Please folks stay focussed on the reason for this concert and try to appretiate what Eric is doing and why he is doing it.The guy has a big heart so try and be like him a little eh?He deserves a lot of respect so do all the players from Crossroads 2007.Remember there are a pile of guitar slingers in heaven looking down on you .

john mayer has not been playing long enough to be considered a virtuoso. McLaughlin has been one for decades. Wish clapton would bring some new blood to the stage;seen enough of Buddy , BB, Jimmie and Jeff; We need Leslie West and Warren Haynes

FACEBOOK USERS: I just started a Global group on Facebook titled “I Attended Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007!” Might be a fun way to discuss, share pictures, video, etc… Come join!
http://www.facebook.com/ group.php?gid=4220953535

Agree with John on Maha John
Saw him and Beck collaborate on Stanley Clarke’s “Power” back in the latter time of fusion

Went to the festival and I have to say it was one of the greatest experiences ever. I’ve been a Clapton fan for as long as I can remember and this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the man play live. I honestly enjoyed every single performance- it was truly an honor just to be in the presence of so many great artists. Aside from that, I met so many great people in Bridgeview and Chicago- thanks to everyone who shared the vibe!

I was at the show & everyone was great! Derek Trucks was the best and his band w/Susan T. really kicked things off. Tal is a good guitarist but not the best. She is young and has more to experience & this will make her great some day. Beck was good but I would like for him to step up his play into this century..still stuck in the 70’s & his set was too long. I wish the real Legends would have had more time but may Beck’s long set took up their time. The entire event was awesome!

FACEBOOK USERS: I just started a Global group on Facebook titled “I Attended Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007!” Might be a fun way to discuss, share pictures, video, etc… Come join!

i was at the crossroads guitar fest on 7/28/07, every band put on an outstanding performance. to all those mayer haters out there can bite the big one. i didnt see you up there performing, so can it.
can anyone tell me where i can find a copy of tal wilkenfeld`s cd? she was one of the bassist`s there if not the best one.
best fest of the year!!!!

Beck’s bass player gave me her autograph…check out her website for more info…she’s only 22 yrs old, but she’s certainly an old soul…and an amazing talent. Can’t wait for the DVD to come out in November 2007. Winwood also gave me his guitar pick as he came off stage!!!

http://www.talwilk enfeld.com/Tal.html

…let me explain better. Not saying Derek Trucks is the best guitar player ever but he really stepped up at Crossroads. I saw him a few years ago at Buddy Guy’s and he was good then but he really stepped up big-time at Crossroads.
Everyone there was at the top of their game. Clapton played with a bit more fury than in many shows past where he “coasted” a bit and Buddy Guy really played straight and serious unlike some shows where he’s had a few too many beverages….not that he’s ever bad but sometimes he fools around too much. Jeff Beck was just flat out amazing. He seems to go places no one else can follow. And how bout Beck’s bass player ?? WOW ! Far and away the best bass player there all day ! Tal Wilkenfeld from Australia…anyone know how old she is ? Steve Winwood VERY underrated as a gutiar player. Hearing Dear Mr Fantasy…awesome.
Nurse Allison….get in touch.

I too was up close to the stage.
A fan of nearly all who played I think the best player of the night was Derek Trucks. Not saying he’s the best player but his slide was great back up while his solos really kicked ass.
BTW….looking for a nurse I met at the show from Toronto area named Allison. Are you out there ??

I have been to numerous guitar shows and concerts and I cannot remember how many times I have seen Eric Clapton. One thing is for certain, all and I repeat all of the artists were amazing in their own way. All of these people who are bashing certain artists because in their minds they should have done something else or not have even been there are forgetting the most important things 1) We all were guests of Eric, 2) these artists interpretations of music are for them, if we like it fine if not that’s fine too. This truly was the best concert in my forty years of going to concerts.

Best Concert Ever!!! Mayer H8rs…Get a life…you’re indirectly insulting Clapton himself. It was perform by invitation!!! Mayer has Skillz and is probably one of the best guitar players of this generation!!!

Best Concert Ever!!! Mayer H8rs…Get a life…you’re indirectly insulting Clapton himself. It was perform by invitation!!! Mayer has Skillz and is probably one of the best guitar players of this generation!!!

