Derek Trucks is a gifted 26-year old guitarist who has been touring since before he was a teenager. The nephew of Allman Brothers co-founder and drummer Butch Trucks, Derek is the leader of The Derek Trucks Band, a member of the legendary Allman Brothers Band, and is currently on tour as a member of Eric Clapton's band.
Eric Clapton and special guests The Robert Cray Band are on the road with a world tour traveling to 13 European countries. Don't miss your chance to win FREE tickets to see Eric Clapton live in concert on select dates of his Summer 2006 European Tour.
In an exclusive ZRock interview, I spoke with Derek (May 14, 2006) via telephone from the United Kingdom. Highlights of the interview include:
Good afternoon, Derek. I wanted to check in to see how the tour is progressing so far and see if you could share your experience with the fans.
So far, it’s been a blast. Rehearsals went great. I think we’re about five shows into it, and it keeps getting stronger. The last show we played was by far the best show we’ve played so far. That’s always a good sign if it keeps building. It’s an honor to be playing with the guys in the group. Not only Eric, but Willie Weeks, Doyle, and Steve Jordan – I’ve been a fan of those guys for a long time. It really is exciting to be here.
How have the travels been?
Not bad. We’ve basically been in the UK the whole time. It’s been pretty much the same. We’ve been hanging in the area. But the Royal Albert Hall dates in London are coming up. I’m excited about that – I think it’s eight shows this time. It’s similar to the Beacon run that the Allman Brothers do in the States, but it happens to be Royal Albert Hall – an amazing room. I’ve been in there once or twice, but it will be a trip to be on stage there.
It should be a blast. Especially with all of the legendary Clapton shows that have been there in the past and the anticipation of the fans.
Yeah, the fans there really know his stuff. They’ll be really keyed in. I hope it goes over well. I have a feeling that people are going to be pleasantly surprised. He’s really been playing well the last few nights. He is starting to turn it to another gear, so it should be fun to see how people react to it.
That’s what I’ve been seeing in some of the fan comments I’ve posted on ZRock – comments such as “the guitar hero reawakens” and that “he’s playing at his best.”
Nice. That’s good to hear. I haven’t seen much feedback yet, but we’ve been talking about it as a group. That’s really the goal – if we can get people to see that he’s playing on a different level than he has recently. That’s what we’re shooting for. Because, you know, it’s one thing to get out there and just do your own thing. It’s another thing to really re-energize a group. That’s what’s more difficult and that’s what’s exciting. It’s good to know that that’s the feedback. I feel that it is getting there, for sure.
Article comments
1 - Derek Trucks Stop
Jarrod if you have a MP3 of you conversation with Derek you'd like to share with the world, it can be hosted at the Derek Trucks Stop.
2 - dr.gonzo
would love to see an all out Derek and the Dominos
tour....it would be quite ledgendary!
3 - gguess
I have just been to an Eric Clapton concert where Derek Trucks played. I kept asking, "Who is the kid?" "He's SO good." "Does Clapton realize that this kid is upstaging him?" To my eternal shame, this concert was the first I heard of Derek Trucks. I know it will not be the last, because now I will seek him out.
I have to say, when he did his solo, there was no sound,in the beginning,but on the giant screen,I could see him, and watching him, I could Feel. It seemed to me that he was only interpreting for us the music that only he could hear. And he did a phenomenal job! I was at this concert because I am old, Eric Clapton was my idol 25 years ago.
Derek Trucks may well be my idol now.
His input MADE this concert. (No insult to Eric).
If Clapton comes around again, I will certainly go, but I will seek out Trucks.
Only my opinion, but, holy crap! What a player!
4 - Pamela
WOW! Just caught the show in Charlotte Tuesday
night. It was FANTASTIC! in every way!! Hats off to the whole crew! The sound was GREAT! Loved the
playlist and was on cloud 9 throughout the entire
concert! Thanks for making this happen and hope
maybe there will be a recording on HDNET so I can
re-live the experience or a DVD for sale from the
tour would be nice. Everyone sounded so good, didn't want it to end!
5 - james
went and saw eric clapton @ rod laver arena melbourne Aus. fantastic show, the four of us spent all night looking at each other in awe. eric was great, deric was fu*#ing brilliant!