Eric Johnson - Cliffs of Dover LIVE at The Fillmore, Silver Spring 09/14/2023

[@TheOriginalArchie]

The fact that he's 70 years old and still growing, still making beautiful improvisations off of a single song...can be a lesson to all off us.

[@thegreatestdao]

He's been blessed by the God for those healthy hair!

[@TheOriginalArchie]

@@thegreatestdao Either that he has a good "hair specialist". 😁

[@thegreatestdao]

@@TheOriginalArchie haha, that could be totally true!

[@noodletribunal9793]

HES 70??

[@keeganmarak5588]

My brother use to play this song at his younger days... But he is no more now... I Miss him so much. Thank you Eric 💕

[@Steven-lb4bl]

😢 sad. Hope listening to this awesome piece of music helps some.

[@flowouff]

May he rest in peace.

[@applejacks8160]

rest in peace bud. Glad you have those memories of him Keegan.

[@bradleystereoguitaramplifi9616]

❤

[@reachblowsdick7222]

Huge respects to your brother for having the balls and skill to play this song. Sorry to hear the loss of your brother, God speed to you and your family.

[@vaiohelsworth6555]

Sat next to Eric at a G3 show, in seat G3, in Denver. My mom looked over at me and said I think hes famous, and I replied "Yep so leave him alone and let him enjoy the show of his friends playing up there"

[@RobertMJohnson]

It is time we all recognize EJ as one of the best 8 rock guitarists of all time.

[@moonboogien8908]

Any guitar player worth their salt has him in their top 5 already. There are some who don't even know who his is, however.

[@gab_ale]

Wonder who are in your list.

[@Robert5185]

@@moonboogien8908 There is no more room at the top so he has to wait in line like everybody else, sorry.

[@porgyenbes992]

Indeed❤

[@tiredextremely]

There are thousands of brilliant guitarists, playing with all different styles. There's no sense in classifying who is the "best" or "better."

[@CliffMcCauley]

I have not seen a performance where EJ is this dialed in in a long time! He seems to really be feeling it and happy with his sound. Thank you for uploading!

[@edrxpark]

I was thinking the same thing. If you see some recent performances, this is definitely a bright spot. A real treat. Thanks for posting!

[@scotto0010]

Sure thing. You think this was good? You should have been there to experience it in person. Wow! Dialed in is a great way to put it.

[@RyanSandersGuitar]

I agree with this. Smoothest I’ve seen him play in a long time. Incredible

[@charlieplate9687]

Exactly , what went right this night ?!

[@blake350z]

Agreed. Maybe he wasn’t playing as much. In top form here better then when I saw him in 2011.

[@steveg219]

That intro is unbelievable! EJ has reached even newer heights of virtuosity and mastery!!

[@sebg2086]

no

[@jamessuits1972]

His clean tone is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard.

[@jettechdonatkins]

Doesn't look like Eric is going to quit wowing us anytime soon.Eric is a true master at his craft.Thanks for this video!

[@micahcastillo9113]

That’s the same ‘54 sunburst Strat that I saw Eric play this same song on in 1990, and again in ‘93. He’s the tone master virtuoso. Totally badass! 🤙

[@F3PIZZA]

Musical instruments are truly beautiful.

[@T4FF3R]

That song has always looked incredibly difficult to play. The fact he can still do it is pretty amazing! Great upload!

[@TheOriginalArchie]

It's way more than that IMO. There are a lot of players that can play Cliffs Of Dover convincingly, but for most of them, that's all they can play. Eric is well aware of it. For ten minutes here, he improvises each interval, each part, each section and made it something different. The people that learn his style note for note, cannot do that, they are only clones. In an odd way, I feel like the clones gave Eric a new inspiration to elevate at 70 years old.

[@NoName-ql1wk]

​@@TheOriginalArchienonsense

[@TheOriginalArchie]

@@NoName-ql1wk - Eric Johnson clone

[@seanervin7183]

You would never know that he can play circles around virtually every other guitarist out there and is such a huge influence. So good and so humble.