I think it unfair to look at Mayer or even Kenny Wayne Shepherd or Jonny Lang in the same light as we look at Buddy Guy, Clapton, Beck, etc. Although I don’t find Mayer’s music fits in with the type of blues I listen to, I respect the fact that he is going in the right direction and has respect of those who are more in the know (than us)

i saw mayer with clapton on gma and his crossroads lead was solid, he understands soloing and what a song requires.

i saw mayer with clapton on gma and his crossroads lead was solid, he understands soloing and what a song requires.

i saw mayer with clapton on gma and his crossroads lead was solid, he understands soloing and what a song requires.

i saw mayer with clapton on gma and his crossroads lead was solid, he understands soloing and what a song requires.

There are always the complainers…..which seem to be the bulk of these reviews. I have been to both Crossroads Festivals….Both line ups were amazing. Work on having your glass half full instead of half empty. Some people live their whole lives without seeing all these people….Those of us lucky enough to attend were fortunate to witness all these legends and newbies in ONE DAY!!! Thanks, Mr Clapton!!! When will the next one be? I’ll not miss it!!!

crossroads 2007 was the first one i attended, the whole show was great start to finish!!! every act was great. would attend another again. if anyone knows who played bass with beck can you give her name, she was great!!!

I guess it doesn’t really matter who does or doesn’t like Mayer. It’s nothing to fight about. With nods from the likes of Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy, It’s a done deal already. Sorry if that puts your panties in a bunch.

That said, yesterday was a great day to be a Mayer fan. Just an observation, but when he played “I Don’t Need No Doctor”, the crowd was wild for him. ‘Nuff said.

MAYER CAN’T PLAY AND McLAUGHLIN IS A GENIUS? FUCK OFF WITH YOUR MILLION NOTES A SECOND SHIT! SHOWER OF PRICKS. PRETENTIOUS SELF INDULGENT WANK OFF MUSO SHITE! YOU TWATS.

I was at the festival as well - from start to finish, 10 feet from the stage. I was also at the 2004 festival. If you didn’t see 16-yr old Tyler Dow Bryant on the side show, CHECK HIM out on the web.

To Mayer bashers:
Just answer me this. WHY, if Mayer is so bad, do you spend so much time WATCHING his videos, COMMENTING on the blogs, READING articles about him? WHY is it that on every Mayer video on youtube, Mayer bashers are lurking, commenting at every chance? I don’t care for Nickelback, so I’ve never searched for them on youtube, commented on a blog, and have never wasted time reading about them. SO, JUST ADMIT IT, you are somehow enchanted by John and it pisses you off because he’s just a normal looking white kid from the east coast, and you somehow feel like you should be cheering for someone a little rougher/tougher like SRV or something? Even if you are a macho hardass who could never like someone so weenie, just admit to us who love Mayer that you too can’t figure out how the hell he is so damn good.

Went to the festival this weekend, amazing. Watched the whole show from the second row from the stage on the GA field. I went to the 2004 festival as well, which I think was a little bigger/better, but this show was still amazing. Despite apparent popular belief, Mayer deserves the respect he’s gotten from the legends he performed with. He’s not a legend himself, but he’s WELL on his way. I know all the older guys aren’t in their prime, but I still give Mayer props for holding his own among them. I enjoy both Mayer’s rock/blues and pop music…but I almost wish he’d never done the latter because it apparently has closed a lot of people minds from ever accepting him as an unbelievable guitarist. But lets see…last two songs of the night…who was on stage…Clapton, Cray, Vaughan, Guy, MAYER, etc… Whether or not you like it, just face it, he’s joined the club.

If John Mayer is such a suck guitar player, they whey does he keep getting invited to all the “Big Name” festivals. Why does Buddy Guy love playing with him? Why has he been on numerous established artist albums? Why does he sale millions of albums? CAUSE HE’S GOOD. Everyone who’s a hater just wishes they could be do what he does and gets to play with there Idols and gain there respect, just has he’s done. Oh and one more thing, why does he continue to dominate the people who hates hims converstaions?

We need to all remember why this concert occurs, to benefit those in need. This was not intended to be an all-star recording session, just a bunch of the vets getting together to enjoy the day…and the cause.

