Eric Johnson (G3) - Cliffs of Dover - 01/23/2024 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theater

Eric Johnson (G3) - Cliffs of Dover - 01/23/2024 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theater

[@glenwalters8333]

He’s been Rippin’ this song out there for 40 years!!! 🎸💥💥

[@enterprisesoftwarearchitect]

This time he played it roughly like Ah Via Musicom compared to his usual jam … interesting he seems to be using a stock Strat … not his signature Strat, is it?

[@speedtrapp28]

More like 34 or so.

[@glenwalters8333]

There's a vid of him here on KZbin playing this in 1984. A young, nervous Eric playing it uptempo.... check it out

[@randyhenderson6166]

@@speedtrapp28 He had this song composed in 1984 if not earlier.

[@speedtrapp28]

Correct. My fault.@@randyhenderson6166

[@KK96303]

FUN FACT: Eric Johnson is currently 69-years old.

[@midnitelitecompany]

Mick Mars is close to 80, shsssssh, don’t tell anyone

[@johnjelinek-g7b]

And Joe's about 67 ... Looks and acts like a kid . :)

[@rc-1983]

​@@midnitelitecompanyMick's only 72. Your fat grandpa is almost 80.

[@EchoCS400]

I bet he's so tired of playing that song.

[@gorimus]

@@midnitelitecompany Are you referring to Mick Mars of Motley Crew? If so, he is 72 (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_Mars)

[@kahmhalen4094]

One of THE most tasteful guitarists ever.

[@stevehunt2162]

Truly one the the greatest instrumental songs ever, never gets old.

[@bigelile07]

It's the greatest guitar solo ever.

[@emptynester9241]

Never get tired of this song❤

[@ishorgurung8455]

Eric johnson is a gem. His Grammy winning compositons and live performances are unique and incomparable. With the first leg of G3 2024 tour, inspite of bad sound he handled the situation so very professionally. It is something for others to learn from the maestro because it is easy said than done. Live performance is an experience and Eric approaches his own tunes differently in every gig which makes his shows interesting. Great to see him still going strong at his age nearing 70. Much respect 🙏

[@willritter4076]

I'd be honored if some fans of Eric Johnson's vocal compositions would take a quick listen to my acoustic piano & vocal performance of FORTY MILE TOWN on my YT in tribute to one of the purest musical artists that the USA has ever produced. Live acoustic with no digital enhancements. Peace & stay safe.

[@Anayaaaaa1517]

those barred notes were so hard to look at. Cant imagine myself playing such masterpiece. This is beyond earth.

[@alessandroraffaelr7099]

Eric Johnson is always the Master!

[@nachomanbeats4632]

Si hay algo que noto en Eric en la cantidad de años que lo vengo siguiendo desde aquel primer G3 es el amor que tiene por la música, jamás se ha separado de ella, siempre se lo ve activo y trabajando en ella, un verdadero maestro con un talento de gran excelencia. Saludos desde Argentina

[@markb7067]

One of the true masters of the guitar. Celebrated by many, yet still underrated. Thanks for the inspiration EJ!

[@catabaticanabatic3800]

I don't think he is in the slightest bit underrated. If you appreciate guitar playing, you acknowledge Eric Johnson as a great player.

[@bigelile07]

Underrated??? He wouldn't be on that stage if he was underrated. The man wrote and plays the best guitar solo ever.

[@markb7067]

@@bigelile07 Agreed! The point is that even still, I don't think he's as celebrated as other guitar virtuosos among the masses. And in my opinion, he should be acknowledged as one of the all-time greats.

[@freeanto1323]

those tones never die... forever eric johnson 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@bluzzjazz]

Playing this live folks, no loops to cover his arse! Proof music keeps you young.

[@oicsaywhat]

So melodic with that lead the whole way through the song . Amazing tone to die for on a Strat. Brilliant musician always loved listening Eric over the years

[@charlesrobinson7469]

Desert Rose is a Great song, that whole album is. I play it every Summer.👍🏾

[@numamusik]

whatever happens, he is a guitar legend

[@kahmhalen4094]

Nothing but Love for EJ.

[@johnjelinek-g7b]

The recorded version was at the top of his abilities I think . It was a work of art, and I've only seen him do that perfect on Austen City Limits when he was wearing the band suit . That night I saw him do that song, I was ready to give my gear away . I went right out the next day and bought the cd (remember those ?). lol

[@ejRecording]

@@johnjelinek-g7bvenus isle is his masterpiece I think but every album amazing

[@bigelile07]

@@johnjelinek-g7b He wasn't perfect on Austin City Limits. Watch it again and you will see a subtle head nod when he makes a mistake. With that said, he has always played it differently. I saw him 3 times in the 90s and he played it differently each time.

