Eric Clapton Shares Recording With Jeff Beck Ahead of Tribute Concerts
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Ten days before the two Jeff Beck tribute concerts scheduled for May 22-23, 2023, at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Eric Clapton has shared a recording that the pair made not long before Beck’s passing. Their collaboration on “Moon River” (composed by Henry Mancini, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer) was released on May 12. Listen to it below. The tribute concerts feature significant wattage in their all-star lineups. On March 30, the news was shared that Ronnie Wood and Joe Perry were added to the list of greats who are participating. Tickets for the shows, A Tribute to Jeff Beck With Eric Clapton & Friends, went on sale March 15; both quickly sold-out. Tickets may be available on StubHub.
Related: Our recap of the first of two concerts, on May 22
The concerts were announced on March 10 by Beck’s wife, Sandra Beck, and Clapton, to honor the memory and artistry of the trailblazing rock guitarist who died on Jan. 10 at age 78 after a sudden illness. The final list of performers will be finalized near the date of the concerts. Artists who previously committed to be a part of the tribute shows are Doyle Bramhall, Clapton, Johnny Depp, Billy Gibbons, Imelda May, John McLaughlin, Robert Randolph, Olivia Safe, Rod Stewart, Joss Stone, Gary Clark Jr, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks. Also expected to perform, from the Jeff Beck Band, are Rhonda Smith, Anika Nilles and Robert Stevenson. Surplus income from the concerts will be donated to the Folly Wildlife Rescue based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
When Beck passed, his peers shared their grief, many describing him as their “hero” and “inspiration.” “You were the greatest, my man,” wrote Stewart. “One of my band of brothers has left this world, and I’m going to dearly miss him,” said Ronnie Wood. “His unique style of playing was something that no one could match,” wrote Paul McCartney, “and I will always remember the great times we had together.” Graham Gouldman, who wrote the Yardbirds’ hits, “For Your Love” and “Heart Full of Soul,” told Best Classic Bands, “Jeff Beck was simply the best guitarist in the world.”
Related: Our obituary on Jeff Beck
Watch Beck and Clapton perform a classic in 2010
5 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationI think it’s great that they’re doing this. I wish I could travel from the US to go. Where is Tal in this lineup?
Tal is really really good at what she does but, way too young to be a legend at his age. He’ll learn all his credentials eventually and get there very soon, but just not yet.
Will this concert be available via live stream to the U.S?
Corona… No news on a live stream. Highly unlikely.
EC mentioned in an interview that the concert will be filmed, archived and not released