Eric Clapton - Layla (Live at Royal Albert Hall, 1991) (Orchestral Version)

[@gonyangmi]

You know a song's badass when the guitar is smoking as well

[@ltrain6629]

Hilarious aka Gator

[@malcolmgervais8457]

reminded me of that one version of eruption live

[@SnuffySpaghetti]

It NEEDS a cig for all that

[@skylark457]

lol

[@Grandmaster__Gee]

Damn drugs take a huge part of music to nowadays (it's bad).

[@David-bl6yg]

The ciggy on the headstock gives it +1000 aura

[@sirgustav8986]

​@@Vlad-fm3gkwrong kid

[@stonebay2111]

Backed by an orchestra in Royal Albert Hall.....only way it could be topped is if they also had that giant organ playing as well.

[@DonkeyHotay794]

Everyone in this video is a demon

[@GAS005]

And to top that would take the organ having a cig too

[@colellac1029]

I'm so glad this version is on Spotify. It's rare that a live version is better than a recorded version.

[@noahagri78]

agreed, very few songs better live, this and money for nothing are the only two that are much better live

[@GrafindeKlevemark]

I never bother to listen to recorded versions - only live versions are worth it to realise what the artists are really able to do.

[@SawyerC7]

but without Duane the song feels empty

[@esa6321]

Almost all dire straits songs are so much better live

[@michaboonstra2219]

I think the fact that any artist can create a live version which is that much better than the original says a lot about the quality of the artist as you don’t see it that often

[@HerbieTheMiata]

This was the greatest era to be a rock fan. Concert tickets were $20 and you could see legends like this

[@gurrenmed5319]

No fucking way this concert was 20$ with that much Orchestra arrangement

[@chrisevans3062]

@@gurrenmed5319 Back then, $20 was like $60 today.

[@joycepresnall9749]

@@gurrenmed5319 no of course not, but back in the 70's and 80's about $20 was was what most concerts cost...I went to tons of concerts back then...but saw Clapton about 20 years ago, 2nd row seats, was $1K for 2 of us...

[@vanilluh3132]

Just last year we saw Creed, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, 3 Door Down, Jason Aldean, Tyler Childers, Finger Eleven, and a few more for like $28 bucks a concert. St Louis Amphitheater is the shit.

[@BoiledOctopus]

@@gurrenmed5319 Tickets for Eric Clapton's 1991 Royal Albert Hall concerts cost £27.00.

[@CompleteCretin]

After a million concerts I thought I'd got bored of Layla. It seems I haven't! This is Epic Clapton.

[@elainemeyer5062]

I agree with your last point - this IS definitely Eric Clapton WHEN he WANTS to play! (According to a statement that HE once made in an interview, he said he can play well WHEN he wants to - he shows us he really does in this performance for sure!) 👍👏 Plus, Layla and Cocaine are his ‘classics’ from years ago - both of which are my all time favorites of his - then and now (I’m almost 70)!

[@kvfrank]

Especially when you know the whole story behind the song and the relationship between the 3 until George died.

[@ns2110theonly]

This will be in THEATERS in May!

[@netoribeiro7178]

I just can't get enough!

[@ns2110theonly]

@@netoribeiro7178 +1!

[@steveb7429]

So awesome how the Dude spanks that tambourine like there’s no tomorrow.

[@thefonzkiss]

Ray Cooper.

[@SteveninTune]

​​@@thefonzkissya baby !!! ❤❤ what ever your part put your heart into it ❤

[@cicerobezerra7090]

❤❤❤MARAVILHA ❤❤

[@jred201]

He's like the honey badger. Just doesn't give a shit.

[@nicolasbergeard]

your comment is simply awesome. it made my night

[@mulemusic]

Eric was on FIRE!! His vocal is INCREDIBLE, and then he rips the solos!!!

[@phenixreturns]

🎸*A lot of covers of this great live version on my channel : check it out and subscribe !🎸*

[@coinraker6497]

I've always thought Clapton's vocals were underrated. I love his voice.