[@johnjelinek-g7b]

I saw him in portland in the early 2000's opening for Joe, and he played it a lot different too . At the time I figured it was because he used a little over dubbing in the studio .But being different every time on such an epic song ... I don't know . I guess that's why Steve puts on such an epic show, because his memory is crazy as hell . He sounds almost, if not perfectly like the recording . Something I never did in my days . lol @@bigelile07

[@f.frederickskitty2910]

Thanks for posting this. We were supposed to go to this concert but the whole family had the flu. I cried the whole night and my husband tried to console me because I missed my chance to see Eric Johnson. This helps.

[@TDaniel3081]

Ol' Roscoe Beck...still gettin' it. I bet that's the same Fender signature bass that he played on the G3 tour back in '97.

[@rockinrobin8549]

That ending gets me in the feels every time

[@artriveros7659]

Never get tired of listening to this masterful piece of music

[@kashlisaison9815]

Nobody does it like Eric Johnson!🤘Leving Legend of Rock!🤘

[@atllzable]

Just GREAT...EJ all OVER the place with his AWESOME CLIFFS OF DOVER...💙❤‍🔥💙❤‍🔥💙

[@cwm180]

I saw Eric Johnson live at the New Daisy in Memphis back in 2001. One of the most amazing displays of musicianship I've ever witnessed. He hasn't lost much of his stuff considering his age.

[@magickennyj]

I think Eric will keep playing up until the day he leaves this life for eternity and gets to play his best forever in the kingdom of heaven.

[@martinmummert5614]

He'll only enter Heaven if he's a truly born-again believer in the Jesus Christ of the pure, inerrant King James Bible. Being a nice guy and brilliant guitarist isn' a get-out-of-Hell-free card.

[@twostep919]

@@martinmummert5614 He is, and he will. You would know that if you were a true believer.

[@martinmummert5614]

@@twostep919 Good fruit is evidence of a changed life, so Christians should inspect the fruit of other professing believers. In the case of Clapton, stealing George Harrison's wife isn't my idea of good fruit. I hope Clapton is a born-again, eternally saved man. But judging by his fruit, I'm not sure.

[@martinmummert5614]

Whoops! I was thinking of Eric Clapton instead of Eric Johnson. Sorry about that!

[@martinmummert5614]

@@twostep919 Whoops! I was thinking of Eric Clapton instead of Eric Johnson. Sorry about that!

[@mikehardy3876]

What a magical moment something like music that is pure and innocent music is the universal language with all the evil in the world just put on Eric Johnson and I t makes you forget about all the troubles in the world

[@vashwolfwood5899]

That's his baby a he can make anything of it ,keep rocking EJ

[@Shooter_FPV]

Remember when this came out back in the day... still a fan!!!

[@enricopallazzo2987]

I love seeing Eric live, and a big reason is because of Roscoe! He is friggin awesome and just a super friendly guy. Love watching him onstage, they are both (Eric and Roscoe) just a warm friendly presence onstage

[@therealandrecorbin4050]

This guy gas been great forever. Happy to see him get some light!

[@Dolores5000]

Beautiful shred ❤

[@rvmusictv0122]

Those intro lines are insane!❤🙏 love you EJ!❤🙏

[@gregoryjohntaylor]

I’ve seen him live only once, but I play this piece every day. It makes me dance.

[@behroozmerikhi1943]

this is insane! I love every version of the song that he plays, and everything that he does with it through the years.

[@bro7269]

I was at the Phoenix show last night and it was nearly identical to this. The drums were insanely powerful. That snare sounded like giant fireworks going off!

[@riffguru]

Freaking legend! Seeing them tomorrow here in Las Vegas!

[@JakeBrown-u8w]

Absolute virtuosity!!

[@Now_or_Never_777]

A few mistakes but it’s Eric Johnson! Going strong at 69 is amazing.

[@freddylive4181]

perhaps the greatest Rock instrumental ever .. it's a masterpiece.

[@Fender73472]

❤ EJ keep going turns 70 this year 😮

[@bigelile07]

As does Carl Palmer at 73 (he is still absolutely amazing), Ann Wilson at 73, Pat Benatar at 71, Stevie Nicks at 75, Steven Tyler at 75....the list goes on.

