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Arts & Culture

Eric Clapton: Slowhand At 70 - Live At The Royal Albert Hall

Celebrate the legendary guitarist’s 70th birthday with this concert featuring Clapton classics, including “Wonderful Tonight,” “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven.”
Courtesy of George Chin
Celebrate the legendary guitarist’s 70th birthday with this concert featuring Clapton classics, including “Wonderful Tonight,” “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven.”

Airs Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV

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Join the legendary guitarist for a celebration of his 70th birthday with this concert in London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, featuring Clapton classics including “Wonderful Tonight,” “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven.”

“Slowhand At 70” captures a momentous night for the legend that is Eric Clapton, an immense celebration not just for his birthday but to toast the artist’s close relationship with the Royal Albert Hall itself. Clapton is the first guitarist to reach 200 performances at this beautiful, classic venue.

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Give $20/month or $240 today and receive an Eric Clapton Blu-ray or DVD/CD combo. This gift includes a KPBS License Plate Frame (if you're a new member). Also enjoy access to KPBS Passport and myKPBS Film Club. The “Eric Clapton: Forever Man” 3-CD set is available at the $180 level, and there is another combo available at $120.
Give $20/month or $240 today and receive an Eric Clapton Blu-ray or DVD/CD combo. This gift includes a KPBS License Plate Frame (if you're a new member). Also enjoy access to KPBS Passport and myKPBS Film Club. The “Eric Clapton: Forever Man” 3-CD set is available at the $180 level, and there is another combo available at $120.

“Slowhand At 70” begins with an intimate start reminiscent of a small blues club, with beams of light and smoke outlining the raw intensity of Clapton onstage.

With the ebb and flow of Clapton’s extensive set list, the energy continues to build with each track to the epic finale and the massive renditions of “Crossroads” and “Cocaine,” moving the viewer from the small club setting to become part of the vast and rapturous audience in the glorious venue.

Celebrate the legendary guitarist’s 70th birthday with this concert featuring Eric Clapton classics, including “Wonderful Tonight,” “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven.”
Courtesy of George Chin
Celebrate the legendary guitarist’s 70th birthday with this concert featuring Eric Clapton classics, including “Wonderful Tonight,” “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven.”

This is a night to remember as Clapton brings it home in the Royal Albert Hall — his second home — alongside renowned musicians Paul Carrack, Steve Gadd, Chris Stainton and Nathan East. A performance of “High Time We Went” as an encore creates a crescendo — a palpable blending of artist, band and fans.

“Slowhand At 70” marks 50 years since Clapton made his debut at the Royal Albert Hall on Dec. 7, 1964, when he performed as part of the Yardbirds for BBC2’s “Top Beat Show.”

Clapton returned to the venue four years later for Cream’s UK Farewell Concerts on Nov. 26, 1968. This concert marks his 200th performance at the prestigious venue.

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After his time with the Yardbirds, Clapton began a career as a professional musician that has seen numerous bands, an abundance of albums, countless worldwide sold-out shows, an impressive array of accolades, unwavering critical acclaim and his consistent display of legendary guitar work.

Eric Clapton is on Facebook.

Eric Clapton: Slowhand At 70: Preview

Produced by Eagle Rock Entertainment.