Rik Emmett plays Clapton

Saturday night we went down to the Centrepointe Theatre to see Rik Emmett. Yes you read it right, the one and only Canadian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Icon Rik Emmett from the classic band Triumph. Only this time Rik would not be performing Magic Power, Rock'n'Roll Machine, or even Midsummer's Daydream. Tonight would be a night of self-endulgence for Rik, a night of showcasing his all-time favourite Eric Clapton tunes. We're talking classic Clapton from Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominoes, and of course his endless selection of solo hits.


First off, a big thanks to Ken who managed to score us some primo seats well in advance. "Us" being myself, Rich, Pete, Terry, and of course Ken who has been stalking Rik around since at least the early 80's.

Now the Centrepointe Theatre is not your usual barroom or rock arena. As indicated by the title, it is a theatre and as such it is extremely laid back with assigned seating, volunteer ushers well in their 70s, and all shows come complete with an intermission and cash bar. And although it's not the kind of joint where you'd be likely to see Angus Young or the Boss there's not a bad seat in the house and with the right band to match the atmosphere the night can be well worth the price of admission as was exactly the case tonight (and two nights before with the Cowboy Junkies which I've seen here in the past).

My only complaint is that they don't allow any cameras or bootlegging devices. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to roll old school and settle for the memories.

That said, here's a YouTube clip of Rik playing Clapton's Crossroads. Not the best quality but you get the general idea. Enjoy.