[@jasoncheshire6153]

He can play circle around other guitarists because he plays the same circle over and over and over and over and over

[@ClifftopTragedy]

I think most guitarists have their "thing". Satch is Lydian legato man. Yngwie is Phrygian sweepy man. Petrucci is clucky picky man. Angus is Angus. I heard some pretty impressive stuff here although I can't seem to gel with Eric. He's just not my guy but there are a couple of moves here I'd like to figure out.

[@kspocketngroove3973]

He used to, maybe, new blood has taken the instrument to a hole new level (thanks to him and his influence) ... He is doing the same stuff for years and I LOVE IT, but i'm also realistic about the new era of guitarist and if this was competition Eric wouldn't be even in top 10

[@benjaminfeuerstein3157]

@@kspocketngroove3973I disagree, his alternate picking is unbelievably clean and his chord voicings are out of this world. A lot of new gen people do not compare

[@emerybraun4698]

@@benjaminfeuerstein3157yeah people are always fawning over the “new blood” who literally go so far out of their way to create songs that are such guitar wank-fests that they aren’t even music anymore. These old school guys actually make MUSIC. Modern generation of guitarists hardly do that anymore

[@davereloader8837]

Been so fun to watch the evolution of how he approaches this tune over the years. Never forget the first time I heard this tune. Was a young guitar nerd working at Tower Records in Sac, CA. The tone, the virtuosity, the phrasing and note selection. It was so different than the hair metal "me-too" superstrat-into-Soldano tone and "look at me I can tap and dive bomb like EVH" solos at the time. Was a real breath of fresh air. Still nobody like him. Thanks Eric!

[@cameronmason4452]

His phrasing is a lot different here right? Seems like he's updated his theory for sure

[@MrMaddrummer12]

Absolutely iconic - most on point performance I have seen from him in some time. What a legend!!

[@ooferrell]

He's just missing the cool jacket 😂😂😂😂 saw him live a couple years ago and almost teared up at the intro to this live. It's just so memorizing ❤❤

[@jasonwilliamshuck]

I saw the first G3 show in 96. This is even better.

[@edbauer8790]

Ferocious ....and quietly beautiful at the same time...dare I say getting better with age🔥

[@peglegjim57]

I’m in my late 60’s, and made it a point in my life to see the best guitarists the industry has to offer. I’ve largely succeeded, but have never seen Mr. Eric Johnson do a show, and I’m the lessor for it. At 6:50 , I swear I felt my left hand break, and fall to the floor. My God……..

[@BillChristen3]

A true master of the instrument. Beautiful tone. He’s always so meticulous in his playing.

[@bobbyruggs808]

I saw him a few years back and he was great but man he sounds absolutely amazing here. His tone and feel is so on point in this clip.

[@ooferrell]

That's def the live in Austin Texas tone

[@sixoid4104]

People gotta realize how old these guitar legends are getting… it’s crazy that most of them are still even playing

[@fastjazz]

That was an almighty heck of a fantabulously glorious “tease” to Cliffs!!!!! Had the feel that he’s come full circle from “having to play it” to wanting to play it - awesome!!!

[@ZeeCH_Music]

Holy smokes! after all these years he still got it! awesome tone and playing!!!!

[@esraesra1787]

I watched EJ when early time I started to play guitar 30 years ago, up to this date the spirit of every single notes he played is completely unchanged, constant speed, even more detail,, man... EJ seems never get old.

[@chrisosti]

I am sooo damn thankful to be alive on this rock, hurtling through the cosmos, at the same time this guitar god is alive!!! We are all truly blessed. 🥰

[@EtalonDuQ]

Wow, that was a legendary one. So yes, even at 70 Eric still continue to progress in the mastership of guitar. Really impressive stuff here.

[@jaythornhill]

I swear, the guy is not from this planet! That intro is just insane. He's definitely in the zone, and having fun!

[@jl61046]

Man, oh man! He is on the top of his game again! Just purely brilliant playing here… 😮❤

[@Mysterie]

Eric Johnson is always going to be my favorite guitarist. Hearing some of his pieces is what got me to try to learn guitar, while I never ended up getting any good I still absolutely love it. This man is the true definition of master guitarist

[@CrucibleOfHate]

Yeah dude

[@NoobieSnake]

Hey, thanks for your comment. It’s very encouraging to see someone’s acceptance on not being good at something but yet not letting that stop you from loving that something. We all need that reminder from time to time that we might never be good at something, but don’t let it stop us from enjoying it. Thanks for the reminder man, and sorry for getting all sentimental.

