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Jeff Beck & Eric Clapton

Description: The world renowned guitarists and former members of The Yardbirds perform rock and blues.



Rating: 3 out of 5 Rick Pearson's rating
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

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The O2 Arena Peninsula Square, Greenwich, SE10 0DX

Phone: 0844856 0202

Website: www.theo2.co.uk

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Great solos, but Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck fail to strike a chord

beck
Guitar hero: Jeff Beck drew a standing ovation for his version of A Day In The Life
beck clapton

By Rick Pearson
15 Feb 2010


It should have been fantastic: two guitar heroes get together for an evening of fret-burning brilliance.

But as Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton’s performance at the O2 proved, two is not always better than one.

Beck, who took over lead guitar duties from Clapton in Sixties group The Yardbirds, got things off to the best possible start. Wearing a sleeveless white T-shirt and shades, the 65-year-old still looked every inch the rock’n’roller as he ploughed through his eclectic set.

Backed by a brilliant band and full orchestra, he played several tracks from his forthcoming album, Emotion & Commotion, including a gorgeous take on Corpus Christi Carol. Cameos from Sharon Corr on Mná na hÉireann, and Imelda May on Lilac Wine added musical and visual interest, though it was Beck who drew the standing ovation for an audacious take on The Beatles’ A Day In The Life. Even if Nessun Dorma took us deep into Brian May territory, it was hard not to be impressed by the guitarist’s fearless approach.

If Beck had taken us to outer space, Clapton made the arena feel as intimate as his front room. Seated with an acoustic guitar, the 64-year-old turned Nobody Loves You When You’re Down And Out into the most unlikely of Valentine’s Day singalongs.

When Clapton went electric, however, too much time was dedicated to dreary blues standards — a crime from an artist with such an enviable back catalogue. I Shot The Sheriff (which edged the hotly contested guitar solo of the night competition) was a highlight. There should have been more.

And so to the mouth-watering finales: Clapton and Beck on stage together. From the first chord, however, it was clear they were suffering from what one might describe as the Lampard/Gerrard problem: two great players who can’t play together. And if Clapton sounded like he was playing at home in Shake Your Money Maker, Beck was very much away — his playing yearned to break free from the confines of the 12-bar blues.

So ill-fitting was the dynamic that it was almost a relief when they reached Hi Ho Silver Lining, Beck’s novelty hit. When it comes to virtuoso guitarists, one is company and two’s a crowd.

Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.

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The reviewer is obviously more used to reviewing boy bands, greatest hits albums and novelty records. He is not qualified for something this challenging!

- Brian, London, England, 24/01/2012 13:48
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Jeff Beck...WOW!! You never cease to amaze and exceed!
He is the TRUE Musician, his brilliant understanding
that creative expression gives you unrestricked range!
I know of no other guitarist that can beautifully translate an Opera, then switch to a wicked and seriously hot blues, and then another beautiful melody,like translating the CLassic Moon River's violins to Jeff's makes his guitar sound like any instrument he wants it to.Jeff's love and respect for music is very clear,he isn't restricked by anything, especially the catigorization" of sticking to one style. I always enjoy the "it could of been better, oh REALLY, well why don't you grab a guitar and get up there with Jeff Beck and Show HIM what you mean, what? You can't play the guitar... and better then what? YES, understand, no one is better then Jeff Beck.Remeber that's why YOU do this because you CAN'T
do that.

- k.summers, S.F. Ca. USA, 24/10/2010 21:10
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Who is this reviewer? "When it comes to virtuoso guitarists, one is company and two’s a crowd" Are you serious?

Most of Clapton's best work was with 2 lead guitarists. Most of the Layla album for instance.

A bit more homework next time eh? Or perhaps get someone who actually knows a thing or two to do it next time..

- Simon, Herts, UK, 10/07/2010 21:11
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Well you are obvoiusly a misguided soul because you are obviously one of those people who just wants to see an artist because of thier greatest hits, At the end of the day a true fan will love all the music and apreceate whatever songs are played, i certianly enjoyed the addition of a few differet songs instead of the stock favourites.

