Watch Cream: Royal Albert Hall

Cream: Royal Albert Hall is a concert film that captures the legendary reunion shows of the iconic British rock band Cream. The film, directed by Martyn Atkins, is a recorded version of the band's performance at London's Royal Albert Hall, which marked their first live shows in over 25 years. The reunion tour took place in May 2005 and featured Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce.

The movie opens with a black and white footage of the band's early days and transitions to the present-day rehearsals leading up to the magnificent concert. The concert kicks off with "I'm So Glad," followed by "Spoonful," and "Outside Woman Blues." Their sound is as impressive as it was in their heydays, and they exude energy that seems to invigorate the entire auditorium.

The film captures the essence of Cream's music, which allowed them to be positioned as one of the leading bands of the psychedelic era. Their performances throughout the concert are breathtaking, and the happiness on the faces of the fans is evident as they revel in the experience. The camera angles and lighting during the performances are masterfully done and add to the overall cinematic value of the movie.

Ginger Baker's drumming skills and Jack Bruce's bass playing are highlighted throughout the concert. While Eric Clapton's guitar playing is always exceptional, his blues solos during "Crossroads" and "White Room" are some of the most memorable moments of the film. Clapton’s performance in the film is impeccable, and he seems to be genuinely thrilled to be sharing the stage with his former bandmates.

One part of the film that stands out is the acoustics of the venue. The sound quality is exceptional, and the film captures the sheer power of their music as it reverberates around the venue. The Royal Albert Hall is known for its majestic setup, and the concert's staging and lighting design highlight the architecture and beauty of the venue.

The film also contains some excellent behind-the-scenes footage of the band, which is interspersed between the live performances. It provides a glimpse of the band's preparation leading up to the event, including their rehearsals and interviews with the band members. The footage reinforces the looseness of their rapport, with backstage chats showing that their friendship remains unbroken even after all the years that have passed since they last played together.

Cream: Royal Albert Hall succeeds in immortalizing a historic event in the history of rock music. The reunion concert was not only a nostalgic moment for fans of the band, but it also served as a critical moment for the band's three members. It highlighted the fact that their music has stood the test of time and still sounds as innovative today as it did back in the 60s.

The film does an incredible job of combining the nostalgia of the past with the excitement of the present. The reunion show had Clapton, Baker, and Bruce all hanging out together again and doing what they do best. The performance matched the hype, leaving everyone breathless and grateful to have witnessed such a great show.

In conclusion, Cream: Royal Albert Hall is a must-watch for any fan of the band, rock music, and live performances. The film stands as a testament to the incredible legacy of Cream, featuring an intimate performance that captures the energy of their music and the camaraderie of the band members.

Cream: Royal Albert Hall is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 48 hours.