Eric Clapton and Friends

This is a behind the scenes look at Clapton and his band getting ready for his Pilgrim tour. It was the most amazing and captivating Clapton footage I have ever seen, providing a rare glimpse into the unpolished Clapton, rehearsing and preparing his voice. It is a must see for Clapton fans because you get to see the man as if you were in his band. There is no facade, no act for the camera... in fact; it is almost surprising how relaxed he is about the camera being in his face.

Shot in black and white, the film is also a beauty to look at. with very gritty visuals that compliment the very raw music well.

This is by far the most honest and interesting look at any artist I have ever seen on film, and I hope that it becomes available to buy in the United States.

This happened to screen at the Tribeca Film Festival in its 2nd year, and I had to check it out. If you're looking for a great deal of psychological analysis or in-depth inquiry into who Eric Clapton is deep down, this isn't it. What this is shows Clapton and his band at the time playing lots of hard rock and blues, and it's seeing a man who gets pure joy out of playing. Part of the joy is the real process at work as well as we see the lead up to playing the songs, and how each player brings something.

It's what the title announces, and yet that means it's not just Clapton - you get to see what the 'friends' are like and find out what they like to play and why, and the camaraderie is unfiltered. The camera crew are there but you would think that the band would never know the difference; they perform naturally (even as these scenes, in a studio but large enough for camera movements that are complex), and when they talk to one another it's equally natural.

So, if you're a fan, check it out. If you're curious and only know a few Clapton tunes, it'll bring you in a little more.