Eric Clapton @ Accor Arena, Paris - May 31st, 2025

We honestly thought Eric Clapton's last run of Paris shows (HERE and HERE) would mark his final farewell to the French capital, so seeing him return almost exactly a year later feels like an unexpected gift. Same month, same venue, same show... there’s a quiet comfort in that kind of familiarity.

The show, with only minor variations, remained largely unchanged. Even with some slight adjustments to the setlist, the structure is essentially the same: a few electric tunes, an acoustic set, a handful of Blues covers, a few Cream tunes and even a somewhat unexpected deep cut in "Golden Ring" from Backless.

This predictability extends across the entire show. Now 80, Clapton seems content to coast on his legendary status, having long since stopped courting risk. And yet, his guitar playing remains as fluid and emotionally resonant as ever, and his voice is still in strong form. It's hard to begrudge him a little comfort at this stage, especially considering all he’s contributed to the Blues and popular music more broadly. There’s still something captivating—almost entrancing—about hearing him breathe life into these songs, backed by a band of truly remarkable musicians, including long-serving bass player Nathan East and keyboardist Chris Stainton.  A definite highlight was Clapton's intense solo on "Old Love" which demonstrated his exquisite phrasing and intuitive pacing.

An excellent performance, delivered with soul and polish, but perhaps missing just  a hint of madness.

SETLIST:
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