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| Question: how
do you measure a real superstar nowadays? Well, I could name you quite a
few aspects now, like for instance - cultstatus, CD sales, sold out
venues and of course musical quality. Mind me, exspecially the quality
only doesn't always help to be a superstar. But however, I make it a bit
more simple and say: no matter how or whatsoever, but a superstar is an
artist which gets featured in the headlines on the title page of the local
newspaper, when he comes round for a concert or gets reviewed. It's only a few souls who can manage this including Mr. Clapton. And I don't talk only about a big city like Munich but for the rest of the whole world, and this for many years. The reputation of beeing one of the biggest soloartists ever is underlined by the fact, that he is also the only musician, who is introducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame 3 times. Once it's with the Yardbyrds (1992), once with Cream (1994) and as a soloartist (2000). I don't need to mention all the Grammy Awards he received so far. Clapton is a man, who has literatually reached almost everything in life, which can be reached successwise. Therefore he experienced quite a few tragedies, like the death of this son Connor, when he fell from the 53rd floor of a skyscraper and died. Right now Clapton is married to his third wife graphic artist Melia McEnery and has got three more kids with her. But back to the present and the fact, that a Clapton gig is almost always sold out, no matter if it's the Waldbühne in Berlin with 22.000 people, or like today the Kings Square in Munich with about 15.000 fans. Let's put it that way, the Kings Square is not made for even more people, exspecially, when it's seated.
I've got to mention, how
easy the cooperation of those superstars with the press is. Though these
artists wouldn't even need promotion anymore. Photopasses ain't a
problem for us professionals, and there are no contracts and deals or
whatsoever. Maybe because the superstars do not miss this certain
selfconfidence anymore, which some bands desperately try to reach. Long
talk, short sense, Mr. Clapton probably doesn't care really, whoa and how
many are taking pictures as long as they are not dancing around in front
of his nose. Which means, we are placed in the back at the sounddesk with
all our equipment.
Jesus wept, this boy seems
almost like a clon of his dad. Only his voice doesn't sound that unique.
By the way, Jacob is the youngest of four kids, bob Dylan had with his ex
wife Sarah. Meanwhile Jacob is 39 years old, also married to actress Paige
Dylan and has got 4 kids. Withh his band the Wallflowers, whom he has
founded in 1989, he had recorded five albums so far and has won 2 grammys
for Best Rock vocal performance and best rock song for 'One Headlight'.
Since the label deal had run out, the future of the Wallflowers is stil
uncertain. For right now, Jacob has signed a solo contract and has
produced a record 'Seeing Signs' with Rick Rubin, which has been released
past june. This supportlost with Clapton now gives him the chance to
introduce his soloworks to a large audiance. -
But he is surely able
to work on his indvidual reputation. The Wallflowers were only the
beginning. Let's wait and see, what's coming next. I for my part think,
that Jacob would probably do better in a smaller venue with a more
intimate atmosphere, than here on this big open air festival, where
everybody is waiting for Eric Clapton anyway.
During the break a big black cloud places
itselves above our heads and poors it's water down on us. Very much to the
pleasure of us photographers, who's worst enemy is liquid in every way.
But as quick as it has started, it ends again. And when the second part of
the concerts goes into start position, the cloud is gonne.
But with the first played tune, this
impression is blown away immidiately, because Clapton holds what he
promises. And that's a very clear sound and a brilliant talent, underlined
be lots of understatement. With 'Tell The Truth' he starts an almost 2
hours Blues Session consisting of own compositions but also of Rober
Johnson or Rick Derringer tunes.
But back to the Blues tonight which are the
roots of this exeptional musician. On stage he is joined by Doyle Bramhall
II on the second guitar, who also does some vocals. A very talented guy as
well indeed. The same to Chris Stelton on keyboard. He delivers one of the
best solos I've heard lately. Apart from these guys, there is also Willie
Weeks on bass andAbe Laboriel jr. who came in for Steve Gadd, who is busy
with James Taylor right now in the US. And last but not least in the
background you find the two pretty singers Michelle John and Sharon White.
But to be honest, you wouldn't miss them, if they were not here, because
Clapton's voice is very impressing tonight as well.
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