Citation :
The band do two sets one before Midnight and the second set starting just after Midnight
This years band was called " Any Lengths" The line up was
Eric Clapton - Gtr and Vocals
Andy Fairwether Low - Gtr , Mandolin and vocals
Chris Stainton - Hammond
Dave Bronze - Bass and Vocals
Henry Spinetti - Drums
Gary Brooker - Piano and Vocals
Sharon? and Michelle( Lady singers) - Backing Vocals
The first set was as Follows
Knock on Wood - E
Reconsider baby - G
Judge a book -G
Unchain my Heart - G
Route 66 -A
Will The circle - C
Good Times Roll - G
Knocking on Heavens Door - G
Five Long Years - A
The band then took a break, we had the Big Ben chimes on the Big Screen with the fireworks in London and then the Band returned just after Midnight.
the second set was from memory as follows
Midnight hour
Hoochie Coochie Man
Blueberry Hill
Shake Rattle and Roll
Stagger Lee
Gin House
Willie and the hand Jive
Whiter Shade of Pale
Cocaine
Old Black Joe
There was no encore. Usually the show ends with Cocaine and then Old Black Joe as an encore. Not sure but maybe they just forgot the Encore was on the set list and just went into it
Sound was generally good although the mix was sometimes a bit muddled, for example, Hammond should have been more up front during Whiter shade opf pale and a bit less of EC's guitar.
The playing was as usual first class. Gary Brooker as usual giving Dave Bronze and EC a few "moments" At times it would appear they just follow him, with no real idea where he's going. This is Clapton at his absolute best, very relaxed and just playing in a band. You get the impression that he really enjoys just being a guy in the Band rather that in the limelight all the time, The whole band looks like they are having a great time. This relaxed approach really comes over in Clapton's lead playing which was excellent. I have never been a great fan of Clapton's modern sound but last night it was great. AFL played a whiter Strat with just two humbuckers and EC used a sonic Blue? Clapton Strat thoughout. AFL had a Cornell back- line and Clapton was using Fender
No reall surprise guests this year apart from a lady from France, didn't catch her name, a friend of Gary Brooker who played Hammond on one number.
LinkWish you all a Happy New Year with happiness, health, peace and a lot of claptonmaniac music!!!
Sally