Eric Clapton & John Mayer 70th Birthday Celebration: Pretending

Eric Clapton & John Mayer perform Pretending at Eric's 70th Birthday Celebration. Madison Square Garden NY May 3rd 2015.

[@bobbob24able]

I love seeing the old man smile like he does during John's solo. That's a rare thing

[@thodorisvlastos6304]

Nick Palacio i can easily say he deserves his place next to him onstage. Both amazing ! One is a pioneer , a true legend and the other on his way to become one

[@tomthalon8956]

@@thodorisvlastos6304 The salivating Mayer fan boys are numerous on this thread! Clapton broke it off with Sheryl Crow to have a hot bromance with John Mayer. lol

[@GiantSFaithfuL]

Mayer can barely contain himself. It's like he realized a life long dream and he realizes it during Clapton's solo.

[@mikl1987]

Haha yes 😊. They played together several times before this though.

[@goswo]

Yes, great to watch :-)

[@johnforster3643]

What year was this recorded because It says on my post 1 year ago but think It was more then a year ago this video c'è out! Anyone?

[@danielbannasser7123]

You are totally right man!!! You can SEE it!!!

[@Brian-xf5zu]

Co-caine

[@MrCabimero]

I’ve played this song on drums with Clapton countless times. He doesn’t remember it though because it was through my headphones in a spare bedroom.

[@courtham]

That smile on Clapton's face during John's second solo is priceless!

[@mainakdebmandal1960]

Agree

[@guitarplayer2846]

John Mayer put a neck from a PRS guitar on a Fender Strat. I haven't seen that done before but it makes a lot of sense. He created a PRSender.

[@GuiTosin]

yeahhh!!! 6:21 john makes a beautiful pattern

[@davidwoolsey7110]

I'm nearly 100% sure that isn't true and you just made it up. It's not even a strat body. John has also spoken about that guitar saying it was the first PRS he had played. @Guitar Player

[@513jone]

Johns face when Clapton looks at him during that pattern: cant actually believe that worked

[@theaceofspadesjl]

John's face when Eric is soloing is priceless

[@miguel77077]

6:09 that solo gave me chills ,just look at him dude ,he’s enjoying the moment ,and you can clearly tell the only person he’s trying to impress there is Eric Clapton

[@pf1041]

For the J Mayer haters, this guy is a worthy heir of rock n roll guitar legends, BBK, Clapton, Hendrix, SRV... this guy is like a sponge, learnt all the licks, then developed some on his own and uses them wisely, with great taste and devoted to the song, he doesn't show off. Clapton has his own signature style, while Mayer is both skilled and versatile, there's no point discussing who's better, they're different.

[@metalcavy33]

Eric is one of the last greats. He respects John when he kills it and John knows his place on stage next to the legend. Thank you Eric and John for keeping guitar alive.

[@just4stringsnme]

I absolutely love how it's so obvious John is geeked to be playing next to one of his idols. He just stares at Eric while he solos, it's adorable lol.

[@TheVatonaught]

John has a unique ability to play a phrase with the same tonal sound as the OG...not many musicians can do that. He's like artists who can mimic famous people's voices...that's not a put down. John is truly a genius.

[@calebknott8021]

When Eric started the solo! It was like he was back in 87! Man it's awesome to see him let loose for a second

[@Joa_DB]

Surprised the stage didn't collapse from sheer goat and legend energy

[@joe22589]

John Mayer is sooooo good. He nails all the giant licks EC did on the studio version, his first solo takes up the mood of the song again and gives EC the motivation to play a solo out of the highest league. And Mayer's second solo is phenomenal and much more than the pentatonic scale. It proves that John Mayer really belongs to the peer

[@rodneyhunting7072]

He gives EC motivation 🙄🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️ SMDH

[@Vernostonus]

Father & Son together on stage... spoken musically wise. Eric Clapton is a legend and John Mayer is on his way to create his own beautiful legacy. Real music today is not fully dead thanks to incredibly talented people like John Mayer following in the footsteps of the great masters of guitar playing. Considering his still young age it's fucking amazing how he can stand his own ground next to such legends like Eric Clapton, B.B. King etc. An absolute brilliant musician.

[@michaelpark5681]

Let's not go overboard. John Mayer is about the songwriting and the singing. Playing the guitar (in terms of solos, licks, etc.) is a secondary attribute of his. While a very good musician, calling him a son of Eric Clapton is unnecessarily and undeservedly effusive.

[@BCBBCL]

@@michaelpark5681 Secondary? Really?

[@michaelpark5681]

@@BCBBCL Secondary.

[@Luke101]

Michael Park john’s one of the greatest guitarists of all time. It’s effortless for him...

[@BCBBCL]

@@Luke101 Exactly. I can 9 out of 10 times say it's him playing while blinded.