[@tdc_2021]

@@coinraker6497I think his vocals are pretty well regarded to be fair. He struggled live in the 70s but really started to improve in the 80s and 90s

[@eduardosci1909]

Yeah!

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

This version is auto-tuned to the max.

[@scatlar2]

This has to be one of the best pieces of music ever recorded surely

[@paulshiebler5230]

YUP!

[@lemonwarrior3234]

No lol

[@lemonwarrior3234]

Its good but not that good lol

[@nathandonnelly]

This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen and the guy at 1:47 knows it.

[@PeterS123101]

I was searching for that comment.

[@coolplace101]

Was looking for the exact same comment as well​@@PeterS123101

[@Emet.V]

MVP to the tambourine player he’s playing it, like his life depends on it

[@marysmith7765]

😂 he was killing it!!

[@jdenino6022]

is that Ray Cooper...at 1:33. Looks like him and it most likely is Ray Cooper from google results: Who plays Eric Clapton percussion? Ray Cooper (born 19 August 1942) is an English musician. He is a session and road-tour percussionist, and occasional actor, who has worked with Pink Floyd, Sting, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Elton John. Plus I've seen him on some of Elton's concert footage. Ray is very talented.

[@Emet.V]

@@marysmith7765indeed

[@Tom-iw3zh]

IT DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@del7i540]

Ray Cooper on tambourine, legendary performer from the original Elton John Band.

[@gogoTea1986]

1:09　listen to his tambourine playing

[@emvilegaspi3811]

Ray Cooper is a fire percussionist

[@andregaspar971]

The black background, the flowing long hair, and the Fender beginning to smoke as its master shreds one of the most legendary songs in Earth's history-this is the epitome of greatness. Clapton is God!

[@Vlad-fm3gk]

what america used to be about

[@NSJ09]

@@Vlad-fm3gk Clapton is English lol

[@Vlad-fm3gk]

@@NSJ09 so were the beatles, the clash and the sex pistols. doesnt mean they didnt give america a bunch of flavor

[@RaizelLi]

Clapton the NTR protagonist

[@aerondight6918]

@@NSJ09 i got a big surprise for you , all white americans a europeans , real american are not white

[@oscarpolo6310]

Of the most dramatic versions I've heard of Layla, the band is impressive. Gracias Eric.

[@dsfddsgh]

Only thing that could have made it better was if Duane was still alive and playing with Eric at this concert.

[@alexbetts452]

Sharp as a pin! My favorite cadence is this version. They were in the zone no doubt.

[@pabloperez4063]

Hello!

[@OArdnaxela]

It's 2024 december. I just discovered this version of Layla, and it has been on a loop for a couple days now. I can't get rid of it. This energy on the stage is fascinating the perfomance is mesmerized me. The whole thing is perfect but that 'insane' on the 3rd verse makes this the best for me. I'm 31 I'm not even born when this was played, but I'm really sure if I was 31 in 1991 I'd gave all my money to see this. I always knew that I born in a wrong decade and this video is an another prove of that. Eric Clapton you are the best. (Sorry for my english is not my first language)

[@donaldorris4615]

Do yourself a favor and find the version from Live Aid in '85. Phil Collins on drums. Enjoy!

[@matthewfairley4101]

Probably my most favourite guitar riff of all time. Unlike me it never grows old.

[@kravmaga1632]

Just an FYI in case you don't already know. Michael mcDonald of the Doobie Brothers wrote that riff way back when for Derick and the dominoes as I understand it's history. I listen to Layla on a near daily basis just to confirm I am still alive at 66years old. God Bless Ya

[@J.C...]

