Clapton joined by old friends for charity concert

Eric Clapton has played on stage with former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman for the first time ever.

The two rock giants, who have only ever recorded together before, were joined by Jools Holland, Bob Geldof and a roll-call of 60s and 70s stars in a charity concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall last night.

Musicians including former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green, Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone of the Zombies, Gary Brooker of Procol Harum and Geno Washington played their hits in a variety of combinations – mostly backed by Wyman’s band, the Rhythm Kings, with Georgie Fame on organ.

Clapton, who recently announced he was selling most of his guitars for charity, was playing on a UK stage for the first time in three years.

Proceeds from the One Generation 4 Another concert – at least £125,000 (€183,000) – will go to Lord’s Taverners, which gives children, especially those with special needs, “a sporting chance”.

The charity donates 40 minibuses to schools and colleges each year to transport pupils to sporting events, as well as wheelchairs, ponies and swimming equipment.

The Taverners was founded 54 years ago by cricket-loving entertainers but this was its first major rock concert.

Taverners president Richard Stilgoe said: “This new rock concert will, I hope, be the first of many.

“Some Lord’s Taverners may be too old for sex and need medication rather than drugs, but we love rock and roll and are thrilled that such a fantastic constellation of stars are decorating our first Albert Hall spectacular.”