We need to all remember why this concert occurs, to benefit those in need. This was not intended to be an all-star recording session, just a bunch of the vets getting together to enjoy the day…and the cause.

I was at Crossroads yesterday and it was great. I’m not a big John Mayer fan but I can respect his chops with the company he was keeping. Clapton wouldn’t have had him play both if he couldn’t hang with the big boys! Los Lobos rocked the place. Anybody know the second or third song they played?. It was great!.

I don’t understand all of the “Mayer” hating…I’m not a huge fan (don’t own any CD’s); but I thought he held own at the concert. No, he’s not a guitar God at this time, but remember he’s still a kid. I also agree on Tal, she was awesome! Checked out her website, who knew an Aussie could rock the house like that. Also loved the Blind Faith reunion, totally surprise by Stevie’s jams on guitar…who knew? All in all, a great day for music lovers - no complaints on the “let’s see how many guitars we can get onstage” encore. Good times. Only wish there would have been a few more collaberations.

Reading through some of your comments reminded me of the foodfights we had to put up with in Middle School. Grow up people and post something substantial and worthy of the Crossroads Festival. And “Phil”, get over yourself!

Funny how random internet guitar gods who can “play better” than John Mayer claims he sucks, yet John Mayer holds the respect of Hubert Sumlin, Buddy Guy, BB King, Double Trouble (you know, SRV’s backing band?) and Eric Clapton. Hrm, I wonder whose opinion I should give more weight. Tough Choice.

Why does everyone complain about who is good or bad? The show was a fundraiser for the Crossroads Centre. I think anyone who was willing to give up their time to play should be applauded. Maybe some of the players that weren’t on the bill couldn’t be there. I was there and the show was great!

Great show. Wish Johnny Winter could have played more. I had very low expectations for John Mayer, but he acquitted himself very well. Jeff Beck actually seemed to be enjoying himself, and he really cooked. Susan Tedeschi added some much-needed energy early in the show. The event was carried to a higher level with the arrival of Steve Winwood on stage. I found Doyle Bramhall to be the weakest link on the lineup - and as a fellow lefty, I was pulling for him. Not surprisingly, the Buddy Guy set smoked. Great show!

jeff Beck is on right now if anyone wants to catch it:
The girl bass player is great -she must be like 20

By the way, my 20 year old daughter is a big John Mayer fan.Gives us some common ground cuz he sings a little like SRV.That’s were the comparison ends for me. And yes, I’ve heard the live John Mayer trio stuff.

hey J.T.RED -read the new book “SkyDoG” about Duane.Dont forget Warren Haynes either. A lot of you guys seem surprised abot Jeff Beck, still kicking ass after all these years!

Albert Lee- he is so bad ass-currently playing “Country Boy”
talk about licks and speed. Great! I wish he would have let Vince trade licks with him at the end, though.

Well , John Mayer is Nambi-Pambi in my opinion.I haven,t seen Jeff Beck on this yet, I will look forward to the DVD. Currently watching Vince Gill (HOOOOOEEEEE!)
Now we are talking bad ass! It would be cool if Brad Paisley and Gary Moore were on this bill, but I dont believe they are. Here’s a good laugh for a video we made for youtube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Zh8 znZq8ia8

Hey allmanlover,
Not sure who played it at this years festival. I sure do love listening to the original recording though, Duane Allman played that brilliant slide guitar work on the second half of Layla. Recently I had the good fortune of viewing a black & white photo of Duane taken during that very Layla recording session. He was playing a trick vintage Gibson SG for the solo.
Peace,
J.T.RED

The reality of modern touring suggests that only powerhouse acts can and do go it alone out there on the road. We all see the success of concerts like Bonaroo,
Live Aide etc. For promoters and artists alike, “Putting Butts In The Seats” is paramount. This after all is the “Music Business”,
and not the Music Opinion Festival.
$2k a week downstage guys don’t make the rules, lets not forget that ticket sales pay that $2k a week. If The Crossroads Festival promoters think John Mayer will put more Butts In The Seats, great because last I heard the show was sold out. HMM……….
Peace,
J.T.RED