[@nizza89]

Mayer’s phrasing on his solo in the last part of the clip is insane. Such good tone.

[@NothingMaster]

Dang it, Clapton still got it; his solo was priceless. Mayer kept looking at him like 'wow the old man can still rock like no-one's business'!

[@edwardbaker8679]

I guess I’m blessed . . . Hendrix ‘69, Eric in Cream, Santana, and Mayer acoustic & electric. Bob Dylan? Shakespeare!

[@RafidAhsanAnan]

I can’t imagine the emotions Mayer was going through. Playing on stage with a legend he looked up to and both of them absolutely slaying it on those solo’s. I’m sure this is exactly how he would’ve pictured it as a kid.

[@ericsirois]

John certainly has the greatest guitar face I've ever seen. You can't teach that shit, it's a gift from God. Or the universe, but either way there's nobody I enjoy watching play as much as John. Prefer just guitar don't give a fuck about vocals just wanna see greatness.

[@kenbaker8868]

Tell you what, Eric looks really good for being 70! Keep playing and singing for your fans and the world!

[@austinfisk8974]

Man 70 years old still sounds amazing

[@nickb3250]

They both fed off each other. Perfect balance

[@Cerph]

Both great artists.

[@nahuedomino]

What Mayer starts doing from 5:45 is what makes him different from other top guitar players... Perfect solo, great feeling, just listen and watch Clapton's face.

[@timmyjoe524]

Gotta love that smile EC at the last solo. It's like he's passing the torch to John.

[@highvoltage6016]

.......and John is a worthy recipient of that torch.

[@rcnewman51.]

When Clapton looked at John rippin it, and smiled I got instant goosebumps!

[@RNmike96]

Many people sleep on John Mayer’s true talent because they’ve never heard him play the blues. There’s a lot of people who’ve never even heard of the John Mayer Trio... if y’all haven’t seen “Where the light is” I recommend it.

[@serhiisadrytskyi2970]

totally agree, trio's live works worth listening

[@TheScottJeter]

Nice to see JM letting it all hang out.

[@miketucker5943]

We love you Johnny three shoes

[@zachdugay5108]

Oooorrrr Dead and Company?

[@AP-ui7oi]

Mike The Murse anyone who doubts John Mayer’s abilities is a fool.

[@bradyuekert9067]

I can’t imagine much more than the feeling of having Eric Clapton five you his look and smile of approval meaning anything more to John

[@Vnachi8]

I don't care for John Mayer's music, but that kid just slays on guitar. Quietly, he's become one of the best of his generation.

[@CensorWars]

I honestly think he has now become the GOAT. I don't like to compare but over the last 5 years Mayer has surpassed everyone.

[@Vnachi8]

@@CensorWars GOAT? That’s just crazy talk. Stevie Ray Vaughn owns that title and he’s never giving it up.

[@CensorWars]

@@Vnachi8 he didn't play for long enough. Stevie ray Vaughan couldn't have filled in for Jerry Garcia either

[@Vnachi8]

@@CensorWars that is without a doubt the stupidest comment I've read in a long time and given the state of today's internet, that's saying something. SRV had a longer career than Hendrix, so does that mean Hendrix didn't play long enough? God, does being that stupid make you feel like you're high all the time?

[@CensorWars]

@@Vnachi8 It's not stupid, it means that John Mayer didn't get addicted to Heroin and Cocaine and spent his free time learning more music...

[@fredstuckmann]

I hope that when I'm 70 I can be good at something. Thanks for decades of great music EC.

[@paulmyfinger]

Fred Stuckmann you'll be good at blowing out candles 😁

[@fredstuckmann]

That would be something to see. ;-)

[@jambarreturns9060]

Mayer is Guitarists hope for this generation of digital Musicians. Simply a worthy heir to Clapton’s Crown.

[@wendy-sunnya7570]

John is the next generation of exquisite Blues! He has earned his right of passage, playing with the greatest! Clapton, Buddy Guy, BBKing. I've seen them all... I AM A LUCKY LADY ! They have all filled my heart with blues. Keeping the Blues alive in Tenn, with the Smokymountainbluessociety gives me such pride! SunnyBlue

[@alfons2041]

The going down from the fast part 6:18 is amazing

[@plstrom]

the tone on that PRS is crazy !!

[@nickscholle]

Do you know what model it is? Trying to figure it out

[@gordon-hensley]

❤️ JM’s expression when EC crushes his first solo and looks on in admiration - then comes back to kick ass on his own #2 solo 👍👍👍

[@jeffrobodine1850]

Clapton living legend people,he can still get down at 70 year's old 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@benrogersdevon]

What a voice. Mayer is an extremely tallented guitarist too!!!!!!!! he is amazing and so is Eric. LEGENDS!! love this track.

