Posted on 05/02/2005 6:29:50 PM PDT by blam
Concert-goers span the generation gap and the Atlantic for sell-out reunion
By Richard Alleyne and Helen Johnstone
(Filed: 03/05/2005)
They were one of the biggest groups in the Sixties. Now they are the biggest group in their sixties.
Cream, the world's first "supergroup", who introduced the public to long guitar and drum solos, reformed last night after 36 years and showed, if anything, that they are more popular than ever.
Cream: older, wiser and drink-and-drugs-free
The band - guitarist Eric Clapton, drummer Ginger Baker and bass player Jack Bruce - sold out their four performances at the Royal Albert Hall in London in just two hours, with some tickets changing hands for more than £2,000 on eBay.
The trio, although now all 60 and over, were able to offer their fans something new - a completely sober performance.
Last night fans queued eight deep three hours before the concert was due to start. Among them were father and son Raymond and Barnaby Jones, from Gloucester.
Mr Jones senior, 56, bought the tickets to celebrate his son's wedding next weekend. Rick Dodderidge, 50, had travelled from Kansas City in America especially to see the band.
Cream formed in 1966 and last performed together in 1968. Dubbed rock's first supergroup after they were formed by three already established stars, they sold 35 million records with music that fused hard rock, blues and jazz. But Clapton's performances were often blurred by drugs and drink.
After last night's gig, Roger Taylor, 55, a Cream fan from Reading, Berks, said: "They were amazing."
Gil Darby, 62, from London, said the performance was "even better than the first time round".
I loved these guys! Glad to see they're still alive. (Any tour stops in the U.S.?)
Swlabr bump.
Sunshine of your Love........Obviously better off drugs
Wonder what a ticket to these latest concerts cost? The latest issue of Vintage Guitar magazine had a short article by someone who attended a Cream concert here in Atlanta in '67 or '68. Tickets were $4.50, general admission.
I saw Clapton last year, he put on a very good show and seemed to be having a good time. I had very good seats, but had to pay a scalper a bit more than $4.50 apiece for the tickets.
Hey now baby, get into my big black car.
Hey now baby, get into my big black car.
I want to just show you what my politics are.
I'm a political man and I practice what I preach.
I'm a political man and I practice what I preach.
So don't deny me baby, not while you're in my reach.
I support the left, though I'm leaning, leaning to the right.
I support the left, though I'm leaning to the right.
But I'm just not there when it's coming to a fight.
Hey now baby, get into my big black car.
Hey now baby, get into my big black car.
I want to just show you what my politics are.
http://www.jackbruce.com/
From my FR Homepage: Jack and his handmade West German Warwick Bass. I've got 2: a Fretted 1998 and and a Fretless (like Jacks) 1990 model.
"Higher Conciousness through Lower Frequencies".
The worst concert I ever saw was Clapton in the early-mid 70's. He was obviously zonked out on something.
The best one was Led Zepplen's first tour in the Filmore West in SF, 1969 I believe.
Also, used to go to Golden Gate Park on sunday's and listen to free concerts by The Grateful Dead.
Both Cream and Deep Purple are tops on my list. I'd be curious to hear some of this 'new' stuff.
I'm not that old, and never liked hippies. But these guys rocked in their hayday.
I'll bet I know your favorite LedZep album cover
Ginger Bakers son Kofi plays with a three piece band at a little club in Costa Mesa, CA for free on Friday nights. Like father, like son.
Crossroads. Even stoned Clapton was/is the best guitarist alive or dead.
As per you handle.
And if you waited 10 years, Zep would have been your worst concert.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.