Jeff Beck to play London O2 Arena with Eric Clapton - 13 & 14 February 2010

Jeff and Eric will take to the stage at the O2 Arena on 13 & 14 February 2010 to each play a retrospective set followed by a joint performance.

Jeff Beck said the two "had a blast" playing together in Japan, while E.C. heaped praise on his friend. "I've always considered Jeff to be one of the finest guitar players around. He's a friend, a great guy, and a truly gifted musician. We had such a fun time in Japan that it seemed natural to play together again."

Tickets for the O2 Arena gig go on sale on 28/9/09.

No doubt this project will prove beneficial and a success for both Jeff and E.C. I prefer to see Jeff playing on stage with his own band for the whole show. We are all exceptional cases, of course. I must confess I find Eric's appearance the only low-point on the DVD, "Jeff Beck: Performing This Week - Live At Ronnie Scott's" which tends to make the CD a bit special.

Double8Tickets was selling tickets cheap [sic] if you had the cash. When musicians you admire charge such high prices for a concert, and in the throes of an economic recession, you begin to wonder. The blame doesn't reside solely with "independent ticket brokers" ...

Arena Floor - (Block A) VERY FRONT ROW - £795.00!

Arena Floor - (Block A) - £395.00!

Who's that with long hair and white shirt - centre stage - enjoying the show? Ronnie Kerrigan? Surely not?

CD Review: Crest of a Wave - The Best of Rory Gallagher (Release Date: 25 August 2009)

I'm not a fan of compilation CDs or DVDs whether the artistic form is rock, blues, or classical music. It brings out the worse in those involved in the music business: record companies, managers and marketers. In essence, everyone except the artists who created and recorded the music in the first instance. This is not the first compilation to be made using Rory Gallagher's name or 'brand'.

The Best Of Taste - Amazon - (16 tracks)

Big Guns: the Very Best of Rory Gallagher - Amazon - (15 tracks)

Crest of a Wave: The Best of Rory Gallagher - Amazon - (24 tracks)

This current double disc highlights Rory's tremendous musicianship, outstanding guitar playing and artistic passion. In the music business these attributes do not always equate with happiness and success. Rory was a cult hero to his fans. In fact, Rory attracted extraordinary affection and warmth; a mutual bond with his audience which few musicians attain throughout their career. While Rory always pushed himself to the limit on stage, I believe he never reached the pinnacle of success he sought, or deserved. It takes a rare talent, courage and extreme energy to create the music, sing the songs, play the guitar, and to be the main focus of a band over decades.

CD Tracklisting  

I'm thankful that Rory received a degree of success. It must be hard to survive in the music business without moments of despair, and the mental and physical exhaustion that comes with creativity and the pressure of live performance.

It's great for Rory's many fans that the Internet exists. Sites such as YouTube and Rory Gallagher's official website enable individuals to share footage of Rory and Taste in concert. New listeners can explore Rory's outstanding musical talent on videos posted by his many fans worldwide. The live performances capture a phenomenal guitar player who was truly inspired on stage. And who took his audience with him to indescribable heights of elation during each concert.