Eric Clapton.

Say no more really!

Just before I arrived in Dubai, I had an email from my friend J who lives in Abu Dhabi.  She wanted to let me know that Eric Clapton was holding a concert at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi in case I was interested in going.

In case?!  I jumped on it there and then!

I very nearly didn’t book as my credit card was declined.  I rang the bank and it turns out because I had booked a flight, and was trying to book this concert ticket, they had put a hold on my account in case it was fraud.  I am always pleased to know that things are being watched carefully, but if it caused me problems getting to see Eric, I would have not been happy at all.

Thankfully it didn’t.

I arrived armed with my ticket print out and after being in the country for 3 days, I headed over to the next Emirate.

I do have to say, I really wasn’t in the mood though.  The tiredness had hit me like a brick, and after having 4 large voddies the night before, I was more than a little hungover too!  Nevertheless, I soldiered on and set off for a new adventure.

After getting over my rather eventful taxi ride (see “Taxis (if that’s how the plural is spelt!”), we had a lovely dinner at the Rotana Hotel.  It was a buffet and had a mix of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian food to chose from. The chef was really good and came around with me so that I would know what was in each dish.  I ate (for really the first time that day!) some of the best Indian food I have ever eaten, but was particularly impressed with the roasted aubergine/eggplant with humus.  Yummo!

We knew the music started at 8.45 but assumed that there would be a warm up act.  We arrived just after then, and made our way through to the Gold Circle (thanks again J for getting the freebie tickets!) and didn’t once feel guilty for not using the ticket I had paid for!  Once I had remembered to put my glasses on, I could see the man rather well!

He is absolutely mesmerizing.  I have a total wield old guy crush now!

He performed from 8.45 (oops!) straight through, without pause, until at least 10.30.  He played the classics and he played the blues.  It was just superb.  I was very thankful that he didn’t play “Tears in Heaven” but even more thankful that he played “Layla”!  

I still can’t believe I was there to see this amazing man play without all the pomp and fuss that goes with todays bands.  It was him, his band and raw talent. 

Would I go again? 

In a heartbeat!