Blimp Time-Hop: Clapton’s Returns To CCCC For A 2nd Time In 1982

Eric Clapton made his first Maine appearance at the Augusta Civic Center with the Backless tour on May 25, 1979.  He then traveled south to Portland the following day for another night here in the North Country.

That was also a first for Clapton in Maine being the earliest performance at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

These were particularly memorable shows for blues aficionados as the great Muddy Waters was on the bill too.

On June 17, 1982, Blimpsters sold-out Portland's biggest venue once again for the guitar giant.

He had with him, as always, an incredible band of musicians. Albert Lee, a legend in his own right, joined him on guitar for this tour.

Albert who is also a master of Telecaster can be heard on 1979's Just One Night, 1981's Another Ticket, and 1983's Money and Cigarettes. 

The Fabulous Thunderbirds were the opening act, four years before their top 10 smash Tuff Enuff  took over the radio airwaves. According to our official concert history book from the CCCC, Eric Clapton played Portland three times. The last show here was in May of 1985.

Watch this crazy, fun footage from a 1982 British 'Chas and Dave' Holiday TV Special. Eric and Albert get up on a tiny stage with the hosts and absolutely rock. Everybody in the audience is dancing free like nobody's watching.

Then it goes to a slow dance with "Goodnight Irene". This is rarely seen beautiful stuff