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Another Look at the Fourth Cream Reunion Concert  (May 8, 2005)

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I hope the photos here capture the sheer joy Jack was having at this gig...he was the old Jack and had an absolute ball all through the performance and gave it everything he had. He had fun with many of the numbers and was smiling his little ass off whilst doing so! So lovely to see them all having such a good time playing their music so brilliantly and being with each other in this magical venue, which beats ANY hall I've played in or been to. This is THE place...not a bad seat or standing room in the house....large, yet small and intimate. The perfect gig at the perfect venue.

A look at the Royal Albert Hall immediately after the fourth Cream reunion concert.
Photo by Paul Olsen.
Jack Bruce during the fourth Cream reunion concert. Photo by Paul Olsen.

And of course, the audience just loved to see Eric, Jack, and Ginger together...HAPPY together, and playing so well. When they all bowed, arm-in-arm, you could see the joy not only on the faces of the three, but of everyone there...and when Eric hugged Jack, everyone applauded and roared their approval, because we all want to see them happy and enjoying doing this for them, and for us. And...hopefully, they will want to do more. Eric has finally admitted that Cream was the best thing he has ever done (we've all known that all along...all you have to do is listen to "Spoonful" on Wheels of Fire), and this gig proved that Jack and Ginger raise Eric's already stratospheric game to new heights...so hopefully...???? Fingers crossed.

Jack Bruce (left) and Eric Clapton during the fourth Cream reunion concert.
Photo by Paul Olsen.

Famous faces were everywhere, and there were people from all over the world who made a pilgrimage to this gig, including friends of mine. I ran into two guys from northern Minnesota who left their wives at home and came to the gig because they were lucky enough to get tickets and didn't care HOW much marital hassle it created back the ranch...they would deal with it LATER! Right now, there was Cream, and to hell with everything else. Let the chips fall where they may! They can't have been the only ones.

Jack Bruce (left) and Eric Clapton during the fourth Cream reunion concert.
Photo by Paul Olsen.

There were Finns, Japanese, Australians, New Yorkers, Germans, Dutch, Indians, Kiwis, Canadians, Brazilians.....even the French! :) In fact, I ran into a French actor who played a great little part in one of my favourite movies of all time, "French Kiss." This guy played the detective. Even I got recognised by several people! Nice surprise.

Eric Clapton during the fourth Cream reunion concert. Photo by Paul Olsen.

All I can say is that I hope the DVD gets everything...I wasn't impressed with what the Steadycam guy was shooting last night...too many close-ups, which is the bain of many cameramen...they fall in love with close-ups. But, he could have been taking cutaway shots...still, I'm a bit nervous that they may have sacrificed the overall feel of the gig for zeroing in on each member's face to the exclusion of everything else...but I'll reserve judgement. I did see one guy getting atmosphere shots, so maybe we'll be in luck.

Jack Bruce (left) and Eric Clapton at the end of the fourth Cream reunion concert.
Photo by Paul Olsen.

All the superlatives in the world wouldn't capture the magic of that last concert....they could have made the whole DVD just that night alone. Wouldn't it be nice if they put out a full set of DVD's...one for EACH concert night? Hoo-ha! I would have them all.

Ginger Baker (left) and Jack Bruce at the end of the fourth Cream reunion concert.
Photo by Paul Olsen.

I know I am very fortunate to have been able to go to TWO of the four fabulous gigs...in both cases due completely to good friends. I do hope Cream play selected venues around the world so that you, too, can see them. If they decide to, then do whatEVER you have to do, and pay whatEVER you have to pay to see them. You will never see another band like them ever...not even close. And if you are a Clapton fan like me, you will NEVER see Eric as good as this. Never.

Jack Bruce (left) and Eric Clapton hug at the end of the fourth Cream reunion concert.
Photo by Paul Olsen.

Au revoir, everyone!


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