[@jp123166]

6:18 SRV lick that John did makes Eric smile

[@Dan-nh8nu]

SVR lick? you got a link for me so I can hear stevie ray playing it?

[@robertdaul4239]

@@Dan-nh8nuthe fast part of the lick were often used by srv and hendrix. You can hear it for example at the end of the first solo on all along the watchtower by hendrix. kzbin.info/www/bejne/in25ZZKulr6spLs

[@tomthalon8956]

A good example of my point that Mayer is an imitator of the REAL masters of the electric guitar.

[@ajmusic4500]

Tom Thalon that’s so stupid. Every guitarist takes licks of other legends and adapts then to their unique style. Music is an art to be shared

[@tomthalon8956]

@@ajmusic4500 He's a waaaaayyyyy over-rated pretty boy.

[@avliszenemig1]

This is music, 2 masters playing together and you can see they are having fun, I dont understand why would someone make this a competition, let's just enjoy the ride, we are lucky to be seeing this

[@722garage9]

It’s like Clapton & Hendrix playing together. Huge respect for each other and John can’t believe he’s playing every note with Eric. He had a pinch myself moment in the middle. Frankly, I would as well.

[@kevinwebb2480]

Probably Clapton's best song. Superb timing and arrangement.. He knows his way around a Fender.

[@IamMagPie]

I loved every second of this, but most of all the hug at the end. It's what I would have done if I were either one of these legends

[@srulifriedman2957]

Without this performance we wouldn't have the silver sky

[@vinceperrotta3869]

Two guitarists who we were born to play guitar

[@maryannreed9640]

I am digging this. It has an authentic vibe and they play so well together Mayer is fierce. Clapton is incomparable.

[@ZettMasterEngine]

Oh man that's sound - JM and EC together - what a dream. It's respect for each other.

[@GAFloppa]

I watch this on a weekly basis

[@chingasofarkaso]

Some of the tastiest interval playing you'll ever hear in this. Mayer needs to just do enter his 'From the Cradle' blues phase now and never stop.

[@davidthompson3136]

I think of Clapton’s lead breaks like this one as “butterfly liberations” …… when he does that flutter effect it’s like he frees a thousand butterflies out of his fretboard ! 😎🎸👍🇳🇿 I’ve been listening to EC since the 60’s and it was his recordings that inspired me to buy my first guitar and to learn some blues. I shall always be grateful. And I’ll always love those butterflies ………. 😉🎸🦋 🦋 🦋 🦋

[@janwillemdevos]

those two complement each other like crazy

[@boabglen]

I love John's intensity here. He's so in it! Epic

[@Pipighnio]

with that second solo JM reminded me why I love and respect him so much...

[@tootz1950]

Nice video for being in the middle of a crowd. Thanks.

[@dougfireside2120]

EC at 6:27 - man what a show. Thanks for uploading this amazing performance.

[@wdoochild]

at this Moment Eric is amazed by what John is doing ... great time ... I'm almost sure they have a private joke at this moment : while doing his solo john looks at eric to see his reaction and eric laughs (which is rare on his part on stage) ... although it is a good example of sharing and communication, throughout the piece we see the admiration and love they carry one to the other.... i'd like to see that whith a better sound as R.A.H where sound and image are splendid. but thank's to JAKESSOULSHINE off course, no offense...

[@randallreid424]

And whoever said it yes the smile from Clapton was priceless on the second solo

[@robertpronk711]

The Master at 70 ,at his work , his pupil , in awe , will take over his lecacy one day , hopefully !!

[@slick51]

+Robert Pronk Yeah, amazing. Clapton's smile and head shake at 6:20 or so shows its ready to happen, too. Sorry if this double posts. Everything here has so far...one click, twice the info.

[@eddeyoung6561]

Mayer and Clapton a treat for the senses but let us not forget the the mighty back up ladies without who the songs would not be be as complete or as sweet.

[@coelhocointech9841]

If your up there playing with guitar God Clapton you got to be damn good... he has played with the greatest from Allman, Hendrix, srv, Knopfler, Harrison

[@richjohn2497]

Love Johns face during the 'old mans' solo :)

[@bluesfun]

I love Mayer but THAT start at 4:04 is just something else: it blew me away.

[@thef4lsepr0phet]

Why not love both :)

[@andyinwards2119]

I just wish Clapton and Mayer would do a whole album/concert's worth of music together. They're unstoppable when they're on that stage side by side.

[@newtechgs7471]

Mayer always fits so well when guesting, a true musician and amazing player

[@bosse641]

wish I could play like Mayer. ....he's such a great player. ...second only to SRV in my eyes.

[@bosse641]

+Bosse Grytbakk ....fantastic duo here. ....legends. ....so much fun. .....and such mutual respect and admiration between the two. .....heartwarming to watch.

