Cream – Royal Albert Hall London May 2–3–5–6, 2005 (Live)

Release Date: September 20, 2005
Label: Polydor / Universal
Type: Live Album
Genre: Blues Rock / Hard Rock / Psychedelic Rock
Length: 158:00 (Approx. 2 hours 38 minutes, 2 CDs)
Producer: Simon Climie, Eric Clapton

Overview

Royal Albert Hall London May 2–3–5–6, 2005 captures Cream’s legendary reunion concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall, nearly 37 years after their breakup. Originally recorded during four nights of reunion shows, the album documents the first time the iconic trio—Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker—performed together live in decades.

The album highlights Cream’s timeless chemistry, combining classic hits with extended jams reminiscent of their 1960s performances. Tracks like “Sunshine of Your Love,” “Crossroads,” “White Room,” and “Spoonful” showcase the band’s blues mastery, improvisational skill, and raw energy, proving that the trio’s influence had not faded with time.

Critics praised the album for capturing both the nostalgia and the musical precision of the reunion, balancing tight arrangements with the improvisational freedom fans loved. It serves as both a celebration of Cream’s legacy and a document of one of rock’s most anticipated reunions.

Tracklist (Selected Highlights)

CD 1:

White Room – 6:07
I’m So Glad – 7:42
Sitting on Top of the World – 5:33
Strange Brew – 4:36
Born Under a Bad Sign – 6:19
Crossroads – 5:11
Badge – 5:10

CD 2:

Sunshine of Your Love – 6:54
Tales of Brave Ulysses – 5:35
Sleepy Time Time – 6:32
N.S.U. – 6:02
Politician – 5:08
Spoonful – 16:50
Toad – 8:30

(Exact track listings vary slightly by edition.)

Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know?

Did You Know? These concerts were part of Cream’s brief 2005 reunion tour, celebrating their 40th anniversary as a band.
Historic Venue: The Royal Albert Hall had been a favorite venue for the original band in 1968–69.
Extended Jams: “Spoonful” and “Toad” feature improvised solos, echoing their legendary 1960s live performances.
Guest Appearances: No additional musicians were involved; the original trio performed all parts, proving their enduring skill.
Critical Acclaim: Reviewers praised the album for balancing nostalgia with vitality, showing the trio still sounded powerful and connected.
Technological Upgrade: The recording was digitally remastered, capturing the detail and clarity of the live performances.
Legacy: Considered a must-have for fans, the album captures Cream as both historical icons and still-relevant musicians decades later.

Album Credits

Cream:

Eric Clapton – Guitar, vocals
Jack Bruce – Bass, vocals
Ginger Baker – Drums, percussion

Production Team:

Producer: Simon Climie, Eric Clapton
Engineer: Mick Guzauski
Recording Venue: Royal Albert Hall, London
Live Sound: Designed to replicate the 1960s power trio dynamics

Mini Review

Royal Albert Hall London May 2–3–5–6, 2005 is a celebratory, electrifying reunion capturing Cream’s legendary live energy decades after their original run. From iconic riffs in “Sunshine of Your Love” to extended solos in “Spoonful” and “Toad,” the trio demonstrates timeless virtuosity and chemistry. Balancing nostalgia and fresh intensity, the album is both a tribute to Cream’s legacy and a thrilling live experience for fans old and new.