Question for those who have played or worked large tours

[gururyan]

What is the best way, if even possible, to get an artist to play something not on the predetermined setlist?

I'm seeing Eric Clapton on Tuesday, killer seat right up front, and was hoping he would play "Strange Brew." His playing on that song is what created the monster today, this 8 yr old never had a chance. That said, last night was the first show of Eric's tour with Roger and here is the setlist from the show:

See For Miles
Real Me
Days of Light
Freedom Ride
Give Me A Stone
Real Good Looking Boy
My Generation
Baba O'Riley
Going Down Slow
Key To The Highway
Tell The Truth
Old Love
I Shot the Sheriff (Bob Marley cover)
Driftin' Blues
Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
Running On Faith
I've Got a Rock 'n' Roll Heart
Badge (Cream cover)
Little Queen of Spades (Robert Johnson cover)
Before You Accuse Me
Wonderful Tonight
Cocaine (J.J. Cale cover)
Encore:
Crossroads (Robert Johnson cover)

As you can see, no Strange Brew. Maybe the setlist will change given the upset I am seeing on boards regarding the omission of Layla. I don't care about Layla, I care about Strange Brew. So, my question remains, is there a chance (and if so, how?) to get a request in at such a large concert? At smaller venues, shouting works rather well. I'm guessing this won't be so at such an event as Eric Clapton. Am I SOL? Does anybody have Eric's cell or email? :D

[pickaguitar]

I'll call him...but don't get upset when he says 'NO'

[Brooks]

i doubt anyone outside of EC's organization can answer this.

[JWDubois]

Throw your bra onstage ...

[tim gueguen]

I would imagine that unless a performer/group has a rep for taking audience input the answer is probably "You can't."

[gururyan]

...and my searching is quickly revealing that "Strange Brew" is basically never on the setlist.


...damn it.

[trisonic]

He very rarely performs "Strange Brew" because of the furore over Albert King. Cream were basically "persuaded" by the Erteguns to write "new" lyrics for that song - Eric actually has a history of integrity and was embarrassed by the whole thing. Maybe you should ask for "Lawdy Mama"?

Best, Pete.

[dohootowl]

He very rarely performs "Strange Brew" because of the furore over Albert King. Cream were basically "persuaded" by the Erteguns to write "new" lyrics for that song - Eric actually has a history of integrity and was embarrassed by the whole thing. Maybe you should ask for "Lawdy Mama"?

Best, Pete.

Damn! I did not know that! I thought Ahmet had more integrity than that as well. Seems kind of counter to their early days, huh?

This may explain why I hate this song. It always sounded "wrong" to me. Albert had a chip on his shoulder probably to the day he died--and I can certainly understand why.

[trisonic]

Probably not their finest hour. They also assumed that it was Eric with a "backing group" and wanted Eric to perform "Lead Vocals" 100% - which , of course went down well with the band.
They had absolutely no knowledge of British bands prior to then. They were not all bad, though.....as you're obviously aware.

Best, Pete.

[gururyan]

Well, heading out to the show now!!! Well, some pre-party fun at least, then the show. I've given up hope of hearing Strange Brew, but I know I'll end up yelling for it regardless. I'll be close enough for sure.

[dlguitar64]

I hate people who yell requests at shows unless asked to -let the artist play what he wants and be happy

[JCM 800]

You also need to remember that most of these types of shows are very scripted. The artist may pick the sets each night, but once they pick the songs, it's usually very final. Those sets are given to sound, lighting, pyro, video teams and other techs, and the show is built around those sets. You don't just pull out whatever you feel like on a large tour like this. There are a lot of support people you rely on that need to know what's going to happen.

I also think it's being a dick if you yell out songs at the artist all night. It's rude to the artist and rude to the people around you. Unless you have an opportunity to meet the artist before hand and politely ask for a song to be played, (very rare chance) I'd keep my mouth shut.

[ahardmark]

Strip down naked and have it written in large letters across your smokin' bod. Oh, wait, you're not in the front row? You're not a hot babe? Never mind.

Enjoy the show, and let the artist determine the setlist unless asked. Just don't be that guy that screams "Free Bird" at the top of his lungs between songs.

[supergenius365]

You also need to remember that most of these types of shows are very scripted. The artist may pick the sets each night, but once they pick the songs, it's usually very final. Those sets are given to sound, lighting, pyro, video teams and other techs, and the show is built around those sets. You don't just pull out whatever you feel like on a large tour like this. There are a lot of support people you rely on that need to know what's going to happen.


This.

[germs]

i don't know about that...

a few years ago, i went to an Alterbridge concert. for those who don't know, it was Mark Tremonti's band post-Creed. anyway, they have a great vocalist (Miles Kennedy) who's other claim to fame is being the guy who SANG all the tracks to the movie "Rockstar". he also had a cameo towards the end when Mark Wahlburg walks off and gives the show over to Thor, the kid from the audience. Thor is played by Miles, anyway...

we're near the front row, and they come to a point in the show where they admit they've all played in enough cover bands to know just about every song ever written, so they invite the audience to shout out a request.

my friend standing to my left - in the instant before anyone else can get an answer off - yells, "Stand Up And Shout!" which is one of the main songs of Rockstar.

you know what? they freakin played it.

another time: i was on tour as a support band for a VERY big act. we were standing in the wings, and the singer and drummer are left on stage during a brief intermission, and are scripted to play a solo. as a joke, i call out "Cowboys From Hell!" and you know what? they played the song up to the first chorus.

so it just goes to show: you never know till you ask. yell it out. maybe he'll play it after all.

[GAT]

I think if you left a $20 in the tip jar, he would. Good luck.

[Jim S]

Our last tip jar was used as a urinal.

FML.

[tubetwang]

the guy needs to know a little ahead...

ya got to give him time to practice the song...

i'd shoot his rep an e-mail...:knitting

[jcmark611]

I doubt Clapton has the rigid requirements of lights and pyro. In fact I've never seen pyro at a Clapton show. If anything the biggest problem would be.... does the band know the song?

[gururyan]

Just got back, no Strange Brew.

[newswede]

He hasn't played that song since Cream, I wouldn't be too upset. Cream didn't even play it that much and it was not featured in any of the reunion shows either. Plus, his voice won't get nearly that high anymore.