Eric Clapton: The Original Guitar Hero

1. 53

   mickyeadeposted 15 years ago

   Anyone who thinks that playing "Guitar Hero" or any other such game is really playing a guitar, you're sadly mistaken and have no idea what it is to play a real guitar. From the first note he strums, Eric Clapton epitomizes what a real guitar hero should be.
   
   Clapton played his last North American show for this tour on March 13th at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.  If you've never had the pleasure of a Clapton concert, I suggest you indulge yourself before this guitar god decides to retire.  This was one of the best shows I've seen in recent history and my only regret is that I didn't have enough foresight to see him twice while on this tour. The show was made even better by the fact that I saw it with my 21 year old son who has been waiting for 13 years to see Clapton.
   
   Clapton goes into a "zone" while playing his guitar.  He looks as though he's almost in a trance. However, his fingers keep moving up and down the frets and never miss a note.  Clapton's acoustic version of Layla was as perfected as if he'd taped and re-taped it a half dozen times in the studio.  No such rehearsal necessary for a man who lives and breathes his life's work.  He started out with some of his more mellow electric music. He then switched gears and sat down to do his acoustic set.  It felt more like he was sitting in his living room entertaining his mates rather than playing to 18,000 very appreciative fans.  He finished with a high energy electric set.  All the while, eyes closed just enjoying what he does best. Not just playing, but ruling his guitars.
   
   I appreciated the fact that he didn't waste a lot of time by trying to make small talk with the audience.  It would have felt almost contrived for someone of his level of genius to be patronizing the masses.  He was there because he loves what he does and he's brilliant at it.  It was almost as though we were eavesdropping on a private show.  An honor in which I'm grateful to have had the pleasure of participating.
   
   Do your kids and grandkids a favor.  Take the game controls and joy sticks out of their hands and replace them with a guitar.  Or any other REAL musical instrument for that matter.  Show them what real music is and how they can create it. You never know! You may have the next Clapton sitting at you dinner table tonight!

   replyreport
2. 0

   Lecieposted 15 years ago

   almost 9 years ago i had to do an asignment on him...my choir had to sing his song, change the world. that was the best experience i ever had in a school choir.

   replyreport
3. 87

   rebekahELLEposted 15 years ago

   how did I miss that? that must have been amazing. I would have loved to have been there!  nice memories for you and your son!

   replyreport