It always confuses me when I read a comments page like this and see the negativity. I watched the whole festival yesterday and every bit of it was great. If you don’t like music, don’t watch. If you’re a wannabe lacking sufficient talent or ambition, stop focusing your jealousy on those who are playing music. That said, the surprise of the show was Beck’s bassist, Tal Wilkenfeld, according to earlier posts. It was so fantastic to see a female with such obvious talent who generated such a pure love for music and joy in what she was doing. Bass players aren’t usually even recognized, but to be recognized against a solar flare like Jeff Beck, is phenomenal. I hope to see much more of her.

anyone who does not recognize John Mayers’
talent/chops is either deaf or jealous. The boy can play. He is in his element keeping company with Eric, BB, Beck, Winwood, et al.
Lots of negative vicious comments posted.
This is Guitar Heaven.

Q:Who was the second best guitarist on “Layla”? A:Clapton,always overrated IMO

Tal Wilkenfeld was jeff becks bassist

someone mentioned Becks bassists name before, her name is Tal Wilkenfeld, and as of now i am a fan.

Who was Jeff Beck’s bassist?

Derek Trucks,Johny Winter main reasons to go,IMO

Grew up w/Clapton,wish he was still doing H,boring

john mayer is all media hype-period
clean white boy everyone can like
and yes Jeff Beck was great

derek trucks rocks!!!!!!!!

Bashing John Mayer hey? Yah, he must suck. Clapton must be an idiot for inviting him to the festival. Funny how John Mayer gets the respect of all the “Real” blues guys (Buddy, BB, Clapton) but not from you poseurs. Y’know there’s probably a reason we get to hear John’s guitar playing, and nobody’s ever heard, or ever will hear, all your shitty riffs. Go practice your guitar. We all know you suck

Los Lobos smoked everyone !!!

John Mayer is a weak affected guitarist with no chops and no tone, similar to Robert Cray though he is sincere. Watch Jeff Beck to see what a master of microtone and dynamics can really do. He blows everyone off the stage. And check out his girly bass guitarist, Tal Wilkenfeld for a real talent.

hey, anyone know who was playing bass w/ jeff beck, she was awesome

Extra Crappy, the word “spent” is past tense for your information. After traveling on 5 continents, and by the way I did do the 1988 Amnesty International Tour with Bruce, Sting, Peter, I find your attempt to belittle me quite funny. People like you we use to point to and say, “security get this troll off my stage” Or are you the kind we’d find in the dressing room eating the crew food? By the way, what tours have you done and who has employed you at 2k a week to tour? LOL.., John Mayer? LMFAO You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.

Mark, maybe you’re doing something wrong, if you’re stll an itinerant road warrior after 25 yrs.

John Mayer isn’t worthy of even being the guitar tech of any of those players. Period. I’m sorry to say that the younger people who think he’s on the same level need to go back to their video games, boy bands and the rest of their lame a$$ culture that makes those of us that have spent 25 years on the road with these real stars wretch on every note Mayer plays. Please.

This is for all the J.M. haters.
First off, he is a large draw to the festival because of his commercial success. He will draw fans to the concert that would not
normally go to this sort of event.
This will create new fans of the blues. Keeping the blues alive is a great cause. Most of these guitarists are deep rooted in the blues. The fact is most music we hear today has been influenced in some way by the blues. These ignorant comments about John Mayer, only shows all of us that we truly are, ” Waiting For The World To Change”.

Peace,
J.T.RED

“Music isn’t competitive, it’s cooperative, symbitotic”
Could not have been said better….

Only non-players, hacks or Bush supporters, could have posted the moronic babblings below. Obviously, the amount of work it takes to rise to the level of these players is beyond comprehension of most… I wish I could be there.

Are you guys crazy??? Mayer has totally cracked the code…. HUGE commercial success with the likes of Daughters (which did win a grammy) and a total git’r slinger live. He would not have been as successful if he started his career as another blues singer dude, ala Shepperd. The industry didn’t simply need one and Mayer had the foresight to know this. Remember kiddies, it’s called show *business*. Oh yeah… let’s not forget that EC thinks he’s good enough to play Crossroads, twice and Buddy makes time to jam with him every time they are within 50 miles of each other. Forget Gravity and search YouTube for some of his slinging, especially the GMA w/EC… the guy can play and write the songs that get chix…. don’t kid yourself, that’s why people get into the biz.

