Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30023 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-09-23
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, Live, Full Screen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 58 minutes

Amazon.com
It's a given that any Eric Clapton performance will be impressive, but Eric Clapton & Friends Live 1986 exceeds all expectations. "Slowhand" had been recording August with session regulars Greg Phillinganes (keyboards), Nathan East (bass), and album producer Phil Collins on drums, and the idea of live performance seemed eminently appealing. The final gig in that brief, spectacular tour--July 15, 1986, at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England--was recorded for British television, and editing to one-hour length doesn't stop it from being a full-on stunner. Perhaps at his finest in a small-band setting, Clapton appears loose, happy, and ready to rip into bluesy riffs and solos as if his trusty Fender Stratocasters were vital organs tapped into his bloodstream. While the reliable oldies "Crossroads," "White Room," "Layla" (including the rarely heard "Thorn Tree in the Garden" section), and "Sunshine of Your Love" will satisfy Cream and Yardbirds fans, the fresh cuts from August are equally dazzling, with the beautiful "Holy Mother" serving as the night's pulse-calming ballad. Collins' hit "In the Air Tonight" is clearly an obligatory inclusion (his solo debut was still high on the charts), but in terms of energy, precision, and audience appeal, it's easily on par with the rest of the gig. Visuals are only adequate--the videotaped colors have faded a bit--but sonically this show's a keeper, especially if you're equipped to use the DTS option. And just to prove that nobody's perfect, Clapton fudges a note on "Sunshine" and a word-balloon reading "Sorry!" appears above his head--all in the happy spirit of a rockin' good evening. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews

A great performance, a regular DVD
First, let me tell you that, being a Clapton fan I try to get hold of everything he releases, whether official or not, and of my modest collection, this is, along with the Hyde Park concert of 1996, one of the best performances caught on video.
As part of the small tour of 1986 he did, this England unique date of a 2-day leg, features Phil Collins on drums, Greg Phillinganes on Keyboards and bassist extraordinaire Nathan East. The tight sound is amazing and as other reviewer mentioned, for a 4 piece, the sound is great, like a steam roller downhill!
As for the Dvd release, this concert had been out in VHS form and now the DVD makes justice to the sound with DTS and 5.1 features. Video quality does not improve much upon the original tape, but I guess just there's so much you can do with a 1986 videotape. As far as extras, this release has none but the simples menu and intro animation with a small 3D guitar spinning around.
I love this concert so much I'd like to see a few more tracks, or some commetary by one of the performers. Anyway, it is a great document in Clapton's career and "comeback" of the mid 80's. Recommended!

A nice performance
Eric Clapton has found something of a revitalization in the DVD format. Old VHS offerings remastered and new DVD offerings seem to be springing up regularly. And why not? He is one of the true masters of the guitar of the late 20th century, and shows no signs of stopping in the 21st. This present offering is one of the old, but it sounds as fresh and vibrant as any of the recent releases. But it also has the unique grace of providing the viewer with sight and sound of Clapton playing in the format that in the 60s made him a legend: the small ensemble. About the ensemble . . . After Disney, we are reminded of just what an extraordinary drummer Phil Collins is, adding some spectacular rounds that are simply jaw dropping. Nathan East--a fabulous bass player (also featured on Clapton's 1999 benefit DVD, "Eric Clapton and Friends in Concert") whose complex bass runs add something great to every song. Greg Phillinganes not only plays perfect on the keyboards, but sings a perfect counterpoint on "White Room." As for Clapton himself, he's at the top of his game, but then when isn't he? It is his authentic voice and guitar, through classics such as "Layla" and "Sunshine of Your Love," and what, then, were the newer songs, such as "Holy Mother," a marvelous tribute to his friend Richard Manuel of The Band. Not as much here as on other DVDs, but there's plenty to delight.

This is why Dvd's should be made
This disc not only captures Eric Clapton ing great form, he's having fun and it shows. Nathan East on bass,Greg Phillinganes on keyboards and Phil Collins on drums. These four together seem to have been playing together for years The crowd reactions add to the excitment of the music and vocal by all four. If you enjoy watching live shows while enjoying great music then this disc won't disappoint you. I had this show from 1986 on vhs I wore out my copy I've been looking for a new copy ever since. This disc is a must own for anyone who buys music dvds.