24 Nights was Eric Clapton’s first live album released in more than a decade since 1980’s Just One Night. Beginning in 1990, Clapton performed multiple runs of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London. After the first 18-show run in 1990, Clapton delayed the release of his live album until after a 24-night run in 1991. While the title reflected these latter performances, the album actually was compiled from recordings over 32 different shows at the Royal Albert between 1990 and 1991. The resulting double album showcased the very best of Clapton. His backup band of keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, bassist Nathan East, and drummer Steve Ferrone gave solid performances and allowed Clapton to perform classics from his Cream days, such as “White Room” and “Sunshine of Your Love,” as well as “Have You Ever Loved a Woman” from Derek and the Dominos. Standards from Clapton’s solo career included “Wonderful Tonight,” “Old Love,” “Bad Love,” “Worried Life Blues,” “Running on Faith,” “Pretending,” and “Hard Times.” Previously unreleased tracks included “Hoodoo Man” and “Edge of Darkness,” which featured the National Philharmonic Orchestra under Michael Kamen.
hile this album is a solid example of Clapton’s talents as a blues guitarist and live performer, it did not fare well on the U.S. or U.K. charts, even though it did go gold. Clapton would not be long without commercial success, as 24 Nights was released only a few months before the Grammy award-winning single “Tears in Heaven” and “Unplugged” album.
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