VIDEO: John Lennon supergroup performs Beatles classic on Rock And Roll Circus reissue

The Rolling Stones are streaming video of a performance of a Beatles classic by the John Lennon-led supergroup The Dirty Mac as part of a newly-released series of expanded reissues of their 1968 concert special, “Rock And Roll Circus.”

With Lennon on guitar and vocals, Eric Clapton on guitar, Keith Richards on bass and Mitch Mitchell of The Jimi Hendrix Experience on drums, the lineup delivered a live version of “Yer Blues”, from The Beatles’ self-titled 1968 double album, aka The White Album, just three weeks after its release.

Lennon’s appearance – filmed at the event before a live audience in London – marked his first live performance outside of The Beatles.

Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, “Rock And Roll Circus” centers on the original line up of The Rolling Stones, who serve as both the show’s hosts and featured attraction; the event also included performances by The Who, Jethro Tull, Taj Mahal, Marianne Faithfull and Yoko Ono.

“It was an incredible shoot, I think, 36 hours or something,” recalls Richards. “I remember not remembering everything towards the end… but it was fun… we went through two audiences… wore one out… it was great!”

Originally conceived as a BBC-TV special to promote the band’s “Beggars Banquet” album, those plans were abandoned in the wake of Brian Jones’ departure and subsequent death, with the film remaining unreleased until 1996.

“The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus” is now available in multiple packages, including a box set; a Limited Deluxe Edition which includes Blu-Ray, DVD, and a 2CD soundtrack; digital download (TVOD); with the soundtrack offered in its vinyl debut alongside 3LP, CD and digital audio formats.


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Search Rolling Stones at hennemusic

Rock N Roll Birthday: Eric Clapton

Happy birthday to Eric Clapton, who turns 65 today.

Well, where do you start to talk about the career of one of music’s most iconic figures…

The Yardbirds
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Cream
Blind Faith
The Plastic Ono Band
Delaney And Bonnie And Friends
Derek & The Dominos

Currently on the road with openers like Jeff Beck, Roger Daltrey and Steve Winwood, I thought a few interesting facts about Eric would help to mark the occasion.

How did Eric get the nickname “Slowhand”?

During his time with The Yardbirds, when Clapton would break a guitar string during a show, he’d simply stay on stage and replace it. (Can you imagine??) Audiences would wait through the unscheduled break by doing a ‘slow handclap’, which band manager Giorgio Gomelsky shortened to ‘slowhand’…and it stuck.

Why did Clapton leave The Yardbirds in 1965?

Eric left on the verge of the group’s first hit single, “For Your Love,” because, as a blues purist, he didn’t like the “pop” direction the band was taking at the time.

Eric played on which Beatles song?

Clapton was brought in by pal George Harrison to play on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

Who is Layla?

"Lalya" was written by Clapton for Patti Boyd, the wife of his good friend, and ex-Beatle, George Harrison. Eric eventually married her.

Eric’s Canadian roots

Eric’s mom was only 16 when he was born; not something that was generally talked about in the mid-40s. As a result, Clapton’s mother left him to be raised by his grandparents, but he was told they were his parents. At the age of 53, Eric discovered that his father was a Canadian pilot named Edward Fryer, who, at the age of 24, was overseas when he hooked up with his mother before being shipped off to war prior to Eric’s birth.

Conquering his alcoholism in 1982, Eric opened what facility to help others?

In 1997, Eric opened the Crossroads Center in Antigua, as a treatment center for addictive disorders due to drugs and alcohol. Over the years, Clapton has sold many guitars from his collection to help raise funds for the project.

Long Live Slowhand!

The Dirty Mac - The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus - Yer Blues

The Dirty Mac - Yer Blues (1968)
John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards (bass), Mitch Mitchell
From The Rolling Stones Rock N Roll Circus



Cream - The Very Best of Cream - Sunshine of Your Love

Cream – Sunshine Of Your Love (1967)



The Yardbirds - The Yardbirds - the Eric Clapton Years - Louise

The Yardbirds – Louise (1963)