- Mark, Essex, 25/03/2010 15:43
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Jeff Beck played a great opening part with some fantastic blues where the guitar just sang. Rhonda Smith gave a very solid prforance as Jeff Beck's Basist.
After a Half hour break Eric Clapton came on he started with acoustic and played some okay songs. I was deeply dissapointed by his perfomance of Layla the song is Fanatical ! but here it was quite deeply sorry and quite pathetic. Also these songs were rushed. Later Eric got better with an Oustanding performance of Cocaine.
when both were on stage the two styles collided the evening would have been much better if Eric Clapton played more and the two only played a few together.
I may only be 12 but my father eyes ( get it ) he saw a better evening but to be honest as a first concert from Eric Clapton im a little dissapointed but still it was good. I just expected more

- Harry, Taunton, 20/02/2010 22:14
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A superb evening, the talents of these two 'Gods' shone through, a great balance of rock, blues & classical. All who attended must have felt in a melancholic mood for the greatest part of the evening.
Only disappointment - the crescendo did not happen, Layla & Wonderful Tonight should have sealed the evening on the 14th rather than a damp squid of one encore before EC rushed off to New York.
Fantastic night, but guys, you must think of your paying audience (over £137 in my case) really do want value for money and believe it was worth it.
Yes it was very good.......but could have been better (as my music teacher always said).

- Eric Miller, Surbiton, Surrey, 16/02/2010 23:49
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I don't know what concert that matey boy went to but he needs to get a grip. I first saw Clapton and Beck in the 70's..yes the 1970's... and by the way I have seen everyone of any "guitar" consequence since then. This was an amazing concert. Do not try to say who is better than who when their styles are so different - what is the point you moron? Is Carlos Santana better than George Benson? Take it for what it is...a great night of guitars!

- Martyne, Farnham / UK, 16/02/2010 21:31
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clapton plays best with Derek Trucks.. when they play Derek And The Dominoes stuff.

- Al Stuart, ealing, 16/02/2010 20:36
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I completely disagree with this review, I'm afraid. Speaking purely about Saturday's performance, I'd agree that Beck was virtuosic; my jaw dropped throughout his set. But I think to criticise Clapton for playing so much blues, including the acoustic set (MTV Unplugged was one of his finest moments), is basically pointless. He is the modern-era incarnation of the blues, and I'd rather have listened to five or six blues numbers than some of his more commercial stuff. His solo's don't push boundaries, but I find them more passionate and fulfilling than Becks, or anyone else's for that matter. Everyone knows what he does, and he's 64 - he's not going to change! - I knew what I wanted to hear on Saturday, and that's what I got. They're different, the two of them, but I love them both for their own merits. And I must say that I loved both on Saturday.

- Charlie B, Sussex, 16/02/2010 18:19
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I disagree with most of these comments. To be fair if you want to watch performance over substance stick to your commercial pop and Simon Cowell generated triffle. It would appear that the majority of this nation don't go to gigs for the music at all. I can't believe people are actually talking about what they wore. Was I at a different gig? What I saw was outstanding technical ability from all of the musicians (I thought both Beck and Claptons bands were also awesome and loved every solo). I thought the blues standards were sublime and I would rather listen to Willie Nelson numbers than the crap that is 'wonderful tonight' any day. Lighten up and appreciate that showmanship is not needed when you are in the prescence of guitar genius!

- Anon, uk, 16/02/2010 14:17
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Good to see I wasn't the only one left a little disapppointed - personally i thought Beck was excellent, had always wanted to see him and he exceeded expectation to the extent i thought it the best British guitarist performance I've seen - at least he thought about it, strings , horns, guests - a show - plus his own fantastic playing - something to think about all through, and Day in the Life bought a tear to the eye it was so good. Then Clapton came on and sat down for 4 songs, even had his own rug,just missing the slippers - sounded ok but in a 20,000 seat venue and even with good camera work on the big screens just didn't seem to work. When he finally stood up to play Tell the Truth I thought it was going to take off but a way too long Sheriff and not so good Key to the Highway saw things going downhill. Some tedious keyboard solos just killled it and there was just no fire in Clapton's guitar at all - a real shame because the sound was crystal clear and it really should have been so much better. Another point of irritation - when a loyal crowd have paid £100 a ticket plus all other expenses just to be there, then I think any artist owes a bit more than just "thank you" after each song. By contrast take a look at Leonard Cohen please Eric and learn about a two way thing with the crowd particularly when you are just going through the motions.
Beck - fantastic -9 out of 10. Clapton - mediocre - 3 out of 10.

- John Pritchard, Southend, England, 16/02/2010 08:52
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They both look like they should be home with their slippers on sipping Horlicks

- Ed, London, 15/02/2010 21:37
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Jeff Beck is a virtuosic, riveting and spellbinding live performer. He's consistently brillant in concert but 45 minutes did not give him enough time to play Beck's Bolero, Where Were You and Brush With The Blues. He needed and extra 25 minutes to attain perfection.

