Eric Clapton made a return to the Beacon Theatre as the Allman Brothers Band closed out their second week of shows at the venue. On Friday night, much like Thursday, Clapton appeared midway through the second set. As with the prior show, Clapton joined in for versions of ‘Key to the Highway,’ ‘Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad’ and ‘Layla,’ all of which appear on Derek and the Dominos’ Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs (in which Clapton and Duane Allman shared guitar leads). Friday also saw Clapton perform on two ABB originals: a second stab at ‘Dreams,’ along with a first take on ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.’ Earlier on, the Friday night show opened with bassist Oteil Burbidge delivering a solo interpretation of Duane Allman’s ‘Little Martha,’ and the animated set that followed was bookended by ‘Mountain Jam.’
As for Saturday, while Southside Johnny had lent his horns section to the proceedings the prior week, he had yet to appear with the Brothers. This was remedied during the first set with a version of ‘Little By Little’ with the Juke Horns and guest Susan Tedeschi. The horns were on hand for much of the night, contributing to such songs as ‘The Same Thing,’ and ‘Soulshine’ as well as a set-closing ‘Stand Back,’ that also drew in Tedeschi. Tedeschi also had appeared moments earlier, sans brass, on ‘Dont Think Twice, Its Alright’ and ‘Lost Lover Blues.’ Following the break, Bruce Hornsby then emerged and remained throughout the night. He contributed to a version of ‘Grandmas Hands with Tedeschi and horns, followed by ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,’ a take on ‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down’ and an extended ‘Jessica’ to close out the set.’ The ‘Southbound’ encore drew in Tedeschi and the horns once again.
The Allman Brothers Band will return to the Beacon Theatre tonight to begin their final week of shows.