![Review #1]( "Review #1")
Review #1
The Royal Albert Hall is, well, home. For the thousands of fans that follow EC on each tour, the majority plan (or would like) to make the 'pilgrimage' to the RAH. It's beauty, sound and uniqueness are unrivaled by any venue worldwide.
The expectations of any show at the RAH have the same grandness as the venue itself. Eric's show last night was no exception. The band did not disappoint. Even from the opening bars of 'Pretending' a ripple of excitement and tension spend its way around the Albert Hall like a mexican wave. A lot of the bands family were in the audience and that always makes a special performance.
It was clear the band were enjoying themselves. Eric was all smiles, like during 'Pretending' when Derek Trucks took a solo, and during 'Motherless Children' when Eric was about to take a solo - only to be beaten to it by Derek again - a la 'candy from a baby'.
After seeing Eric on his arena tour I'd forgotten how intimate a venue the Royal Albert Hall is. My seat for last nights show was excellent - 4th row. A big thank you to ecaccess for this.
The setlist was the same as some of the previous nights, songs that are now really worked into a solid groove. There seemed to be more of a visual rapport between Doyle Bramhall and Derek Trucks than during previous shows since they were constantly passing comments to each other. Whenever Eric would call out to Doyle to take a solo (and there were many!), Doyle would do his bit then glance or give the nodd to Derek to take his turn. Although this was probably scripted it seemed like a very generous gesture.
Other than calls to other band members and thanks at the end of each song, Eric spoke little to the audience - although he did introduce 'So Tired' by saying "this one's for Julie and Rose". His playing was 'spot-on' taking more solos than some of the arena shows. Some notable highlights were 'I Shot The Sheriff', 'After Midnight' and the still ever so awesome 13 minute version of 'Little Queen Of Spades'.
I was standing outside the stage door before the show, where Roddy Lorimer (from the Kick Horns) was waiting for his family. A ticket tout approached him and said "Do you want tickets for tonight? - I can get you the best seats in the house.". Roddy replied "I've already got the best seats in the house!".
