Eric Clapton Lanxess Arena 2026
This review is from an alternate angle of view. For my official review please follow the link to CoutryMusicNews.de.
Photo: official promo handout, no professional photographers were allowed on this tour
So here I am, 19 years later, at a Eric Clapton concert. I had the pleasure of seeing him in Calgary during his last visit to the Scotiabank Saddledome. Since then, he has not returned to Calgary.
The LANXESS Arena is roughly the same size and layout as the Saddledome, even the club-level cubicles are similar. I had my seat right next to the stage on Level 2 (which would correspond to Level 1 in the Saddledome), roughly 15–20 meters from the main action. The arena was almost sold out, with only a few empty seats here and there, and ticket prices ranging from 114 to 264 Euros. Clapton has never sold cheap tickets. Nineteen years ago, I paid 150 CAD for Level 1 tickets, which would equal around 226 CAD in 2026 considering inflation. Factoring in Germany’s 19% sales tax versus Alberta’s 5%, the ticket prices are almost on par.
The show was announced to start at 19:45, and Andy Fairweather Low walked on stage at 19:44 with his band. A short introduction — “Eric gave me 30 minutes, there will not be much more talking. Take it away Henry” — directed at the drummer, and the band launched into the night. The next half hour took the audience through a mixed set of instrumental pieces and vocal performances rooted in the music of the fifties and sixties. Andy has been a sideman for both Eric Clapton and Roger Waters for many years, and now he got the opportunity to open for Clapton. A great gesture of appreciation from the main act after all those years.
After a 30-minute reset, the ceiling lights lowered and Clapton quietly took the stage with the band. Without much talk, he launched straight into “Badge.”
One interesting detail was how minimal the setup was. One main black Stratocaster and one backup on the rack. One main Martin acoustic on stage and another Martin waiting on the rack. No massive guitar collection in tow. Two pedals on the floor — no more. The same went for Doyle Bramhall II, who from a distance appeared to be playing Gibson ES-335 models, one red and one yellow, although his pedal setup seemed more extensive. As for Nathan East, one electric bass and one double bass covered the entire night. The drum kit appeared to be the most elaborate part of the stage setup. The whole arrangement was framed by two keyboard stations, left and right, but otherwise nothing felt excessive.
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