Carl Perkins, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Ringo Starr - Sun Records Medley Live 1985
Watch an absolute powerhouse moment in music history: Carl Perkins, George Harrison, & Eric Clapton performing a high-energy Medley live on September 9, 1985. Recorded at the legendary Capitol Theatre in Passaic, NJ, this official archival footage captures three of the most influential guitarists of all time sharing one stage to honor the roots of rock and roll. This medley serves as a masterclass in guitar style, blending Perkins' rockabilly "chicken-pickin'," Harrison’s melodic precision, and Clapton’s blues-rock fire. As a rare warm-up to their famous London "Rockabilly Session" held later that year, this New Jersey performance is a must-watch for any fan of the Beatles, Cream, or the Sun Records era. 🎸 The Legends 🎤🎸 Carl Perkins – Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar 🎤🎸 George Harrison – Vocals, Guitar 🎤🎸 Eric Clapton – Vocals, Guitar 🎸 Greg Perkins – Bass 🥁 Tony Austin – Drums 🥁 Ringo Starr – Drums ⚡ 5 Facts About the Show The Capitol Theatre Archive: This footage comes from the legendary "Music Vault" collection, which professionally recorded hundreds of shows at the Capitol Theatre using their state-of-the-art multi-camera system. Pre-Session Warmup: While many fans remember the televised London special from October 1985, this September show at the Capitol was a rare, intimate rehearsal of sorts for the all-star lineup. The Beatle Connection: George Harrison’s appearance here was significant, as he rarely performed live during the 1980s. He joined the stage specifically to pay tribute to Perkins, his lifelong musical hero. Interplay of Styles: This medley highlights the unique contrast in equipment—from Perkins' classic Gibson to Harrison's gretsch-inspired tones and Clapton’s signature Fender Stratocaster sound. A Historic Triple-Threat: It is exceptionally rare to find high-quality footage of these three specific icons sharing lead guitar duties on a single medley, making this one of the most viewed clips in rock history.
About Carl Perkins
Carl Lee Perkins was an American country, rockabilly, and rock and roll guitarist, singer and songwriter. A rockabilly great and pioneer of rock and roll, he began his recording career at the Sun Studio in Memphis in 1954. Among his best known songs are "Blue Suede Shoes", "Honey Don't", "Matchbox" and "Everybody's Trying to Be My Baby".
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