For Clapton fans, old and new there is an opportunity to see Classic Clapton the World’s No1 Eric Clapton Tribute Band in the North East. The band which features front-man Mike Hall will be appearing at both Queen’s Hall, Hexham and Helmsley Arts Centre in March. This is likely to be the final year of shows by the full Classic Clapton band. Mike intends to continue with acoustic shows in future.
Their previous concerts at both venues were a huge success, and fans are advised to book early this time.
The band will perform Clapton’s classic songs including Wonderful Tonight, Tears in Heaven, Crossroads, I Shot The Sheriff, Cocaine, Lay Down Sally and of course Layla! There will even be an unplugged segment in the show.
Classic Clapton
The band was formed in 1985 in Newcastle long before the term ‘tribute band’ was invented. They named themselves After Midnight after Eric Clapton’s first solo hit. In the past 38 years they have become one of the best-loved bands on Tyneside.
In guitar/vocalist Mike Hall, the band possesses a front man who not only looks like Eric, he sings and plays guitar like him too! In 1999, he won a national look-alike competition held at Madam Tussauds. Mike has met Eric Clapton twice, and even received a message of encouragement from the guitar maestro (written on a Concorde menu).
The band comprises four excellent musicians: Mike Hall (lead vocals/guitar), Keith Cad (drums) and Dave Robson (bass guitar /backing vocals). Dave is a former member of chart band Geordie. Steve Hutchinson has recently re-joined the band on keyboards and backing vocals. He was a member of The Animals for six years during the 1990’s alongside original members Hilton Valentine & John Steel. He previously played with Classic Clapton from 2003 – 2005.
Eric Clapton
Eric is now in his seventies. His recent UK tours unfortunately have visited only London’s Royal Albert Hall. If fans want to hear all of his hits performed in more intimate surroundings, then a Classic Clapton show is the way to go!
More information
Queen’s Hall, Hexham on Friday 3 March at 7.30pm
Helmsley Arts Centre, North Yorkshire on Friday 31 March at 7.30pm
