Eric Clapton kicked off his U.S. tour with a career-spanning set that included classic hits, deep cuts and one song that hadn’t appeared in his live show in more than five decades.
Among the biggest surprises was an acoustic performance of “Give Me Strength,” originally released on Clapton’s 1974 album 461 Ocean Boulevard. The rare appearance gave longtime fans something they haven’t heard from Clapton onstage in over 50 years.
The show also reached back into his history with Cream and Blind Faith, while some familiar favorites, including “I Shot the Sheriff,” were left out of the set.
Clapton is joined on the U.S. run by fellow blues guitarist Jimmie Vaughan, with upcoming stops including Cincinnati and Chicago before the tour wraps in Kansas City.
Afterward, Clapton will turn his attention to his annual Crossroads Guitar Festival in Austin, featuring an all-star lineup that includes Billy Gibbons and Buddy Guy.
