Blind Faith

London Hyde Park 1969 (Sanctuary)

When Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Rick Grech, and Stevie Winwood played their debut gig as Blind Faith before 100,000 people at London’s Hyde Park in 1969, they proved their own toughest act to follow. London Hyde Park captures the short-lived supergroup’s awe-inducing set with narrative and additional footage positing it in a cultural context. Despite Clapton’s stature, the show belongs to the barely 21 Winwood, whose plaintive voice soars powerfully, even when slipping off-key and muffing the lyrics to “Well All Right.” Extras include marvelous Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, and Cream videos plus stills, discography, and band genealogy. ***.5

This article appears in December 22 • 2006.

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