- Brien Comerford, Glenview, Illinois United States, 15/02/2010 20:37
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Jeff Beck was fantastic, he played a very mixed set and never failed to be completely dazzling.This is an artist who just keeps getting better. His version of Corpus Cristi was the highlight for me. He is an absolute master of the Strat. I don't understand how anyone could be negative about his performance - HE WAS BRILLIANT. In contrast EC seems to be operating well within his comfort zone. He has some great songs, but he didn't seem to try very hard to get the best out of them. I still enjoyed his set though. Overall, an excellent night out and well worth the long trip to the O2.

- Gary H, Manchester, 15/02/2010 20:19
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Having seen both in their prime it is no surprise that they dont fit together.
Both amazing guitar heroes but were always on a different planet.
Sadly we can never hear their private jam sessions where the love of the guitar will come out.

- Terry, hennebont France, 15/02/2010 19:45
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I had been looking forward to this concert for some time but was very disappointed. Clapton looked as if he could do with a good make over, he did not interact with the audience at all and seemed to go into a trance playing samey blues music all the way through. Apparently he played Layla and Wonderful tonight on the previous night- I think he'd worn himself out at that concert and wasn't up to the Sunday night concert. Feel a bit cheated considering the cost of the tickets.

- J Smith, Beccles Suffolk, 15/02/2010 19:04
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Saturday Gig - 2 iconic guitarists with very individual talents. Beck was as inventive as ever never scared of trying something new. His rendition of the Beatles classic " A day in the life" was brilliant. Clapton by contrast was the safe pair of hands and like great wine has got better with age as he smoothly went about the things he does best. great contrast.great venue.great evening.

- Garyg, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk, 15/02/2010 18:04
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I paid an extortionate £75.00 for a seat up with the gods at the very back of the O2. I expected a lot more for the money and was very disappointed with both guitarists. Jeff Beck has lost his silver lining and Clapton must have missed the the sheriff. The highlight of the show for me was the appearance of Joss Stone.
I saw Clapton in the 70's at Earl's Court. At least he spoke to the audience in those days.
Next time I'll settle for the DVD of the show and save myself £50.00

- Mike Bennett, Epsom, Surrey, 15/02/2010 17:52
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I saw Clapton several years ago on Valentine's day in Manchester actually. Two elderly people were told to sit down when they rose to dance to "Wonderful Tonight" and I dont recall Clapton saying a single word to the crowd other than an initial hello. Very disappointing - the music was good, but then again its good on the CD too! More effort with the crowd required please Mr. C! I must admit I ahvent bought a single Clapton CD since then, shame perhaps, but the concert just didn't do it for me without that personal interaction.

- Robert, Nottingham, 15/02/2010 16:46
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Must agree with a lot of the comments here. We thought the whole Concert was a disappointment from start to finish. Jeff Beck was just awful, and the solo's were pretty dire at times. I don't think he would fill a small venue on his own merit. Clapton was not much better either, just looked like he was going through the motions on his own ( short ) set. However when they both played together its was even WORSE. I just could not believe it when they played " Moon River "...It was cringeworthy in fact, and when I had told people this, some of them do not believe me. I was really looking forward to this Concert, but it failed all round in my opinion. I wouldn't go and see either artist again. Sorry Folks.....

- N13 Roy, Swansea, 15/02/2010 16:34
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The best advice I can give Clapton is to start boozing again,if sobriety makes you look that rough!!...my God whats happened to him,trying to keep up with the young wife I suppose......Becks got enough hair dye slapped on his head on to keep mcCartney going for six months..lol glad I missed the gig.

- Jacob, Hasbeen Britain, 15/02/2010 16:06
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I thought Beck's set was outstanding and worth the whole event alone, looking forward to the new album

- Raulito, London, 15/02/2010 14:34
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Boy, was Clapton dull. Pedestrian and safe. Beck pushed the envelope, and showed fire and passion. Clapton showed self-indulgence to the extreme with his song choice, and havnig TWO keyboard players BOTH taking a solo in a number of songs....filler anyone?

Clapton was born at SO the right time for his talent - if he'd been born 30 years later he would never break out of the pub/club scene - he just really isn't that good.

On this evidence, Stevie Ray Vaughan would be a zillionaire had he lived and the future looks incredibly rosy for Joe Bonamassa.

- The Download Twins, London, 15/02/2010 14:17
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Seemed a little formal. Hardly acknowledged the audience. Dissappointed.

- Michele, Sheffield, UK, 15/02/2010 13:52
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Unfortunately I agree with you totally!
A most disappointing evening.

- Bob Tidd, Wickham Bishops, Essex., 15/02/2010 13:17
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