[Slowhand] EC @ the web

[Tony Boulton]

Dear Fred, Scott and anyone else still alive and kicking

Ten years ago, the Slowhand Digest was one of the most anticipated emails in my inbox. I first subscribed at the suggestion of the lady who is now my wife, Lynn. That’s a long story in itself, EC related, as she first contacted me via AOL Instant Message (remember “You’ve Got Mail, the movie?) and said, “Hey you, I see you like Eric Clapton” (having searched my profile from AOL’s list of “members”.

The world has changed dramatically in the last 10 years.

Social media is now the focus of many folks’ attention. That’s how many of us keep in touch with each other and with news about our favorites. "Where’s Eric" does a great job, with regular email updates.

We are all ten years older. Clapton is in his 70th year. I’m just a little more than 5 years behind him.

Concert tickets are both more expensive than ever and harder to secure. I remember back in the early 90s buying tickets from a small agency close to Oxford Circus in London. I paid 50 pounds for second row seats at the RAH. It is still may favorite concert venue but I now live almost 5,000 miles away, rather than 165 miles north of London. If EC comes to Dallas, we’re there, but nowadays I could not bring myself to pay the price and travel to Atlanta, let alone London.

They were great times back then, late 90s and beyond. This was a great community of eclectic folks from diverse backgrounds, often passionately arguing but sharing a love of EC.

Eric may or may not continue to tour. His kids will grow up and leave home. His health may or may not remain good. He might have to sit down like BB King but if he is fit enough I expect he will still carry on.

I still look out for new album releases, even if they are repackaged compilations from the past (my latest buy was the Lethal Weapon Soundtrack Collection).

It’s good to hear from you and to see old names and recall old faces. I often think about Art Arias - a kind and gracious bloke if there ever was one.

Best wishes


Tony Boulton
Grapevine Texas