Incidentally, Eric Clapton is one of the most enduring names in Rock-n-Roll history. A part of The Yardbirds from 1963 to 1965, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in 1965, Cream from 1966 to 1968, Blind Faith from 1968 to 1969, and Derek and the Dominos from 1970 to 1971, you would be hard-pressed to find a prolific, influential guitarist out there.
Beginning his solo career in 1970 with a self-titled album, he has since released over twenty more studio albums, leading directly into 2024’s Meanwhile. Also an outstanding live performer, no one can forget live albums such as 1980’s Just One Night or 1992’s Unplugged. Putting out seventeen live albums, including 2024’s To Save a Child: An Intimate Live Concert, others which stand out in the vast discography have to include 2021’s The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions, but also 2015’s Slowhand at 70 – Live at the Royal Albert Hall.
Initially released in November 2015 on CD but also as a DVD and Blu-ray concert film, Slowhand at 70—Live at the Royal Albert Hall came at a time of several milestones for Clapton. Turning seventy years old in March 2015, the concert at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London was held on May 21st, where Clapton played in front of five thousand plus spectators. A special way to celebrate, the evening of music also marked his two hundredth overall live concert ever.
Naturally, this monumental occasion was matched with an equally monumental performance where Clapton performs a setlist that dips and dives all over his back catalog ranging from 1970’s “Tell the Truth” (which he co-wrote with Derek and the Dominos’ Bobby Whitlock), his distinct cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff,” 1991’s heartbreaking “Tears in Heaven,” to others like 1970’s signature tune “Layla” and the stunningly beautiful 1977 song “Wonderful Tonight.”
Just a sample of the seventeen songs performed in this set (which also includes the bonus performance of “Little Queen of Spades”), the concert film itself is full of precisely framed camera angles, exceptionally crisp sound, and lighting that captures the essence of the night flawlessly. Great viewing for a Saturday afternoon kicking back and taking in some great Blues Rock at the hand of Eric Clapton; now, in 2024, Mercury Studios is offering the film for the first time ever in 4K Ultra HD.
Released on September 13, 2024, the original film is presented in crystal clear 4K Ultra HD, while the sound quality is a step ahead of prior DVD or Blu-ray editions. Something to consider: the dynamics and acoustics stand out much more three-dimensionally for this 4K Ultra HD release, making it a must-have upgrade if you own a 4K player.
It is packaged in thin cardboard, which could disappoint some fans. However, it does include a nice booklet with an insightful essay about the performance and credits. So, minus the packaging itself, this is not a release for fans of Eric Clapton but also for anyone who appreciates a superb concert film. That is why Cryptic Rock gives the 4K Ultra HD release of Slowhand at 70 – Live at the Royal Albert Hall 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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