Eric Clapton - Layla (Live) 1974 Very Rare - Part 1

[jcy7012]

@1979jamesryan: the comment by THEMIKEAUSTIN may very well be true because during the 1974 tour Clapton was quite often playing under the effects of heavy alcohol drinking, sometimes unable to finish songs. Once he even played his guitar laying drunk on the floor!!

[bathiya01]

woowww

[jkryanspark]

@legunncat I was 17 during this tour and in the thrall of Clapton with Mayall, Cream, Blind Faith, and the very underrated but brilliant Derek & the Dominos. When EC came to town, instead of Duane Allman, we were fed a steady diet of George Terry. He soloed nearly as much as Eric and my friends and I were a bit disappointed. This rendition is much better than that yet Terry still gets too much solo time. The garage band comment was probably about the recorded sound. This is no garage band.

[TheSabbath98]

This is super duperly crap.

[RLennyPincus]

EC can't sing and play the signature lick at the same time, which is why he didn't play this live with the original four piece D&tD. He still can't.

[jkryanspark]

By the way. What garage band did you say recorded this?

[legunncat]

@jkryanspark Not quite sure I understand your statement. Clearly this band is on fire. Can't say I have heard many versions of this song over the years that sound this inspired.

[jkryanspark]

The George Terry years were a waste of time. On EC's Crossroads 2, a compendium of his live tours with Terry, Oldaker, Yvonne Elliman, et al., way too many of the solos were George Terry and the crowd didn't like it at all. Now Clapton won't step aside and give Buddy Guy and such more than a pittance. Not that I care. When I go see EC, I want EC.

[CateDrummer]

who is the drummer? Al jackson?

[dougthedog32]

@1979jamesryan most people don't know this, but while it was clapton singing on all the original studio recorded tracks, he wasn't comfortable singing live so very often he brought a singer on tour with him.

[sedantez24]

Clapton is God.

[Johanneke1963]

@sedantez24 Abso-f*cking-lutely!

[claptongroupie]

He's my sweet baby :-)

[LordoftheJimmy]

Wow, this version kicks ass! But that's not Duane Allman playing the other guitar. Duane was long gone by this point (1974) so this is probably George Terry, who played on that tour.

[4sixLostSouls]

I'm glad that this version was un-covered (accidental pun, Ha!) Definitely superb cut a deep cut as we say. Lot's of raw emotion and improvisation If Clapton was un-able to play that night which is in question , then someone did a fine job faking, and who sang those power-vocals?

[AccCam]

Best track of all time I think with this version. I bought an unlicensed CD while in Australia that had this track on it for about $5- pretty happy getting this for $5!. Was already my favourite song, but this blew me away. Awesome guitar, awesome drum solo, and the end section with everyone going for it AWESOME!!!! Good idea to put it up, not many people would have the opportunity to hear otherwise. MAKE SURE YOU LISTEN TO PART 2 aswell.

[oldspam]

I like Clapton as much as the next guy but calling anybody/everybody a god is silly kid stuff. Find an adjective .

[claptongroupie]

@oldspam Clapton wasn't comfortable with the label either

[rtriplett33]

Derek and The Dominoes with Bonny Delaney and Friends, I do believe, and Eric was smacked out, Ive seen many live performances where the lead dude would be like propped up, then the music would start and the real showmen come to LIFE, and put on great performances.

[straneing]

This tour was a dark one for Eric. When my wife and I saw him here in Madison, WI with Santana headlining, Clapton was blasted. He could hardly stand let alone play. Yes, he had another lead player because he couldn't play. Later, Santana stepped on stage with Clapton. It would've been, should've been some of the best rock of the 70s but with Clapton so wiped out Santana absolutely blew him out.

[jumpmanJB23]

@straneing i dont know his solo sounds pretty ba here

[jnjons23]

how can you say that he was shit faced drunk when he can sing and play like this?

[claptongroupie]

@jnjons23 He usually was at that time..but his talent still came through

[AgentOfSTERANKO]

i doubt this is 74. could be anywhere from 75-78

[falungongboy]

You people got to be kidding me. Somewhere in Heaven in maudlin crap. It showed Clapton falling into the sentimental trap. He's a rocker for God's Sake and should stick to that or the blues. Leave the sentimental ballads to Julio Iglasius. Also on the Top One Hundred List of Guitarists - Why isn"t Santana in the top 4. You got to be kidding me. What young punk came up with this list!!!

[MaddieJalynShow]

This is my vote for the best rock song of all time,, interestingly,, it was one of THREE hits penned in honor of ONE woman (Patty Boyd Harrison),, at the very least,, top 10 of all time. I've purchased this tune in 4media,,vinyl, 8 tracks,, cassette and CD,,

[Nir15993]

sweet sweet long solo...

[ErkusJansone]

@jumpman: tim renwick?

[LazyeyeBlues]

I taped this show from the radio. It was on the John Peel show.

George Terry on 2nd guitar.

They played a fantastic version of Blues Power.

[HRHRaider]

George Terry was probably the second guitarist. He played with EC from 1974-1979, and then agin in the mid'80s.

