So I was invited to the Fillmore by a colleague at Warner Brothers Records who told me that Eric Clapton would be doing an intimate sit down show for special guests on his “Nothing But the Blues tour.” The night before he had performed to a Sold Out House at the San Jose Arena. Upon entering and taking in the table clothed tables and the chandeliers, I was quickly summoned upstairs to the mezzanine. My friends said that Eric himself was holding court in the corner and that I should go speak to him. They said “Ric, you always know what to say”. I saw my chance to meet him and jumped on it. Walking over to a spot, I waited my turn, when the conversation began to wane, I happened to glance that Eric was speaking to Carlos Santana. Not to be dissuaded, I reached out and introduced myself. Thinking quickly on what to say, I said; Nice to meet you Eric, I bet it’s been a long time since you’ve been at the Fillmore!” Eric looks at me and says; “Funny you should say that mate” “because I was trying to remember if it was with Cream or with Derek and the Domino’s.” “It doesn’t really matter because I can’t quite remember anyways, that time was pretty crazy and we were all pretty Fucked up.” We had a good laugh and then I turned to Carlos Santana and introduced myself again saying; Carlos I just caught you on your PBS Documentary discussing how we have Angels all around us, and when you perform angels swirl around you! I said “I think that is incredible and I believe you” He said Thank you, and I don’t know if people will believe me, but it’s the truth.” Eric looked at Carlos and said; you must be on some good shit man! We all laughed and cordially went our own ways. Needless to say it was a classic conversation with two greats.