Evil

The song Evil by Derek and The Dominos, featured on the Crossroads compilation released in 1988, is a cover of a Willie Dixon composition originally recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1954. This blues classic, with its raw energy and haunting lyrics, was a perfect fit for the band’s blues-rock ethos. According to Bobby Whitlock, the band’s keyboardist and co-vocalist, the Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs sessions, where much of their material was recorded, were fueled by a loose, jam-heavy atmosphere. Whitlock recalled in a 2020 interview with Guitar Player that the band would “jam for days” at Criteria Studios in Miami, often capturing tracks in one or two takes. Evil was recorded during the sessions for a second album that never materialized, with its fiery intensity showcasing the band’s synergy, particularly the interplay between Eric Clapton’s searing guitar and Duane Allman’s slide work. The song’s inclusion on Crossroads helped introduce it to a wider audience, cementing its status as a deep-cut gem.

Another layer of intrigue around Evil comes from the band’s tumultuous dynamics during its recording. Whitlock has shared in interviews, such as one with Ultimate Guitar in 2023, that the sessions for the planned second album were marred by “paranoia and tension,” exacerbated by heavy drug use and ego clashes, particularly between Clapton and drummer Jim Gordon. Despite these challenges, Evil stands out as a highlight, with its gritty delivery reflecting the band’s raw emotional state. Fans on platforms like Eric Clapton Fans Facebook group often cite the song’s visceral power, with some speculating that its dark themes mirrored the band’s internal struggles. The Crossroads box set, which includes Evil, was praised for preserving these rare recordings, offering a glimpse into what could have been had the band not dissolved in 1971.

Derek and The Dominos was formed in the spring of 1970 by Eric Clapton, who was seeking a low-profile project after the high-pressure supergroups Cream and Blind Faith. Clapton, already a celebrated guitarist from his time with The Yardbirds and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, was drawn to the soulful, collaborative vibe of Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, a group he toured with in 1969. It was here that he connected with keyboardist Bobby Whitlock, bassist Carl Radle, and drummer Jim Gordon, all of whom would become the core of Derek and The Dominos. According to Whitlock’s biography on Last.fm, the band’s name emerged serendipitously when a London DJ mispronounced their provisional name, “Eric and the Dynamos,” as “Derek and the Dominos” during their debut at the Lyceum Theatre on June 14, 1970. Clapton embraced the moniker, appreciating the anonymity it offered.

The band’s formation was further solidified during sessions for George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, where the four members honed their chemistry. Clapton, weary of his “guitar god” persona, aimed to create a band-focused project with no horns or backing singers, as Whitlock emphasized in a 2013 interview quoted by Wikiwand. The addition of Duane Allman during the Layla sessions, facilitated by producer Tom Dowd, elevated their sound, with Allman’s slide guitar becoming a defining element. Their only studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, released in 1970, initially struggled commercially but later became a rock classic, driven by Clapton’s unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, Harrison’s wife. Posts on X by Pattie Boyd in 2020 celebrated the album’s 50th anniversary, highlighting her personal connection to tracks like Bell Bottom Blues.

For more on Derek and The DominosEric Clapton’s official site, which serves as the primary hub for Clapton’s projects, including his work with the band. Their Facebook page and Instagram account share updates on Clapton’s ongoing tours and archival releases, often referencing the Dominos’ legacy. On X, Clapton’s account posts about new music and fan events, with occasional nods to the Layla era. Fans can connect on the Eric Clapton Fans Facebook group, a vibrant community discussing the band’s music and sharing rare photos. The fan site Where’s Eric! offers detailed discographies, tour archives, and articles, making it a go-to for Zoo Freaks digging into the band’s history.