Cream at Madison Square Garden

Your absolutely right, my top of their game comment was nothing but hyperbole. The fact that I was 12 years old in 1968 and had not had the opportunity to see the band live in what was no doubt the peak of their creativity makes my observation a bit of an exaggeration. Never the less, Jack Bruce sang incredible last night and hit every note. Ginger Baker's 20 min. drum solo was rhythmic perfection and at times the whole band recaptured the psychedelic blues sound that Cream had perfected. The band I saw last night was Cream, not a pale imitation. The real thing with all the original members playing with all the passion only years of experience can muster. In 1969 Goodbye Cream and Sgt. Pepper were the first two records I had ever purchased with my own money and it all started from there.

Okay,

I went on opening night and am going tonight as well. I agree that this was the best concert in recent memory, but I don't go to many concerts. I saw Clapton solo a few years ago and I can't stand his adult contemporary and acoustic blues stuff. He simply doesn't have the vocal ability to pull it off. Cream may be close to their expiration date, but they mostly rocked. I think Jack's vocals are a lot better than Mick's . I thought there were some obvious lowpoints: 1. Crossroads: It was abbreviated and played like Eric was driving 20 mph in a 65mph zone.
2. White Room: The alternating vocal arrangement sucked.

High points: Tales of Brave Ulysses: Great guitar work by EC. Wah wah peddle etc. Pretty close to what I remember.

Spoonful: Jack's phrasing and EC's extended solos on this were the best part of the show for me.

Looking out into the crowd I noticed a lot of bald guys with ponytails and a lot of gray beards. The weed policy was very relaxed.I have not seen MSG tolerate it to this level in recent years.
Lastly, It didn't seem that EC was enjoying himself that much. He looked very stoic and was all businees throughout. I wouldn't expect Cream to stay together long. Ginger Baker did a competent job but at 66 can not flail away at lightning speed . It slowed the pace down a bit.

I'm being overly critical, but as far as nostalgia acts go, this was the best I've seen.

I'm glad you enjoyed the show and I share your passion for music. Have fun.

I went last night and sat on the jack bruce side this time (1st nite was EC side). I am sorry I went. The initial shock of seeing Cream had worn off and since they played the exact same show I concentrated more on the technical stuff. Seeing Cream twice with no variation in set lists substantiated my observation that EC was robotic and not having fun. Jack Bruce had to sit in a chair for several songs. He looked old and I guess he's not too healthy either. Ginger Baker did fairly well although his drum so-slow was boring and unnecessary. I may be in the minority with that judgement as the crowd seem to have liked it. Maybe I'm still turned off from all those solos at Dead Shows. I took my brother who is a musician and he was unimpressed . I agree with his comment as he surveyed the crowd; "Damn man! People are sooo desperate for entertainment. " Because few classic rock lovers care about the music of today, it puts bands like Cream in a powerful position. I wish I had only gone once and would not see them again if they came around.