Eric Clapton Performs Bob Dylan-Penned ‘If I Don’t Be There By Morning’ For 1st Time Since 1980

Eric Clapton brought his European tour to Amsterdam on Friday, where he fit a big surprise into the setlist. Clapton broke out “If I Don’t Be There By Morning,” after the song spent nearly 46 years on the shelf, during his concert at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome.

Bob Dylan wrote “If I Don’t Be There By Morning” with Helena Springs, a backup singer on his 1978 tour. The song was one of two Dylan gave to Eric Clapton for inclusion on Slowhand’s 1978 studio album, Backless, along with “Walk Out In The Rain.”

Eric Clapton debuted “If I Don’t Be There By Morning” live on November 6, 1978 in Barcelona as per Setlist.FM. The song was performed regularly by EC through May 18, 1980, when “If I Don’t Be There By Morning” suddenly disappeared from setlists.

Clapton revived “If I Don’t Be There By Morning” as the penultimate song of the electric set that opened his Friday night concert in Amsterdam. The performance climaxed with Clapton and guitarist Doyle Bramhall II trading licks. Eric Clapton acknowledged the long gap between plays at the end of the song.

Watch Eric Clapton dust off “If I Don’t Be There By Morning” in Amsterdam via fan-shot video below:

Eric Clapton followed the bust out with his cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot The Sheriff.” Next came a five-song acoustic set that ended with classics “Layla” and “Tears In Heaven.” Clapton and his talented band returned for a second electric portion of the concert and sealed the show with a “Before You Accuse Me” encore.

The European tour continues on Wednesday, April 29 in Krakow, Poland. Clapton is slated to close the jaunt on May 17 in Munich. He’ll then embark on a U.S. tour and revive his Crossroads Guitar Festival in September.