​​​​​@@kravmaga1632WRONG. Duane Allman wrote that riff and he got it from a song Albert King covers. It's very well known that Duane wrote that riff and is written everywhere; in interviews from Clapton. From Duane. In autobiographies. Etc... Thr riff is from "As the Years Go Passing By", originally by Eric Burdon and The Animals. It's the vocal melody sped up. Duane Allman talks about it in an interview he did right after that album was recorded. Gregg Allman talked about it quite often, too. It's quite a well-known fact. Though the first time I read it, someone wrongly attributed the riff to Hank Williams' "So Lonesome I Could Cry". I actually figured out what song it was taken from on my own. Duane was extremely open about where he got the riff and would tell anybody that he got it from the Eric Burdon/Albert King song. If you Google doobie Brothers Layla there's literally nothing anywhere a out that guy being involved with the song. You know what there is plenty of? Documentation of Duane Allman playing on it and being the one who came up with the riff. Google wouldn't even finish the phrase "doobie Brothers lay-". It recommended nothing. Type in "Duane Allman lay-" and it will suggest Layla. That guy didn't write the riff. Not a chance. He was playing with some unknown band called Blue at the time that happened. He hadn't even been discovered yet. Not sure where you got that nonsense but please don't ever repeat it again. It's pure foolishness. Nonsense. He wasn't even a known musician when Layla was recorded.

[@yp8152]

Same for Beat It, Black or white, sweet child O mine and smells like teen spirit

[@adriduw4434]

Like the kids in my basement, they never get old

[@swp9]

Fenton Robinson first recored it in 1959. Eric Burdon's version came after Albert King. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJTFpKCdorSIjsksi=e6zn4LeDSAsXrYRt@@J.C...

[@willjezewski5595]

This is Peak Clapton, wow. What an incredible orchestral arrangement on the outro.. show this to anyone who derides rock music.

[@janpierzchala2004]

Eric got free of alcoholism around 1989 and his playing 1990/91 is radiant indeed

[@janpierzchala2004]

joy of freedom!

[@jakobpedersen1904]

This concert was about 2-3 weeks before Conor's accident - a sad story, however.

[@jdenino6022]

@@jakobpedersen1904 he then wrote Tears In Heaven for his lost little boy. 😔

[@featherstar1000]

Indeed!!!! ❤

[@johnmurray3346]

Backing singers are INCREDIBLE!

[@MP-Fin]

Dad rock final boss

[@younglickhitta]

Grandpa rock*

[@nickquinn6559]

Absolutely 💯

[@Armbender1085]

That riff is nasty I’m 23 and I recently got reminded of it and it still has life today

[@Spuck1983]

That'd be jimi

[@gabrielornelas2534]

Born in 89. Almost 2 decades after it came out. It’s my top. Debussy is Father Time music. But idk. Instrumentals just hit different.

[@elainemeyer5062]

I’m almost 70 yrs old now and have arthritis and poor circulation, plus had recent foot surgeries, BUT when I hear Clapton perform THIS 👍 first 3 1/2 minute 🎸 solo, it doesn’t keep me from dancing around my house (and suffering the consequences later -lol)! !

[@spotsthecat7913]

I get it, Clapton is awesome tbh, take care of yourself btw, Madam. It's good that you find enjoyment in listening to this masterpiece, but please be safe

[@elainemeyer5062]

@@spotsthecat7913 🙏 Thanks, appreciate your comment and advice - take care too!

[@spotsthecat7913]

@@elainemeyer5062 no problem, ma'am. Have a pleasant day

[@pathat3027]

Simplicity

[@lucianogasparini1696]

Siempre valdrá la pena bailar y disfrutar de la música como de la vida toda.

[@Hawgfrog]

The piano coda is by far one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard. In my opinion this is one of the greatest songs ever composed.

[@karlhelm875]

is that greg phillinganes playing the piano coda at the end?

[@paupuig1716]

Same thought. Half epic and half emotional. The perfecf synergy

[@ozzie-sk9dh]

Written and played by Rita Coolidge. Clapton never credited her for it.

[@mryessus752]

Until you see Goodfellas

[@mikewhiteley641]

Power....Passion.....Clapton.

[@Dubyahh]

I literally cannot think of anything cooler than this riff, the guitar smoking a cig, the middle finger, the lions mane. Damn.

[@marydear5198]

Most beautiful, emotional versions I've ever heard.

[@jackob_c8732]

90's was a great time for music. 60's/70's artists still played great concerts and young 90's artists were in their prime.

[@readymade376]

absolutely!

[@dogtaxi812]

So very true

[@notgadot]

Cheers

[@Ob1tuber]

For 90’s artists in their prime see Metallica and Pantera

[@MunirMatsuo]

And Blues had a big revival in the 90s. It was an overall great era for all genres of music.

[@alexvignolo7798]

One of the greatest outros of all time. Chills!

[@TheAarontheblackmage]

I love how everyone in the orchestra looks like they're having the time of their lives.

[@desertrat6373]

One of the top 10 most incredible songs of the 20th century.

[@Zelville]

He is the inspiration of millions of guitarists, singers, songwriters...so passionately soulful, genuine, accurate. A humble legend for mankind.

[@Ben-zd1vl]

hohoho

[@davidp21]

This is by far and away the best version of this song. Also one of the best live performances I have ever heard!

[@Nilsator333]

Personally I also really like the Live Aid version

[@guitaristgary]

This, live aid and birmingham '86. 3 perfect but very different Laylas 😊

[@universpro7741]

I almost fell asleep with this one

[@TheGreshproductions]

I bet this sounded like pure heaven to be there in person

[@austins.2495]

Oh for sure it did

[@lotuseater90]

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD! I JUST DISCOVERED IT! AMAZING PERFORMANCE!!!

[@eastaeg]

same!

[@Loding88]

This is the best version of Layla I think he ever recorded. Absolutely epic.

[@AviMus82]

I am so glad I got to see him live before he retires. I hope to see him again. One of my favorite guitar players.

[@richardt.1119]

Magical Eric, can't imagine how this sounded in this theater!

[@tomthumb7394]

I agree with many others that EC was at the top of his concert performance game in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Sadly, I believe this was recorded just a few weeks before his son tragically died. He proved his greatness again by reinventing himself after that horrible time.

[@Chugins]

Clapton's vocals are awesome here. Killing it.

[@bubblenugget9916]

I'm in college right now and I love Eric Clapton. The greats will never be forgotten

[@cocoamaster9200]

5:53 the overall accumulation of guitar solo and the orchestra playing in Harmony sounded godlike to my ears.

[@Joemama00148]

my favorite piano exit solo

[@bgg5090]

I don't know why those women dancing at 2:03 make me smile so much. There's just something about it that is so joyful.

[@FreezeMathias]

back when people lived at the moment during concerts, now everyone are filming

[@malteselander8012]

To me, it is the absolute best version of Layla. True masterpiece. 🙌

[@marlonziep4456]

still the best guitar rif on the planet

[@davidharrell5396]

Through a cloud of tears, I’ve watched this twice. Not sure if I can bear a third time. I don’t think my heart can take it. In 1991, Clapton was still God.

[@surpassyourlimits5643]

This era of clapton was insane

[@romangarcia608]

i think his is coolest look/phase, it’s definitely my favorite. ‘24 Nights’ is absolutely incredible.

[@elvieja3448]

2:12 That solo... my tears fall down

[@nathanchampionmusic]

3:35 - Ladies and Gentlemen....Greg Phillinganes 👏👏👏

[@gagelewis6264]

My grandma just passed away recently, this was one of her favorite songs, she loved Clapton, she saw him perform live many times

[@austins.2495]

RIP gma 🫡

[@gagelewis6264]

@austins.2495 thank you 🙏

[@BunyanaRed1958]

These set of concerts and the Blues tour 4 years later. I think are the best shows Eric has done.

[@Bryan8329]

When he guested with The Allman Brothers Band in their final years as a band is up there too

[@cherihardesty9333]

Perfection,and that’s how you become legend!

[@x2bate]

Could this be the best version of this song ever!? Just great!!

[@imaledzepfan]

I have been checking out other versions and I think so ..