[Dannzt]

thanks for this=)

[themikeaustin]

This is the George Terry, Jamie Oldaker, Dick Sims(?), Yvonne Elliman group. Saw them at Rich Stadium in Buffalo, NY July 6, 1974. At that concert, Clapton was shitfaced drunk and George Terry did almost all of the playing. The Band opened, and Freddie King played a couple of numbers with Clapton and his band. I remember it well because right before leaving to go to the concert I got a "Dear John" letter from my college girl friend.

[Moshpith]

@themikeaustin Dear Mike: Reading your comments here filled me with regret about leaving. I was a fool. Things seemed to change for me after I took that arrow in the knee. I was never the same. I should have had it removed, I guess, but I was young and foolish.

I've changed my mind. Is it too late to start over? Please just give me a thumbs up and I'll know we still have a chance.

[stitzmo]

i was there an remember this well !

[owenNC1988]

Loving the double bass drumming! this is one insane version!!!! is it Jim Gordon? or ginger baker maybe?

[owenNC1988]

Loving the double bass drumming! this is one insane version!!!! is it Jim Gordon?

[peppemasch94]

I came while I was listening to the second part of this ...

[STEPHEN9560]

was this mostly george terry playing

[fightingirishfrank]

How is it possible that three people disliked this?

[provider112]

thanks et merci! it's wonderful!

[cooltooth112]

Also Dick Sims played keyboards. This is probably the longest running lineup that EC ever had. George Terry was great and Clapton leaned on him alot as he was always drunk. Terry played many of the solos and this band was together from 1974-thru the early 80's. Clapton went to Criteria Studios in 1974 to do 461 Ocean Blvd. and met up with Terry, who was a studio musician, I think he was playing on the Grease soundtrack when he met Clapton. This is the King Biscuit

concert out of Dallas.

[Tokeiihto13]

A staggering rendition of what is arguably the greatest song ever penned by Clapton. Subsequent versions may be more polished & technically refined performance-wise but unfortunately often lack the energy and sheer, raw power audible on this recording.

It's almost as if 'Layla', especially considering its background story, served for the at that time tortured C. - hopelessly pining for Pattie Boyd - as musical catharsis, channelling his frustration and accrued chagrin over his unrequited love.

[chrstnlmllr51]

@Tokeiihto13 You think Layla is"...arguably the greatest song ever penned by Clapton"? It's one of the greatest songs ever penned by ANYONE. Other than that little point, I agree with you 100%. His other great song, Somewhere in Heaven, was also wrung from extreme emotional turmoil, this time from an unthinkable tragedy.

[Tokeiihto13]

@chrstnlmllr51 You are referring to "Tears in Heaven" I think, the song Clapton dedicated to his son Connor who had tragically died falling over 50 stories from an apartment window. An emotional song for sure, and Slowhand's most successful, at least from a commercial standpoint. But musically "Layla" is the superior composition. Credit however should also go to Jim Gordon who co-wrote it and of course the late great Duane Allman for his incredible slide playing on the studio record.

Cheers!

[chrstnlmllr51]

@Tokeiihto13 Oops, that's what happens when you don't google! I didn't realize Gordon co-wrote Layla -you learn a lot from YouTube comments, thanks.

Regarding Allman: Rolling Stone mag gave Clapton the #4 spot in its list of 100 greatest guitarists, behind BB King, Duane Allman & (of course) Jimi Hendrix @ 1. Keith Richards came in at #10 - because of his incredible riffs. Then, going up, #9 Jimmy Page, Ry Cooder, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Chuck Berry & Rbt Johnson at #5. Interesting.

[elpmanticore]

@chrstnlmllr51 No Garcia? Add one more reason to the list of why to not trust rolling stone.

[Tokeiihto13]

@chrstnlmllr51 You're welcome!

Yes, "Layla" was pretty much a collaborative effort - that's probably what elevates it to the status of a masterpiece. By the way, the song also successfully borrows from two blues standards. The vocal melody is heavily inspired by Albert King's "As the Years Go Passing By" while the famous intro riff is based on an old T-Bone Walker song.

Ah, the RS mag.: Apart from the fact that such lists are a highly subjective matter anyway, this one is imho pretty debatable.

[mrJimCharles]

@Tokeiihto13 :"As the Years Go Passing By" is what the riff is based on, vocal melody is original

[windtested]

The other guitar player is likely George Terry.

[pacexxx1964]

Carlos Santana is the mystery guitarist I think this is live in L.A Not sure and aint into digging through my bootlegs.

[Jumbofreddy]

Excellent! best than the Original( at least different, and inspired) Thanks

[80rorted]

This was from a CD i found in the early 90s which had a collection of EC performances from the same period that all sound similar, but may have been different live shows. From memory there was Tulsa Time, Knockin on Heavens Door, Layla and a few others. I have searched for a decade for a video of this show because it's the balls-out meanest version of this song and it's a tragedy that this doesn't get more air play. Be sure to check out part two of this track too.

[KosmicCharley]

@80rorted Tulsa Time wasn't written until 1978 and Clapton didn't record his version until Backless.

