Eric Clapton Performs Rare Song in Detroit

Guitar legend Eric Clapton kicked off his brief U.S. tour on Sunday, September 6, at Detroit's Little Caesars Arena. While the evening featured a wide array of hits from his career, including material from Cream and Blind Faith, the highlight for many fans was the surprise performance of a song not played live in five decades.

Midway through the electric set, Clapton deviated from his usual routine by omitting the staple I Shot the Sheriff. Instead, he transitioned into an acoustic segment that opened with Give Me Strength from the 1974 album 461 Ocean Boulevard. According to Setlist.FM, this marked the first time the 81-year-old musician has performed the track since July 1975.

The Detroit show featured an expanded setlist compared to his recent performances. The acoustic portion grew to eight songs, including the fan favorite Running on Faith and a moving rendition of the Blind Faith classic Can't Find My Way Home, featuring lead vocals by longtime bassist Nathan East. The electric finale was equally robust, including Wonderful Tonight and Tearing Us Apart, before closing with high-energy versions of Cross Road Blues, Little Queen of Spades, and Cocaine.

Clapton was supported by a talented ensemble, including guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, pianist Chris Stainton, keyboardist Tim Carmon, and drummer Sonny Emory.

The tour continues with five remaining dates in Cincinnati, Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Kansas City, concluding on September 17. Following these shows, Clapton will travel to Austin for his annual "Crossroads Guitar Festival" on September 26 and 27. This year's festival is expected to be a major event, featuring special guests such as Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Trey Anastasio, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band.

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