[@dustin2423]

Album version will always be the best one for me; they can’t do the perfect transition from vocals to piano when they play live

[@imaledzepfan]

@@dustin2423 I understand completely.. been hearing it since it came out, I'm 62. However, check out everything , everything is just great.. give it a closer watch and listen.. to as much as to the musicians as possible, orchestra, guitar player in the background, observe everything closely .. as well as the audience as they have a great time.. take note.. the whole concept, all musicians, the backup singers are fine ,the one to the right is svelte.. yes , beautiful , they both are , anyways, Eric and his lead solo, ( it looks like he wants to laugh at one point, because he knows he is getting down) on the guitar.... the notes he plays and hits at the slow part, he plays ( sustained) notes with feeling .. scales of blues, the whole band and orchestra are all on point! Great version! Love It!!!

[@veritas41photo]

He SHREDDED that solo! Eric Clapton must be ranked as one of the finest guitarists of all time!

[@Lessontobe]

He is one of the two or three bests.

[@mksb1995]

​@@Lessontobe Who more? Bb King?

[@Lessontobe]

@@mksb1995 Robert Johnson

[@JWPCMH]

He looks so cool shredding that solo. Love the hair.

[@tejastrojan]

He's just showing off this concert. He was unreal. One of the best of all time if you think about it.

[@camoldfield4197]

The amount of money I would give to see Eric Clapton live in his prime is out of this world but thankfully I was able to see him live a few years ago when I was 21 and hands down best live concert I ever went to

[@garff7557]

Is he still actually worth going to see, he’s playing at royal albert hall and idk if I should pay 300+ to go see him now

[@user-vj5xg8yc5f]

21 too, going to see him next month and i cant wait

[@carolynwilson2206]

Don's assume he's not as good just because of age. That's your old thinking. Get with it.

[@lightningwithin9186]

All the people in my family were alive when this came out. Wish I could go back I time.

[@iluvmoviestoomuch1437]

32 years ago… Wow! This is Prime Eric here pouring out his soul on a fretboard. 24 Nights forever changed my guitar playing. I’ll never meet Eric but, musically, he has blessed me tremendously.

[@sharonrasmussen]

The song of all songs. This one never gets old. Just keep commin back for more. "Got me on my knees." Wow!

[@bluegryp]

Just saw him at Madison square garden a few years back and he hasn’t lost a step. People forget that Clapton truly is a technical master when the song calls for it.

[@junkstewy6990]

such a sick opening, the lights, the sound, the feeling

[@calumedward1156]

The dude dancing at 1:50. We gotta bring back that kind of dancing. Pure, unadulterated grooving with smartphones filming you.

[@SpencerHitsKeys]

If this cigarette can play in front of legions of adoring fans, so can you. Never give up.

[@jaimealas3267]

A 50 years ol ssong, we need more musicians like Clapton, Layla is a Clasic,, a gem

[@leonardoalfaro9311]

Best electric guitar performance ever!!

[@ΔημήτρηςΛάππας-θ7η]

this masterpiece has 0 dislikes even with millions of views . truly one of eric's best performances ever

[@strangepretty7991]

I’ll be honoured to be the first dislike

[@Cheddar_Curtain]

Clapton and Duane Allman linked up and wrote one of the greatest rock n roll songs of all time. Two guitar geniuses in their prime. RIP to Duane, Greg, and Dickey. The OG's of Southern Rock.

[@jimralston4789]

Don't forget Jim Gordon on drums and the piano outro.

[@agenda262]

Personally the most marvelous version ever heard so far.

[@ifym900]

Amount of aura is unmatched

[@ot.bot.249]

Eric Clapton: The greatest guitar player to ever live.

[@bjarnet5261]

The best singer and guitarist in the whole world ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😢😢😢😢😢

[@alexkx8599]

PHENOMENAL and COMPLETELY UNPARALLELED!!! With Greg Phillinganes (and Nathan East on bass!) on keyboards and back up vocals!!!!

[@marcohohenauer3373]

best version ever

[@elizabethjohnson53]

Childhood memories!!! It's euphoric and sad at the same time!! Best version yet!!!

