A Historic Performance by a Guitar Legend

Eric Clapton’s performance of “Eric Clapton – Layla” at Live Aid 1985 is one of the most memorable moments in rock history. During the star-studded event at Wembley Stadium, Clapton’s raw and soulful rendition of Layla captivated the audience. His electrifying guitar skills and the emotional intensity of the performance highlighted why this version of Layla continues to stand out in the hearts of music fans worldwide. The track, originally written in 1970, became an even bigger hit that day, with Clapton delivering it in a new and powerful way that resonated with everyone in the audience.

Eric Clapton – Layla Live Aid 1985: A Unique Take on a Classic

Live Aid, organized to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, featured some of the biggest names in music. When Eric Clapton played Layla, he transformed the song into a more refined and heartfelt version, emphasizing the blues roots that made it a standout track in his catalog. The performance highlighted his masterful guitar skills and the emotional depth of the song, reminding audiences of his deep connection to the blues.

Clapton’s guitar solo in this version of Layla is one of the most powerful moments of the performance. With his signature blend of technical brilliance and emotional expression, Clapton was able to communicate the pain and yearning behind the song in a way that left the audience mesmerized.

Watch Eric Clapton – Layla – Live at Live Aid 1985

Layla was inspired by Clapton’s feelings for Pattie Boyd, who was married to his friend George Harrison at the time. The song reflects the challenge of unreciprocated love, making it one of Clapton’s most personal works. Its iconic riff and powerful delivery turned Layla into a classic, and the Live Aid performance only added to the song’s lasting impact.

The Original vs. The Live Aid Version

The original 1970 version, recorded with Derek and the Dominos, featured Duane Allman’s famous slide guitar solo. The Live Aid version, performed without Allman’s influence, brought a different feel, showcasing Clapton’s unique touch on the song. While both versions are powerful in their own right, the Live Aid performance stands out for its emotional intensity and the clarity of Clapton’s vocals and guitar playing.

The Band Behind the Performance

With Phil Collins on drums and Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn on bass, the Live Aid band brought a polished yet raw feel to the song, complementing Clapton’s vocals and guitar playing. The tight rhythm section and skilled musicianship helped elevate the song’s atmosphere, making this rendition of Layla truly stand out.

Fun fact: Eric was extremely nervous and uncomfortable about this performance because they were going after guys like Elton John and David Bowie and didn’t feel they deserved to be there, they also had an extremely short time to rehearse and upon arriving learned the they did not have the sound equipment they had asked for. Amps, monitors, board, pianos, microphones etc were all the wrong models! The only thing that they had right were the guitars, and that’s because they brought those themselves!

Eric Clapton’s performance of Layla at Live Aid 1985 is a must-watch for any rock fan. The raw emotion and skill displayed on stage made this version a highlight of the historic event. Even today, it serves as a reminder of Clapton’s enduring influence in the world of music, proving once again why he’s regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Lyrics:
What’ll you do when you get lonely
And nobody’s waiting by your side?
You’ve been running and hiding much too long
You know it’s just your foolish pride

Layla, you’ve got me on my knees
Layla, I’m begging, darling please
Layla, darling won’t you ease my worried mind

I tried to give you consolation
When your old man had let you down
Like a fool, I fell in love with you
Turned my whole world upside down

Layla, you’ve got me on my knees
Layla, I’m begging, darling please
Layla, darling won’t you ease my worried mind

Let’s make the best of the situation
Before I finally go insane
Please don’t say I’ll never find a way
And tell me all my love’s in vain

Layla, you’ve got me on my knees
Layla, I’m begging, darling please
Layla, darling won’t you ease my worried mind

Songwriters: Eric Patrick Clapton / Jim Gordon