[@carmenacosta7378]

My son played this one, I love it. He plays the guitar. He says it si very difficult yo play it. I love it.

[@justinlangley9522]

Unf'inbelivable! Incredible live performance by the legend eric Johnson! .. seriously to play this song so well especially at his age is phenomenal!

[@jcamp348]

It's beautiful! I could listen all day to this... if you let it, it can take you to another realm, a whole new dimension!

[@501chorusecho]

so good....what an original he is...that's Eric Johnson right there people....still challenging himself and trying new shit. beautiful cat right there

[@Dobie_ByTor]

First heard this when Eric opened for Rush in 1995’ish. Blown away! Never gets old.

[@jasonlee8497]

EJ stretching out and taking chances……love it.

[@pandabearguy1]

Man still shreds and it's as clean as it gets

[@sebg2086]

not really clean but yeah

[@pandabearguy1]

@@sebg2086 sounded pretty clean to me

[@flaviomoreirapires1057]

A great and unic voice on this beatiful instrument ! Cheers to Eric ! love you man

[@tonepoet]

I was there, I had great seats center stage! Eric played every note in the universe a million times each. I've seen him 4 times, this concert was his best to me.

[@JasonMcFly]

What a TREAT. Wow. Thank you so much for sharing this. Might be the best pre-Cliffs freestyle I have ever seen and heard

[@edbauer8790]

Totally agree

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Amazing video. You can hear the acoustic picking at some points the camera is so close. Absolutely awesome.

[@chico280]

One of the best versions I've heard new or old!

[@AlTheEngineer]

HOLY GOD this never gets old ..... I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song so much.

[@n10tan1gam1]

That was an amazing 9m of solo play! One thing I like very much is the variety in his lines in spite of this being an instrumental tune. Don’t have to play it 100% like the record each time🙌🏽

[@ps3fanboy61]

I remember seeing him as SRV opening act in 1983 in Corpus Christi Texas.

[@TrollHunterxXx]

😮

[@bluesdriver6354]

Masterclass!

[@james-qd8iy]

His guitar tone is always really beautiful.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Hey, great camera work. Enjoyed watching and hearing every note. Thanks.

[@mikemorgan4774]

The most ferocious guitar player in history. Is there any phrase, lick, modality, dexterity or technique he doesn't know? I think not. He is a true master of the instrument. It must be overwhelming to have such complete mastery of an instrument that it wouldn't become rather boring to be such ridiculously good at everything.

[@fredleept]

I am so glad to have searched for "Eric Johnson" on KZbin and to have found this video.

[@tymanngruter1808]

A briljant masterpiece.....

[@billwittman0504]

I've watched this a hundred times and each time it amazes me more, INCREDITABLE!!!! WOW!

[@CorePathway]

Dude is pretty good. I think he has a future in music.

[@ARFriedman]

I am right near Silver Spring and cannot believe I missed this. I enjoyed Eric Johnson at the Armadillo in Austin when he was with and founded The Electromagnets! He played keyboard then.

[@jimpemberton]

I've always loved the tones he gets from his guitar. He knows how to play dynamically and musically. I'd say Eric still "has it", but it's be better to say that he's only gotten better.

[@rudydoyle]

OMG What a brilliant build up. Holy Smokes. Spectacular performance. And, what a guitar. Look at the miles on that. Masterpiece right here

[@deeprivercanada]

Never thought I would say, having seen him a couple times over the years, to just get to the damn song already.

[@sustancias]

Woow ❤

[@realwelder3529]

I think he played every note on the fretboard. Excellent to watch, thanks.

[@ElOsoMarino]

Just beautiful

[@ThereCanBeOnly2112]

When I die, I want this to be at the end of the tunnel

[@burmy1552]

He's still great. If there's one thing you can count on it's losers who will never have a fraction of his talent criticizing him and others at his level.

[@godbyone]

He hardly gets any. But1,000 comments. Even for srv. Evh will get 5

[@TruthTalk1221]

hes still got it!