[@Fender73472]

@@bigelile07 Steven Tyler blew his vocals up he is done sadly

[@ransombaggins9301]

I started playing in 1989 and Cliffs of Dover was one of my greatest inspirations. 💖💖💖 Not only for the technical precision and skill but especially for the emotion and joy the song conveyed. It's what set him apart from the Vai and Satriani for me (both amazing guitarists, but their music didn't make me smile and *feel* like Ah Via Musicom did. :)

[@bigantplowright5711]

Always a cheerful tune!

[@sirkrutchbluesman3009]

DIS B MY KINDA MUSIC 🎸👍👍✌

[@kathif17]

❤ he plays guitar like a piano very talented.. I daw him ply in Experience Hendrix he was awesome at that as well.

[@anthem3560]

thanks for posting

[@TFT-bp8zk]

I was at this show!

[@stepitupandgo67]

astounding

[@MrHop6]

The reason i stopped playing guitar and learned to listen and imagine playing🤗

[@garywhitt98]

The author of the most iconic guitar moment in history, Eric in the band coat, Austin City Limits. “Hey y’all. Listen to this.” Boom…

[@FrancoM7747]

Master of the pentatonic.

[@vincestoltenhoff9738]

For his age absolutely AMAZING isn't it 👌👍

[@agavalence]

It's crazy how some folks here, doltishly, accuse EJ of not having the capability to play "Cliffs" note-for-note, like, on the record. Some even think he has lost a notch or two. These people, simply, do not know and understand how Eric Johnson works. Do you, honestly, think he can't play his own songs note-for-note to save his life? Eric is a master-improviser. He, rarely, plays a song the same; every night, he just plays, differently, and that is in keeping with his mentality to keep discovering things and to innovate. Sure, he struggles at times, but, that's because of age factor; the guy will be 70 this year for cryin' out loud! lol! Eric Johnson is a better guitarist/musician than Joe and Steve, over-all. They're all great and fabulous. Them three were/are some of my biggest influences; but, I would rather watch a struggling Eric Johnson all-day, everyday than Vai doing his signature trills, tapping, and whammy bar abuse from start to finish. 2 cents.

[@technerdbird]

well he keeps rushing so that's definitely an issue

[@agavalence]

@@technerdbird I don't think he's rushing. Not at all. He's improvising.

[@technerdbird]

@@agavalence being ahead of the beat the entire song is "improvising"?

[@agavalence]

@@technerdbird How could he be ahead of the beat when he was the one dictating it?

[@technerdbird]

@@agavalence umm he has a drummer and bass player for a reason, and they're probably playing to a click. why are you dickriding eric johnson so hard lol

[@stevenmichaels9497]

Such God given talent. Incredible.

[@aleimprof27]

My Hero ❤❤❤ indonesia

[@josephcreitz1328]

Roscoe Beck locked in the pocket as always. I love that guy.

[@eltonarch]

True Legend

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

I was stationed in Tucson between 2018-21, used to play my acoustic guitar outside the Rialto while my buddies got drunk downtown and I’d drive em home. Wish he played one of the nights I was out there.

[@rossmendoza6536]

Kinda confusing how many variations and permutations this song gets with his every performance. Kudos to the band for keeping up with his constant innovations.

[@Lance37a]

He probably has to do that so he doesn't get bored playing the song.

[@alantrindade8513]

Eric jonhson 👊👊

[@bobbyhemphill7251]

beautiful.

[@RobertFairweatherMusic]

The most amazing this about this is that he plays it on Strat.

[@Nightshade1881]

Strats can do it all! Iron Maiden has proved that and so had Eric.

[@therickashesoloband]

sounds great!!!👍

[@randyhenderson6166]

One of the top 3 instrumental guitar compositions ever. Maybe #1, but I am leaving myself a couple of outs just in case.

[@user-te9hc7ce7t]

eruption

[@billchriswell2925]

F'n yeah baby

[@swegmaster2354]

S/o to gh3 for putting me on game 💯

[@rccarsandmusic2641]

He is my age God bless

[@kenleongmunfatt1634]

EJ superb

[@craigspoor5556]

How about the snow when we got out of the concert. I thought this was from last year

[@Venus_Isle]

Great to see Roscoe Beck back on bass...

[@ronybra6284]

dream!!!!

[@transcendentrock6551]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@tonythetiger1617]

Did you happen to record the next song right after Cliffs Of Dover?

[@jppavon9504]

So good! Till three mistakes in the end! Funny how so much hard work is thrown away with 3 missed notes at the very end…. I’m sure he was pissed, I would be. But shit happens. He is Amazing! I’ve seen him, so solid!

