Badge (Live 1990)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Badge (Live 1990)" by Eric Clapton from his iconic 24 Nights album, recorded during his record-breaking residency at London’s Royal Albert Hall. This track, originally penned for Cream’s 1969 album Goodbye, has a quirky origin story. Co-written with George Harrison, the song’s title came from a misread scribble. Harrison wrote “bridge” for the song’s middle section, but Clapton mistook it for “badge” due to Harrison’s handwriting, and the name stuck. George Harrison himself shared this tale, noting how he helped Clapton craft the track when Clapton was struggling to contribute a song for Goodbye, as posted by @GeorgeHarrison on November 21, 2016. The live 1990 version, captured on February 10, 1991, with Clapton’s four-piece band, features an impassioned coda that elevates its raw energy, as noted in a Rolling Stone review of the album.

Another tidbit about "Badge" is its performance history. The Where’s Eric! magazine highlights how this song was a staple during Clapton’s 1990 and 1991 Royal Albert Hall shows, where he performed with varied lineups, including a four-piece band, a nine-piece ensemble, a blues band, and an orchestra. The 1990 recording of "Badge" for 24 Nights showcases Clapton’s ability to breathe new life into a Cream classic, with a sound described as fresher than ever, despite the more reliable rhythm section compared to Cream’s volatile original lineup. Fans on Eric Clapton’s official Facebook page, with over 9.5 million likes, often share their love for this live rendition, celebrating its extended guitar riffs and emotional depth. The song’s legacy continues, with Clapton performing it at events like the Crossroads Guitar Festival 2019, further cementing its place in his repertoire.

Eric Clapton’s journey to becoming a rock and blues legend began in Ripley, Surrey, England, where he was born on March 30, 1945. Raised by his grandparents after his mother felt unable to care for him, Clapton discovered the guitar at age 14, inspired by blues icons like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Muddy Waters. His first guitar, a German-made Hoyer acoustic, cost around £2, as noted on his official website. After being expelled from art college in 1963, he joined The Yardbirds, earning the nickname “Slowhand” for his deliberate playing style. His time with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in 1965 solidified his reputation as a guitar prodigy, with fans dubbing him “God” for his electrifying performances. In 1966, he formed Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, creating psychedelic blues-rock that skyrocketed him to global fame.

Clapton’s career evolved through bands like Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominos, and a solo career launched in 1970 with his self-titled album. His official social media presence is strong, with updates on his Facebook page and posts on @EricClapton on X, where he recently celebrated the 1992 Gold certification of 24 Nights. Notably, Clapton does not maintain official accounts on Instagram or other platforms beyond Facebook, as confirmed by Where’s Eric!. Fans can dive deeper into his world through the fan-run Where’s Eric! Magazine, which offers news, tour dates, and a detailed discography. The Eric Clapton Fan Club on Facebook is another vibrant community where Zoo Freaks can connect with fellow enthusiasts to share stories and celebrate Clapton’s enduring legacy.