[@Claudia-ry3bt]

I cannot watch or listen to this enough times. Mayer is flawless. Magnificent. I can't imagine the work, dedication, practice, study, etc., that went into the creation of this masterpiece. Everyone is at their best. Exquisite.

[@claptonmusiclover675]

My two most favorite musicians! How I would have loved to be there!

[@hereforagoodsolo1108]

I was there that night and I'll tell ya, the best thing was seeing their reactions to each other's solos

[@miguelpena8165]

Guitar playing does not get much better than this.

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

EC always so powerful and tasteful.

[@buddyboy6071]

Claptons quite sounds beautiful.

[@ericsirois]

I remember at some point not long after the WHO officially declared Covid a pandemic, and the world was on lockdown. Watching hours of KZbin videos a day, I came across an interview with Eric Clapton where he was either who is the best guitar player he'd ever played with or just who he thinks is the greatest player ever. Believe it was the greatest he'd ever played with. He immediately answered John Mayer. Went on to explain how crazy it is how few people even think about playing guitar when they think of John. IMO, I not only think he's the most talented player I've ever seen, but is close to the top of the list of greatest blues musicians/ guitarist ever. Better than BB King if you ask me. Watch him play the blues with BB King on KZbin and it's fucking crazy. Nothing planned or practiced just making it all up as he goes along. He's a Bad Dude!

[@charlesortiz5388]

Man that was Amazing !!!!! Thank you for sharing !!!!!

[@Starryanne7]

Definitely one the coolest thing I’ve ever watched in 2017!

[@MrMusicM67]

The best!! Thank you for this AMAZING UPLOAD!

[@humtom]

Love it! Would easily pay good money to hear this in better quality🙏😄

[@gabrielfelipe5103]

I Can't express how I 'm felling to see such a Legend as Eric is and John is building his way as a LEGEND TOO FULL RESPECT TO THESE MUSICS HEROES

[@tombowater2589]

Great to see the respect they have for each other in this performance you can tell they both enjoy seeing each other nail it. Clapton is God!

[@fdlsys5134]

Absolutely brilliant. Many, many happy returns EC!

[@johndillonjr8387]

I was there that night. Great show.

[@danielbannasser7123]

Great vídeo man! It' s amazing seeing and listening two stunning guitar players sharing such a wonderful music!!! It' like a "father & son" thing...

[@lyndadelmonaco7928]

One of the BEST "bucket list" fulfillments was being at this show, my FIRST (finally) shows, at that!

[@completeclapton5933]

great performance --- also love to see and to listen to John Mayer ...

[@501corky]

Eric was absolutely awesome😀 John looked blown away with Eric let loose brilliant

[@kimberlykairo]

Absolutely love seeing these two together! Each is a master in their own right. Twin Masters and twin Kings too ❣❣🌟🌟👑👑

[@Calabrio76]

I was at this show. When Clapton takes the solo remains the most powerful moment of the night. The moment he hits that first note, I get goose bumps. This show was a headache. The Rangers made the playoffs, so the second night at MSG was postponed one night.

[@plstrom]

since i've seen this for the 1st time i've been back constantly ! AMAZING !

[@plstrom]

addicted to this video !

[@thevirtualfinancedirector1466]

Absolutely fantastic this

[@cubnation]

The two best guitar players in the world.

[@zainbossman8561]

The expressions they both exchange r breath taking😍😍😍😍

[@StratOnFire]

4:17 John's face is like "woah dude" 6:18 Clapton's face is like "you got this"

[@iamwe7035]

Age and experience makes that soul thick and dense , powerfull performance , clapton blew me away

[@bluewater3783]

I'm glad to see Eric in good Health and Spirits!--and on top of his Art as both singer and guitarist... :) AND nice hug at the end, there.

[@brendakrieger7000]

Outstanding performance🎸🎶🎵🎤

[@nahuedomino]

Can't stop watching to this. Amazing!!!

[@nicolamurru6972]

Grandioso... Great performance... Irreproducible The 2 best guitarists...sharing their passion ❤️

[@geoffjones6444]

Thanks for the upload. Just epic.

[@Rockers1121]

Both are amazing .. awesome to see them on stage together ..

[@ZettMasterEngine]

Oh my god - absolutely great

[@justincarter9622]

I would love to see these two play live. Wow absolutely amazing.

[@metalcavy33]

The respect between the two. The teacher and the student.

[@metalcavy33]

The respect between these two is impalpable. Changing of the guard if you will. What an awesome experience for John. Merry Christmas!

[@bjornchristiansson2827]

Master class 👍 good vibes as always whit those two. Nice people 🙏 like the dynamic solo. The swed 🇸🇪

[@twittertwice]

Clapton said he is not sure John knows how good he really is... he said that Mayer is a “Master Guitarist” !