Eric Clapton/Ireland 1981

The opening night of the rare Irish tour, held for only four days at the beginning of the new year, was recorded in Dublin on January 31st, as an audience recording, which was an incredible feat for the time. First of all, it is miraculous that such a high quality cassette recording from that time has survived, and at first listen, it sounds like a soundboard. During this period, the band was also notable for its all-British lineup, with Albert Lee joining as guitarist and Gary Brooker of Procol Harum on keyboards. While Albert Lee’s “Country Boy” is included, be sure to check out the numbers unique to this tour, such as “Worried Life Blues”. The American tour that followed was canceled after a few days, and the set was different from the Japan tour that year, so fans should also listen to that. DISC 1 : 01. Tulsa Time/02. Early In The Morning/03. Lay Down Sally/04. Wonderful Tonight/05. Blow By Blow/06. Worried Life Blues/07. Country Boy/08. Double Trouble/09. All Our Past Times/10. Blues Power/11. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door DISC 2 : 01. Setting Me Up/02. Ramblin’ On My Mind inc. Have You Ever Loved A Woman/03. After Midnight/04. Further On Up The Road/05. Cocaine/06. Layla Live At Simmonscourt, Dublin, Ireland January 31th 1981] Eric Clapton : Guitar & Vocals / Albert Lee : Guitar & Vocals / Dave Markee : Bass / Henry Spinetti : Drums / Chris Stainton : Keyboards / Gary Brooker : Keyboards & Vocals