Early In The Morning (Live 1979)

The Zoo Crew is spinning Eric Clapton's "Early In The Morning (Live 1979)" from the Just One Night album, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks grooving. This live version, recorded at the Budokan Theatre in Tokyo in December 1979, is a traditional blues number arranged by Clapton, stretching over seven minutes with soulful guitar work and a raw energy that captures his late '70s vibe. One juicy bit of trivia comes from the album’s context: Clapton was in a period of rediscovery after overcoming severe drug and alcohol issues earlier in the decade. The Just One Night performance, including "Early In The Morning," showcases his renewed passion, backed by a tight five-piece band featuring Albert Lee’s stellar guitar and Chris Stainton on keyboards. Fans on Discogs rave about the album’s warm, clear sound, with some calling it one of Clapton’s best live recordings, though others find it less dynamic compared to his studio work. The song itself is a nod to his blues roots, a staple in his live sets that lets him stretch out with improvisational flair, much to the delight of the Tokyo crowd.

Another tidbit about "Early In The Morning" ties to its place in Clapton’s live repertoire. According to Where’s Eric!, the song was a vehicle for Clapton to pay homage to traditional blues, a genre he’s always returned to, even during his pop-leaning phases. The 1979 Budokan shows were part of a tour supporting his Backless album, but the live album leaned heavily on blues classics and fan favorites, with "Early In The Morning" standing out for its extended jams. In a 2007 NPR interview, Clapton spoke about how the blues, like this song, was his “first language,” a foundation that shaped his playing. The Just One Night album, as noted by Best Live Albums, is praised for its balanced setlist, blending pop hits like "Lay Down Sally" with gritty blues like "Early In The Morning," earning a 9/10 for its flow and emotional depth. The Zoo Crew probably picked this track to get the Freaks lost in its hypnotic groove, a perfect fit for their hippie vibe.

Now, let’s rewind to how Eric Clapton got his start. Born on March 30, 1945, in Surrey, England, Clapton grew up raised by his grandparents, believing they were his parents until age nine—a personal twist that fueled his bluesy soul. His love for music sparked early; he got his first guitar at 13, a gift from his grandmother, and was soon obsessed with American blues artists like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. By 17, he was playing in London pubs, having flunked out of Kingston College of Art. His first band, The Roosters, fizzled quickly, but in 1963, he joined The Yardbirds, where his searing guitar earned him the nickname “Slowhand.” Unhappy with their pop shift, he left in 1965 for John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, where his virtuosic playing on the 1966 album Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton made him a star, with fans scrawling “Clapton is God” across London. From there, he formed Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, blending blues and psychedelic rock, cementing his legend before launching a solo career and forming Derek and the Dominos.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Clapton’s official sites and fan hubs. His official website, ericclapton.com, has tour dates, discography, and news, while ecaccess.cc is the spot for his fan club. On social media, he’s active on Facebook, but don’t look for him on Instagram or X—he’s confirmed through Where’s Eric! that Facebook is his only official account. Fans can connect on the Eric Clapton Fans Facebook Group, a lively spot for Freaks to share stories and updates. The fan-run Where’s Eric! magazine and website is a goldmine for news, photos, and a detailed FAQ, perfect for any Zoo Crew listener obsessed with Clapton’s legacy.