In the 21st Century, Eric Clapton has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in productivity, marked by the release of several live concert recordings that began with the acclaimed 2002 album One More Car, One More Rider. This trend continued with the highly anticipated 2015 release Slowhand at 70: Live at the Royal Albert Hall, where he returned to one of his most beloved venues. During the pandemic, Clapton kept his creative spirit alive with the 2021 project The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions, showcasing his adaptability and dedication to his craft.

Fans of Clapton may be surprised to learn that his earlier output was far less frequent. In his first seven years, he released just three live albums, starting with the 1973 classic Eric Clapton’s Rainbow Concert. Following this, there was a notable silence of more than a decade until the release of Just One Night in 1980. The 1990s saw only two additional concert recordings: 24 Nights and the iconic Unplugged. It’s worth noting that Nothing But the Blues, released in 2022, was also captured during this earlier period, highlighting his long-standing connection to live performance.

These live albums provide invaluable insights into the various stages of his solo career. They chronicle his tumultuous battles with addiction in his formative years, his artistic triumphs and tribulations throughout the ’70s and ’80s, and his remarkable comeback that sustained him well into his late career. Clapton’s journey through music reflects both his personal challenges and the evolution of his sound, culminating in a legacy that has resonated with fans for decades.

READ MORE: Discover the Top 10 Eric Clapton Guitar Solos That Define His Style

Throughout his illustrious career, five of Clapton’s live albums have made it into the Top 20 charts. Notably, Just One Night and Unplugged both reached the Top 5, showcasing his immense popularity. Additionally, these concert recordings produced memorable hit singles, including the dual release “Tulsa Time/Cocaine” in 1980, the beloved “Wonderful Tonight” in 1991 (specifically in the U.K.), and the timeless classic “Layla” in 1992. Each of these tracks highlights Clapton’s exceptional songwriting and guitar prowess, solidifying his status as a legendary musician.

In addition to his solo work, Clapton has participated in numerous collaborative live recordings that have enriched the music landscape. These include the influential 1964 album Five Live Yardbirds and the 1966 collaboration Sonny Boy Williamson and the Yardbirds. He also contributed to several notable recordings with Cream, such as the 1970 release Live Cream and the comprehensive Royal Albert Hall London May 2-3-5-6, 2005. Other significant collaborations include 1973’s In Concert with Derek and the Dominos and the 2009 concert album Live From Madison Square Garden with Steve Winwood. However, this ranked list specifically focuses on Clapton’s solo live albums, highlighting his individual artistry.

Here’s a look back at Clapton’s impressive live album discography:

Explore Eric Clapton?s Iconic Guitar Hero Yearbook Picture