Eric Clapton 1974-08.01 - The Omni - Atlanta, GA With Guests Keith Moon & Pete Townshend
On tour behind the recently released ‘461 Ocean Boulevard,’ Clapton and crew arrived in Atlanta on Aug. 1, 1974, for an evening at the city’s Omni Coliseum. Ticketholders were treated to a set list that included ‘Let It Grow,’ ‘Willie and the Hand Jive,’ and ‘Badge’ — plus the surprise addition of Clapton’s famous friends Moon and Townshend, who came out to add a little extra star power to ‘Layla’ and ‘Baby, Don’t You Do It.’ Moon reportedly sang along during ‘Little Queenie,’ and when it was all over, Townshend is said to have smashed a plastic ukulele belonging to drummer ‘Legs’ Larry Smith over Clapton’s noggin.
I was there, front row, for Eric Clapton at The Omni 8/1/74. Keith Moon and Pete Townshend came out at the end of the show and played a few tunes with Eric. Keith Moon was so wasted that a roadie was literally crouched down behind him holding him up on the drum throne while Moon played the drums. The show ended with Townshend putting his hand on top of Clapton’s head and breaking a toy ukulele over his head (so it actually broke on Townshend’s hand and not on Clapton’s head). It was amazing.
