Cream at Madison Square Garden

Did you see the show? Nothing is as it was 35 years ago. Are you? Forget original records and go see live concerts. Jack Bruce is on his 3rd liver and doing great. All the negativity aimed at the older bands on this site, ie; the Rolling Stones, Cream etc is a waste of energy. Yeah, I saw the band last night and I listened to Cream in 1968 and the band was fantastic. Everyone had a great time. Get out of the house more and turn that super expensive system your so proud of off for a night. Life goes on.

I saw the show last night. I will tell you that for me,Jack Bruce was the highlight of the show, his singing was just amazing, no he is not twenty-five anymore,but he played his ass off and really carried the show. Ginger Baker was a treat, I guess I did not expect too much from him but he held it together, and Toad well Toad was very cool! Now for Mr.Clapton; he has been letting me down now for 30 some odd years, so safe, so controlled, almost as if any feedback or overdrive would have put him into some scary exposed place, just those "masterful" blues licks he does over and over, it is as if his guitar does not have anything to say anymore, alas. But as I said that is what I had expected, but hope springs eternal...

But it was Cream! wow...it was really Cream...

OK now you can pile on and tell me Clapton is still god and I'm missing the point, I'm ready

You're conveniently avoiding the "top of the game" comment YOU made not me. I've seen and heard the DVD. So I'll make the point again based on YOUR comment. Bruce's voice neither has the strength nor range it did 35 years ago. Stop dancing around the issue with "live concerts", "energy", and my "super expensive system". Your assessment was nothing but hyperbole.

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.