How to go
What: Legends of Rock, featuring Slowhand
When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Governor’s Square Park, Broad Street and Central Avenue, Middletown
Cost: Free
By Andy Sedlak
Staff Writer
MIDDLETOWN — As a composer, Eric Clapton has almost always been a stickler for details.
As an interpreter of Clapton, Rick Bailey hones in on the meticulousness of Clapton’s craft and career.
So when Slowhand — an Eric Clapton cover band — takes the stage Wednesday at Middletown’s Legends of Rock concert series at Governor’s Square Park, expect Clapton-esque solos, movements, and the vocal blues huff so identifiable with the music icon.
Bailey even dresses the part as he and Slowhand roll out “Layla,” “After Midnight” and “Sunshine of Your Love.” He often adorns the stage recalling the Eric Clapton of the Reagan era. This means leisure suits with a solid T-shirt underneath, a beard and shaggy hair.
“We always try to put the details in there,” the 59-year-old Bailey said. “For me, I even try to use the same kind of guitars.”
Often accompanying Bailey on stage is a Gibson SG guitar, psychedelically painted in the same fashion as the one Clapton used during his time in Cream.
One detail that will not be included in the band’s Middletown set: “Cocaine,” a 1977 Clapton hit.
“This is a family-friendly event,” said Adriane Scherrer of the We Can Business Incubator, who had a hand in bringing Slowhand to town.
“I’m a total Clapton fan,” she said. “I raised my kids on the words of wisdom of Eric Clapton and Journey.”
The five-member Slowhand has been together since 1994. Bailey said fans have different eras of Clapton they like. Younger fans may appreciate the “Unplugged” Clapton while older fans may gravitate toward the Cream or Blind Faith time periods.
In the end, it just speaks to the remarkable career of a true guitar hero.
“A question I always get is ‘What’s your favorite Eric Clapton song?’ ” Bailey said. “I couldn’t name just one. I couldn’t name five.”
Slowhand will take the stage around 8 p.m. Guns N’ Roses and Kenny Chesney tributes also are on the bill.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or asedlak@coxohio.com.