Clapton tracks get acoustic treatment at Harbour Arts gig
One of the world’s most popular Eric Clapton tribute bands perform a rare acoustic concert in Irvine this week.
As part of the 30th anniversary tour, Mike Hall and Adam Howells from Classic Clapton come to the Harbour Arts Centre.
The band was formed in 1985 in Newcastle, before the “tribute band” scene was as popular as it is now.
Guitarist and vocalist Mike Hall has been praised not only for his Claptonesque performance, but for his similarity to the legendary Slowhand.
He has met Clapton twice, and has even received words of encouragement from the guitar maestro - written on a Concorde menu.
Classic Clapton featured in a 2000 TV programme produced for Tyne Tees Television titled Cover Their Tracks, following the band on the road.
Since then they have performed throughout the UK, including a triumphant appearance on the acoustic stage at Glastonbury Festival and performing for 3500 Clapton fans in Mumbai, India, earlier this year.
The show, split into two 45- minute sets, is based around the multi- million selling 1992 Clapton album Unplugged.
The record is the guitarist’s bestselling release ever, winning numerous Grammies and introducing him to new audiences around the world in the 1990s.
The show features many of the best tracks from the album such as Tears In Heaven, Before You Accuse Me and Layla as well as new acoustic versions of other classic Clapton tracks such as Lay Down Sally and While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
Clapton, now into his mid- 70s, has only toured large UK arenas in recent years, and is unlikely to ever visit smaller venues on an unplugged tour.
That means Classic Clapton’s acoustic concert is the only chance for fans to hear all of his hits live and unplugged.
Classic Clapton Unplugged comes to Irvine’s Harbour Arts Centre on Saturday, November 5. Doors are at 7.30pm.
Tickets are available from the HAC on 01294 274059.