Music isn’t competitive, it’s cooperative, symbitotic. The real players don’t think in these terms. These comments sadden me.

What a kick a$$ line up!
Accolades to all the anti John Mayer fans.
This kid is simply not worthy enough to share the same stage with these ARTISTS - he’s a shlep with a terrible monotone voice.
He cannot play live - I’ve tried watching him.
There are plenty of other excellent singer / songwritter / guitarists out there that deserve the recognition that somehow has bestowed this clown.
The only reason I’m looking forward to his set is for a well deserved bathroom break / beer run.
Enjoy the rest of the show!

No Monte Montgomery…………please.

dc is john mayer’s bitch. lol

john mayer is suck plain and simple said mike. that’s true

yes dc phil’s right, if you are going to ask me i have the same opinion john mayer is a good singer but suck guitar player. what’s going to happen tomorrow is a guitar festival not singing contest. so admit it john mayer shouldn’t be there. i prefer to watch kenny wayne sheperd or mark knofler than your john mayer. sorry, sad but true.

Hey FUCK DC! i can play guitar beter than clapton..he’s just a legend and i am not so fuck off coz you don’t know who you talking to…JOHN MAYERS IS JUST A PIECE OF SHIT….if you gonna be there tomorrow go suck his small dick vhahahahahaha

Although I know John Mayer has released some weak chick music.
I challenge any of you doubters to look at his youtube performance with clapton on good morning america last week. Also check out his cover of SRV. He is the real deal.

who the fuck are YOU to say that john mayer shouldn’t be there…if any of you degenerates would take the time to listen to some of his live stuff, rather than continue the tired trend of mocking him for writing “wonderland” and “daughters”, you would realize that he is more than worthy to be a part of this festival. YOU can not play guitar better than john mayer and neither can many of the other players in the FESTIVAL. watch him tomorrow, and you will see an accomplished guitarist who can most certainly play with the likes of Clapton, Guy, and King.

Watch out for Robert Cray. I hope he does a duet with Clapton on Bad Influence like he did back in 88 I think it was with Phil Collins on drums. This is going to be GR8!!!

we drove all freakin’ night and got to (12.5 hours later) Chicago at 8:45 this morning . Off to Legends tonight (or to see Ted Nugent who is in town) and then off to the show in the AM.

No haters, y’all wish you could be there. And John Mayer will do just fine, as will Sherly Crow. We need some singers, there are plenty of players there to do the HEAVY LIFTING

Rocco DeLuca does play that dobro like a devil…man, is he good…

John Mayer sucks. Plain & simple.

Wow,some of these folks are delirious.I was at the 04 show at the Cotton Dump in Dallas.This is a new shed and has to be better.Now if they just had some Texas BBQ Brisket.Johnny Winter is back,just saw B.B.,don’t expect too much,he’s 81.11 hours is a long time,hope they give us a shady spot to sit.If ya see an old guy with long blonde hair buy him a drink.

My GOD the people bemoaning this festival are CRAZY!! All I’m hearing is Mayer-bashing. Did you not see the REST of the lineup for Pete’s sake???? Then there are the ones whining, “where is (fill in the blank with MY favorite guitarist”)??? For the love of all that is righteous, people! Appreciate the fact that this is a STAGGERING line-up of guitar talent! So Clapton couldn’t snag every single guitarist ever to play, what the hell?!?! Who do think he is, God? Oh, wait….

does anybody know if the itinerary has been posted for the bands tomorrow (i.e. who plays when)?

John Mayer shouldn’t be there.. and where are those strat player like David Gilmour… This is a big joke.. HEY! i can play guitar better than John Mayer for sure.

John Mayer shouldn’t be there.. and where are those strat player like David Gilmour… This is a big joke.. HEY! i can play guitar better than John Mayer for sure.