[@rogewatersspot]

Smiles, absolutely great cheres,feels really good listening,how are you doing?❤

[@guitaristgary]

2:58 the violinist on the left, that brief second is gold. Hes absolutely loving it and dying to move his head to the music, witnessing a master a few feet away from him

[@Kyle-cv3de]

He's literally just looking at him

[@massimoMalizia-r8l]

Eric Clapton is one of greatest guitarist players and performer. And Phil Collin on the drums. He is one hell of a drummer. I don’t care what anyone else says.

[@27brigitte]

Eric amazes again and again....he is the soulfullst guitarist of our time

[@vojislavoluic4339]

Ova verzija i ona unplugged su po meni dvije različite pjesme,mada isti text, ali obe odlicna......zivio clapton

[@mikaelhaggard8031]

This song is so good it literally never gets old. Masterpiece.

[@MitchellRoss27]

That guitar was needing that cig after being played like that!

[@sharonhoyt2133]

The guy playing the tiny piano amazes me almost as much as Clapton playing his magic guitar.

[@dannycostello1978]

When Eric was on fire, nobody could beat him. King of the Strat.

[@burungantagonis2801]

My name is Eric and in fact my name was inspired by Mr. Eric Clapton. After watching this video, I then understood why my father gave me the same name...❤

[@lucaslivell]

I love this song bc it completely changes into something different in the middle. Just like life does

[@RayMond777]

Eric is on fire on this version

[@KINOSHITAHAYATO-xe6tk]

The best Layla performance ever played.

[@MinhLe-uo2ix]

I cried. It's so beautiful

[@leighchamberlain25]

I've actually thought long and hard about what to comment but I'm lost for words this is just perfection

[@drby0788]

This might be the best version of this song!

[@dominickferrigno3306]

Most beautiful song of all time easily. Every day I wish I was alive to experience this one of a kind song live

[@shadytamang]

The righteous amount of feel and aggression of this live is just out of this world !!

[@redsidebiker]

My wife took me there to see him 14 years (ish) ago. No complaints from me, my jaw took days to reset itself. Respect to the Genius and lifelong thanks to my beloved wife.

[@iarrascuep]

Wow! This version is just perfection!

[@zackcrisp6947]

a friend of mine introduced me to eric clapton"s music and have been hooked ever since.

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

Best performance of his signature tune…when Eric is inspired he can leave most guitarists for dust!

[@flaringo]

That's what the 13th beer tastes like

[@connardriddles7246]

It's what one has to lose to be one of the best bluesmen. His son fell and the Lord had a job for that child in heaven. His broken heart is when his innermost soul really started to show. Top 2 in my lifetime.

[@LucasGomes-qk8cp]

The guy with the violin at 0:04 just can't believe what he's seeing and listening.

[@prathameshbhambure]

I watch this video at least once a day and struggle to believe that this happened for real.

[@ssination]

Lol nice catch

[@Sourstromming]

The best version ever!

[@romain8670]

Clapton is ripping it on this one omg!

[@Snow1032]

It's amazing how passionate I am about Eric Clapton and his songs, and how they give me goosebumps and completely brighten my day, I practically cried with emotion with this incredible version of this spectacular song. Thank you so much Eric Clapton for sharing your masterpieces with us, you are amazing!❤️🙏🏻

[@maxinedobson6561]

Totally agree with your comments just wish l had this sort of talent❤

[@prathameshbhambure]

​@@maxinedobson6561 It's not talent but a truckload of hard work. He'd played guitar for 32 years already. Wasn't an impressive vocalist but worked at it and became one of the greatest singers. You see, when you say that it's talent, you're nullifying the most important factor that took him to these heights: hours & hours of practice.

[@olly8]

@@prathameshbhambure it is BOTH!! Many people have practiced for YEARS, but aren't able to achieve this type of status. Both hard work along with talent create artists such as ERIC CLAPTON!! He had talent enough to become famous. His hard work elevated his talents.

[@alphabeta86]

Not every one plays the guitar becomes Eric Clapton.

[@PHBLOZ]

I’m quite addicted to this song atm he really showcases a Masterclass in guitar and vocals on this huge stage . Living legend!!!!❤❤❤