[jumpmanJB23]

great version. who is the other guitarist in this anyone know? cuz theres another playing lead while he sings. (ps clapton is the best!)

[80rorted]

@jumpmanJB23 Allman perhaps?

[jumpmanJB23]

@80rorted no, allman died in 1971 i think. who ever it is, is good tho

[guitarbob63]

@80rorted

If it was Allman it would have been zombie Allman cause he was buried two years earlier.

[atourdeforce]

@80rorted dunane allman was dead almost 3 years by 74!! it certainly wasnt him, prob one of claptons session guitarests.

[BL80488]

@80rorted It cant be Duane Allman because he died on October 29, 1971.

[slashu]

@80rorted Allman was dead : /

[Linkman145]

@80rorted

Allman was long dead by 74...

[themikeaustin]

@80rorted No way Duane played on this. He was quite dead by that time. Duane played with Derek and the Dominoes half a dozen(?) times (one of which I attended). Duane had a much more subtle touch than George Terry.

[spidey1989]

@80rorted Duane died in '71. Not sure who the other guitarist is though

[spidey1989]

@80rorted allman died in 1970 - this is 1974...i'm tempted to say george terry but he - as far as i know with verifiable facts - only did live work with clapton in 1977...who knows eh? i just love the fact that this is clapton when he's drinking, and you know drinking only makes you play better

[EMILIOMARENGO]

@spidey1989 saw George Terry with Clapton early in the spring of 75 at Niagara Falls Convention Center...Yvonne Elliman sang Presence of the Lord...Santana opened and joined Clapton for a great set in the end...Clapton was on fire, most lucid and in high spirits...much unlike Watkins Glenn the previous summer...

Rock on

[elpmanticore]

@80rorted Not if this is really from '74, he'd been dead 3 years. George Terry was the supporting guitarist on 461 Ocean and I think the whole band from those sessions went on the road.

[foydude]

@80rorted Duane allman was dead by then.

[TheBadPercussionist]

@80rorted

allman most likely



[MOSKII58]

@80rorted probably not Duane Allman, he died shortly after he did the layla sessions w/ Eric..the upload said it was prob in the early 90's..hard to tell Eric played w/ many side guitar players, could be Andy Fairweather Low. not sure

[bigboy1010101able]

@80rorted that would certainly explain why this is an awesome version

[Garret00074]

@jumpmanJB23

That's got to be Carlos Santanta....

[JohnThigpen1955]

@jumpmanJB23 George Terry was his second guitarist during the mid-late seventies. The background vocals sound like Yvonne Elliman and Marcy Levy, who were also in that band. And I always like Jamie Oldaker's drumming...It think that's him. I didn't expect the drum solo, though

[jumpmanJB23]

@JohnThigpen1955 jim gordan maybe ? he was a beast at drums. but u seem to know more about that time period so. speeking of mid-late 70s do u know the movie eric clapton and his rolling hotel? cuz i would love to see it. a few videos on it on youtube and theyre amazing.

[JohnThigpen1955]

@jumpmanJB23 Jamie Oldaker was the drummer on 461 Ocean Blvd in 1974, and toured and recorded with Clapton until 1980 when Clapton dumped the whole band. I'm guessing here, but I don't think Gordon was playing with him in 1974.

[cooltooth112]

@JohnThigpen1955 Jim Gordon was in prison by 1972.

[cooltooth112]

@JohnThigpen1955 Jamie Oldaker was a brilliant blues drummer and Clapton still plays with him whenever he can for blues tracks. He toured again in the 90's with Clapton on his "Nothing but the Blues" tour.

[slashu]

@jumpmanJB23 Jim Gordan was in prison for kiling his mother with a hammer and a knife... he sold the second albums session tapes to pay lawyer fees, they are bootleged online somehwere and AWESOME

[jumpmanJB23]

@slashu i knew that but i thought it was after 74.

[slashu]

@jumpmanJB23 I forget his name but he also sat in with the dominos but RARELY... he was the other guitar for 461 ocean Blvd if i recall correctly

[therealnotpalc]

@jumpmanJB23 George terry

[cooltooth112]

@jumpmanJB23 George Terry

[1979jamesryan]

early clapton and someone else playing while he sings..?  i dont think so my old chap... ha ha ha

[claptongroupie]

My favorite song by the Master..love this live version.  :-)

[bluelibra65]

beautiful vid, bro,

you made my whole night,

what a gem,

i first saw eric on money & cigarettes tour,

i won't say how long ago -lol!

[mableh1]

Great guitar solo, sounds like he,s having a good time playing this one. I have heard many played many times but never like this. Where did you find it? Was there a video to go with it? or did you have it prerecorded from a CD? It;s GREAT, the more I listen the more I get into it with him, I get the goosebumps, ya know what I mean? The hair stands up on the back of my neck, and man oh man the drums

[brocklightning]

really

[slowhand5160t]

cant see it but i bet he bending those strings  no wamme bar like those pretenders

[swp9]

This is from the Nov. 15, 1976 Dallas Texas show. Excellent !

[Prostock1489]

sweet.. one of the finest out there!