Eric Clapton Breaks Out ‘461 Ocean Boulevard’ Gem For 1st Time Since 1975 At U.S. Tour Opener

Eric Clapton launched a U.S. Fall Tour on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, where he performed the 461 Ocean Boulevard track “Give Me Strength” for the first time since 1975.

Clapton’s brief tour of the U.S. continues through the Midwest before descending on Texas for his Crossroads Guitar Festival at the end of September followed by an appearance at Buddy Guy's 90th Birthday Celebration.

Clapton opened up the tour in Detroit with his George Harrison co-write “Badge” out of the Cream catalog. A pair of blues standards, “Key To The Highway” (Charles Segar) and “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man” (Willie Dixon), wrapped the three-song eclectic opening segment.

Clapton and his band then shifted to an acoustic format, beginning with his first performance of “Give Me Strength” since 1975. The song appears on 461 Ocean Boulevard, Clapton’s second solo studio album and his first LP in three years. The acoustic sequence also included the Blind Faith classic “Can’t Find My Way Home.”

Additionally, the tour opener in Detroit featured Clapton favorites such as “Wonderful Tonight,” “Tears in Heaven,” “Layla” and “Cocaine.” Clapton also delivered his renowned cover of Robert Johnson’s “Cross Roads Blues” and wrapped the show with Bo Diddley’s “Before You Accuse Me.”

Watch Eric Clapton break out “Give Me Strength” for the first time in over 50 years below along with more video from the show below: