Eric Clapton dazzled an intimate audience at a charity event on January 8, 2018. Slowhand, dressed casually in a hoodie, appeared at the annual Paul Jones and Friends concert, organized by the former lead vocalist for Manfred Mann. The performance, held at the 1,700-seat G Live arts center in Guildford, Surrey, U.K., also included appearances by Van Morrison and Tom Jones.
Paul Jones’ annual event raises money to help Prostate Project, for early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. This was the 11th year he’d done this; Clapton has performed at the event several other times. Jones, who sang lead vocal on the Manfred Mann smash hit “Do Wah Diddy Diddy,” currently performs in the Blues Band, which he formed in 1979. His most recent album, Suddenly I Like It, was released in 2015.
It was a great pleasure to come together last night and perform for Paul Jones’ charity concert, with some fine musicians, @EricClapton & @vanmorrison to raise vital funds for the @ProstateProject pic.twitter.com/KyyrgFX8Cp
— Tom Jones (@RealSirTomJones) January 9, 2018
Clapton had previously announced that he was done with extensive touring, preferring to do occasional performances without the rigors of full-length tours. And in 2018, in addition to regularly scheduled performances at London’s Hyde Park, New York’s Madison Square Garden and others, he ended up doing several other surprise shows.
Related: Clapton plays “The Core” at 2018’s Greenwich Town Party
The band for Clapton’s blues-drenched, 20-minute set on January 8 included “Somebody’s Knockin'” and a spirited “Before You Accuse Me.” The band featured Scott McKeon (guitar), Marcus Bonfanti (guitar), Paddy Milner (keys), Evan Jenkins (drums) and Rex Horan (bass).
Watch Jones introduce “a friend I admire enormously… an extraordinary star.”
Watch Van Morrison’s and Tom Jones’ performances at the same event
Read more about the Jan. 8 benefit concert here.
Clapton has lots of 2024 dates. (Tickets are available here and here.)
Related: Links for 100s of classic rock tours
Watch Paul Jones perform “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” with Manfred Mann
