but this is a good thing. He’s been rumored to have had health issues in recent years. He had a bad reaction to a Covid vaccination. We also saw him being wheeled through an airport looking like he was at death’s door. None of that was on display last night. He looked healthy and in great shape, especially for someone who is now seventy-seven years old. His voice is as good as ever, too. It looks like he can tour for many years to come.

Now about the music, it’s damn good! There aren’t any bells and whistles; it’s just Eric and his band standing on a stage and playing rock and roll, and blues for ninety minutes.

His band mates, led by longtime Clapton sidemen, Doyle Bramhall, Chris Stainton and Nathan East have the tunes down pat.

While I might prefer a different setlist than what they’re playing on this tour, there are many highlights which include” Badge” and “Crossroads” from the Cream days and the homage to Pattie Boyd,” Wonderful Tonight” and of course “Layla.” It’s also a nice touch that the show is now opening with “God Save the Queen”, in honor of the late Elizabeth.

But with Eric Clapton, it’s really about the guitar. The dude hasn’t lost a step. He still has the skills that earned him the nicknames “God” and “Slowhand.” His solos are brilliant plus he knows how to take a step back and let the other band members shine.

All in all, it was a tremendous night of music. It was great enough that for close to two hours you could forget about the things that made the relationship with EC so complicated.