People who make clueless comments are indeed stupid. For example, underground has obviously been living underground. I’m a total John Mayer fan and hate his radio crap. He has waayyy more blues & guitar under his belt than the few songs you hear on the radio & choose to judge him by. You’d have done it the same way - make your money first, then do what you really love. The other way around is LAME, and people are more lame for making comments when you obv. don’t know jack sh.

we’ve been setting up toyota park all week..gonna be great

Yes, it is nice to see Johnny Winter getting some good exposure! He’s been off the radar screen for so long I’d almost forgotten he even still exsisted!

John Mayer is a strawberry douche and I have no respect for him. I hope he dies from Jessica Simpson’s STD’s.

Last time I saw Sweetnessfollows she was getting dead-horsed in the alley by Toilet Trained at the Gwen Stefani show. Holla back, girl!

John Mayer is an amazing guitarist, I should know I’ve seen him live three times same amout of times as I’ve seen Clapton. You people bashing him are gonna be eating your words after you see him at Crossroads.
I happen to also have heard Mayer cover numerous SRV & Hendrix tunes,(I have audio of the two blues shows he did in 04) he does them freaking amazingly. Plus the John Mayer Trio is freaking awsome try buying the live cd TRY! you’ll be suprised he’s a kick ass guitarist. Too bad TRY! didn’t get any radio play!

Listen to a John Mayer album and not just what the Record Label POP ‘Powers That Be’ put on the radio. I’ve seen him three times. The first time, I admit, I was dragged by my wife, but I was blown away. Each time there after, I’ve left the show with a whole new respect for Mr. John Mayer.

Clapton, Beck and McGlauglin, pretty heavy company, by any measure, a British Revision / Fission? Robbie Robertson will be a rarity also. This will be the music event of the year, overshadowing the Global Warming concerts, which was weak compared to Live-Aid. All for a good cause. Hats off to mister Clapton.

LOL @ sweetnessfollows

Mayer is at best a very average rock guitarist. He’s not anywhere near Clapton, Beck, Winter, McLaughlin etc.

John McLaughlin? Wow, time stands still! Love it. What an amazing lineup. Rock n Roll!!

this is sponsered by depends right?

I think some of you forgot what the Crossroads is all about and it’s reason. “Eric Clapton has brought an all-star lineup of guitarists together to benefit his Crossroads Antigua rehabilitation center.”
Just because some of the marbles couldn’t fit in the jar doesn’t mean that they’re not good.

The guitar player in our band in Tampa is headed up to Chi-town for the Fest and the rest of the band is sooooo wishing to be there…Clapton, Winter, Mclaughlin, sounds like a PARTY!!

So, is the Smoking Section ever coming back?
They went to Ibiza and never came back?

Will ya’ll stop makin’ all that fuckin’ racket, so I can get some damn sleep! —RB

Focus
On The Good & The Fact It’s For A Good Cause….It Looks Like There’s Something/Someone For Everyone………& Free On MSN !!!

Obviously those of you bashing John Mayer have neither listened to either his new albums continuum or the live trio cd nor seen a video of him playing. He is by far one of the greatest guitar players of our generation. I think Clapton knows a thing or two about who is a good player and who isn’t.

i keep hearing about john mayer being an amazing guitarist but i have yet to hear anything of substance in his singles. once he releases something thats not just for young teen girls i might tune in until then he shouldnt be standing next to b.b. king jeff beck or clapton.

***Yaawwwwwwnnnnn***** Next festival, please!

Not Joe Bonamassa or Kenny Wayne Shepherd?
Grrrrr….

Does anyone know if taking photos is allowed

What about Taj Mahal?

Come back John Lee Hooker. We need you.

Obviously none or you are guitarists. Both are fine technicians but if you want genius make sure you see McLaughlin.

Rocco Rocks!!!!!!!!!!

Nice to see Johnny Winter getting some exposure.

I agree. John Mayer isn’t as great as he thinks he is. Rocco DeLuca, on the other hand, is a guitar genius. See him in concert-you’ll see.

If John Mayer wanted to establish himself as a respected guitarist, he should have released respectable music. C’mon-Your Body is a Wonderland? Please.

John Mayer IS one of the best guitarists of this generation….open your ears…he is the next Eric Clapton for 20-somethings right now…

John Mayer is playing & not Rocco DeLuca? What the hell is going on here? I thought it was a line-up of the best guitarists out there. What a joke.