Text by Marcelo Gomes
One of the greatest icons of world music, Eric Clapton, returned to Brazil for four shows, two of them in São Paulo, on September 28th and 29th, 2024. Known as the "God of Guitar" and revered as one of the most influential guitarists of all time, Clapton performed at Vibra São Paulo on the 28th. The opening act was the American guitarist Gary Clark Jr.
Gary Clark Jr.'s opening act was a true demonstration of the power of modern blues, with a rock and soul twist, highlighting why he is considered one of the great names of the genre's new generation.
With the dance floor practically empty, Clark began his performance with "Maktub," an intense groove that immediately connected with the audience. The fusion of blues and soul, combined with his distorted guitar, set the tone for what was to come. The following track, "Don't Owe You a Thang," brought a contagious energy with its fast-paced rhythm, highlighting Gary's virtuosity on the guitar and his raspy vocals, which captured the audience's attention.
In “When My Train Pulls In,” Clark delivered a true masterclass on how to construct a guitar solo. The song began slowly and rhythmically, but transformed into an instrumental epic, with intense and emotional moments, captivating the audience with every nuance. This was one of the most memorable moments of the night, showcasing the depth of Clark's style and the skill of his band.
“Feed The Babies” brought a very inspired soul music vibe, full of backing vocals with a more introspective and emotional message, balancing the night with a softer feel. The final sequence was explosive. “Bright Lights,” one of Gary Clark Jr.’s best-known songs, ignited the audience with its impactful chorus and several electrifying guitar solos.
The show concluded with “Habits,” an intense track that stands out for its beautiful, energetic vocal melody, solidifying the performance as a perfect warm-up for Clapton's set.
Gary Clark Jr. not only set the stage for Clapton, but also left a profound mark on the São Paulo audience with his thrilling performance, cementing his place as one of the great names in contemporary blues.
Eric Clapton 's show was a spectacle celebrating his 60-year career. If, during Gary Clark Jr.'s show, the floor was empty, during Clapton's performance, it was packed. The legend delivered a varied setlist, mixing classics from his solo career, songs from his previous bands, such as Cream , and tributes to great names in blues. Accompanied by a band of exceptional musicians, including Doyle Bramhall II (guitar) and Nathan East (bass), the guitarist delivered a performance full of emotion and refined technique.
The setlist began intensely with “Sunshine of Your Love,” a Cream classic. The reception was warm, as expected, but the sequence with “Key to the Highway,” “I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man,” and “Badge” didn't seem to have the same impact. The audience seemed lukewarm, apathetic, or even unaware of the songs being played. Furthermore, the sound was quite low.
The acoustic set that followed, in which Clapton was accompanied by the talented Brazilian guitarist Daniel Santiago on some songs, brought a more intimate atmosphere, with highlights including "Change The World" and "Tears in Heaven." The fans reacted with enthusiasm, especially during "Tears in Heaven," which moved everyone.
Returning to the electric set, Clapton reignited the show's energy with songs like "Got to Get Better in a Little While" and "Old Love." The highlight was the performance of "Cocaine," which featured a bossa nova intro, showcasing bassist Nathan East's versatility and creating an immediate connection with the Brazilian audience, before giving way to Clapton's powerful riff. To close, the encore featured Gary Clark Jr. and Daniel Santiago, each bringing their talent to a sensational version of "Before You Accuse Me."
Accompanied by an excellent band, Clapton's performance was flawless; his voice remains superb and his unmistakable playing style continues to impress. However, most of the audience at Vibra São Paulo seemed unfamiliar with much of the repertoire, reacting coldly throughout the show. On the other hand, Clapton delivered his best, showing that a true deity is unshaken by anything.
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