[@chewey3rd]

Eric has been a favorite of mine since I started playing guitar back in the early to mid 80's. He still plays fantastic and has one of the most unique and beautiful playing styles which is VERY difficult to emulate. Thanks for sharing this great video!

[@evafriskfrisk336]

Thats LOVE

[@keeferdog5617]

An amazing, genius of a guitarist!

[@modsbeck]

Damn, he was on fire 🔥🔥

[@brucee.baxterjr1208]

Thanks for posting this Eric. My brother and I attended this show. You and the Band were fabulous. See you next time you come East. God’s Blessings Mr. Johnson.

[@keithjosselyn1640]

I strive to be as happy and hopeful as this song everyday.

[@peglistening714]

A great example of enjoying what you do, and becoming ageless in the process...so happy to have found this tonight~ Carry On~

[@Caturday123]

Thank you for posting! This was absolutely sublime!!!

[@scotto0010]

No problem. Indeed, it was sublime.

[@sniffy45]

Thats a badass guitar!! old wood baby

[@7HSVekTkSX]

One of my guitar heroes! thanks for share

[@kunkmiceter]

Cliffs of Dover is a legendary song. Instant classic from the start.

[@alanoffer]

He’s still got it , nice to hear him really ripping,,🔥🔥🔥

[@ravibrewster]

sweet baby jesus. also, great camera work. thx!

[@cdil23]

Wow! That song keeps getting better and better! In the mid 80’s I had no idea how fortunate I was to have had the opportunity to see him in SW Missouri when “Fender” began sponsoring him. I had a friend who owned a music store in Webb City, Mo who invited me to go to see this "new guy" with him at a Hotel who was supposed to be pretty good LOL. There were probably only 30 or 40 people there from the local music stores, etc. This was before Cliffs of Dover but he played some beautiful music. He did a fantastic version of “The Wind Cries Mary” and showed many details of his rig. I still kick myself for not sticking around to get to speak with him or get an autograph!! Wonderful talent!

[@robhaskell4043]

Simply Magic.

[@winstonsmith8240]

Class, it would seem, is something you never lose. ❤

[@sebsolignac]

MAGNIFIQUE...

[@vistritha]

Gracias erick.

[@noodletribunal9793]

that was awesome

[@jcalene]

Just awesome. Thank you Sir.

[@Tasjudoka]

wow. just wow!

[@kevinscott4095]

I respect this man. His knowledge is phenomenal

[@fowrunnah]

Like a good wine...better with age😢 Wow....

[@arznic]

Damn... that is some smoooooth playing!

[@SKI-ge3db]

This song is so iconic

[@coconutfleetsleeper5717]

Ej is legendary ❤

[@Joshwilliams2271]

Saw Eric play live G3 tour with Satriani & Vai in Seattle so many moons ago and this performance lifted my soul just like I was there all over again. He brought some extra hot sauce in this video surpassing what I remembered which feels kind of insane for him being 70 years old!!! One of kind man ;)

[@edwardc4453]

thank you scott for holding your phone up all show.

[@juan_arzi]

One of the best...!!! This song makes me feel so good...!!! Love it🤘😎

[@TheFLOMAN76]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@jayb9687]

And that is why he is up there with all the guitar gods.

[@rad3145]

There is only one EJ. This is him. Thank you Eric.

[@maruzencentral]

RIP to all the Guitar Hero 3 legends we've lost over the years

[@Hedwallfxtd]

Camera person only had one job… and it was done very well… Bravo! Oh, and EJ was incredible as well. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️

[@cookieman876]

Probably some dude with his iPhone tbh, good video though.

[@tukanti]

is nice...good one!!!

[@TedlinksChannel]

Epic

[@jasonkeith9317]

God bless u Eric Johnson man oh man what a guitar genius feel blessed to have witnessed his genius during my lifetime.

[@weedian710]

This song is so beautiful it makes me cry every single time. I guess it makes me think of my ex and how happy I once was.

[@dinofurlan3745]

Finally....he play with his old Strat Virginia.....awesome!

[@Conkee1711]

I never got much into Eric’s other albums but this song is a fucking masterpiece. One of the best guitar instrumentals ever.

[@noakwesterberg]

Wow, incredible!

[@p1st0ls44]

this one is special. that intro is so beautiful