In September 2019, the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, was the setting for Eric Clapton’s fifth Crossroads Guitar Festival, a charitable event supporting the Crossroads Centre in Antigua. Among the festival’s many standout moments, Clapton’s rendition of Prince’s iconic “Purple Rain” stood out as a poignant tribute to the late artist.
Clapton’s soulful interpretation of “Purple Rain” captivated the audience, showcasing his deep respect for Prince’s musical legacy. This performance, along with other highlights from the festival, was later released in a comprehensive live album and film titled “Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival 2019,” available in various formats including 3CD, 6LP, 2DVD, and Blu-ray.
The festival featured an impressive lineup of legendary and contemporary artists, such as Jeff Beck, Peter Frampton, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, and Bonnie Raitt. Collaborative performances were a hallmark of the event, with Clapton joining Frampton for a rendition of The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and teaming up with John Mayer for “Layla.”
Clapton’s “Purple Rain” performance remains a memorable highlight of the 2019 festival, reflecting his ability to honor fellow musicians through heartfelt musical expression.
For those interested in experiencing this and other performances from the festival, the live album and film are available through Rhino Records.