[@ctusser]

Wow, Arnold Swarzenegger on bass!

[@eka721983]

How about Inviting Lincoln Brewster???/

[@christineayres7199]

Surprised he can still play like this as he must be in his mid 60s now ?

[@Patriot-American]

Yep ... that's how it's done!!

[@rocknrollsingh7568]

❤

[@Now_or_Never_777]

Roscoe Beck! Still going strong…

[@dockjm]

I guess Eric is a legend cuz... hmm cuz everybody says he is. Whatever you're into that's cool. I've just never gotten him.

[@davidtomkins4242]

Why is he rushing it? Would sound better if he just lay back on the beat instead of trying to be in front of it

[@kengyang1908]

EJ has one of the coolest recognizable guitar tune,,goes to show u can't distort a violin tune n be loud

[@regianalfarizi]

This is how i know him as eric dover

[@tiagomattos]

Ours idols are getting older and we think we are still young 😂

[@kinkinmyslinky967]

Damn………

[@321bytor]

He can play a bit this chap, can't he?

[@АНДРЕЙСТЕПАНОВ-ш3ш]

Да уж!это закономерно !сначало растем, потом на пике какое-то время ,и плавно угасаем🙃это касается во всех областях развития человека.

[@keithsgarage5831]

I don't think I'd want to emulate my biggest ,technical, virtuoso hits in the media as I aged.

[@axetu]

Oh, too bad. We were all so eager to hear them

[@garyssimo]

The Texans STILL GOT IT! Wheres Virginia the 54 Strat? still got my 56 but frets are toast AGAIN!

[@MrRukiddin]

I'm all for improvisation but this rendition misses badly for me. This Texan still loves ya Eric.

[@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial]

Wow whoever Steve and Joe paid to run sound for G3 2024 needs to be FIRED so many issues I hear in everything that’s been posted so far from spiking volume levels, so frequency drowning u name it. Whoever running it really SUX!

[@robvoyles]

its a phone recording, that doesn't help.

[@christineayres7199]

I would say 1 mistake hes making is playing standing up , if he sat In a chair he could play faster as at his age it must be hard to try to do what he did 40 years ago

[@TheValdimeola]

Grappelli sound :)

[@sugibas2272]

When the whole song is guitar solo, you put rhythm on solo section instead. That's Eric Johnson

[@TwinkieGurlMeowMeow]

I first saw him play with Joe Sateiani in late 80s. Eric was pretty good I must say. His songs has that cowboy/country vibe to it.

[@willritter4076]

word to you bro for posting this valuable piece for our enjoyment... I'd be honored if some fans of Eric Johnson's vocal compositions would take a quick listen to my acoustic piano & vocal performance of FORTY MILE TOWN on my YT in tribute to one of the purest musical artists that the USA has ever produced. Live acoustic with no digital enhancements. Peace & stay safe.

[@darthvader9435]

Eric you should play just like the studio version, now you ruin it😢, legendary guitar solo anyway...

[@shawnalove5050]

Was he nervous or something? His playing seems really rushed and a bit sloppy? Not talking trash, I mean, I know who he is, and how he can play!

[@ejRecording]

I think he's both trying hard to impress and entertain satch and steves audience; and inspired to play at the edge of his abilities

[@pCeLobster]

EJ is a bit of a contradiction because he has this reputation of being the ultimate perfectionist but actually he's always been prone to making mistakes live due to constant risk taking. He always tries to do stuff he maybe can't quite do and basically finds out on the fly.

[@chrisluckhardt]

First show or two of a tour is a bit rough (I know from experience). Plus the sound at the show was terrible based on all the clips I’ve watched. The sound crew seemed like they were straight out of elementary school.

[@EnriqueRodriguez-nq6ti]

Mala version. errores mete notas que suenan mal. No hay como la versión estudio

[@daman9351]

Only a few mistakes. Not bad.

[@christineayres7199]

Especially when you find out he's old enough to be my grandfather and I'm like 35 years old 😂

[@jacopastorius2048]

哎,英雄遲暮,老了老了~

[@kulantroinc753]

Nah I did not finish it, I'm an old skul guy who wants to hear a song live exactly as it sound in the record , butchered his own song , must be hanging out with Kirk lately

[@joanstone6740]

I bet he gets tired of dragging this old war horse out over and over again

[@Nightshade1881]

That’s why he’s changing it up so much and I’m sure people aren’t liking it 😂