Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival Night One Recap

09-27-2026

(fcc) Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2026 kicked off Saturday night at Austin's Moody Center, gathering an elite lineup of world-class guitarists for the first of two nights packed with genre-spanning performances and rare collaborations.

Marking the 28th anniversary of the Crossroads Centre Antigua, the festival's seventh edition launched with an impressive roster of artists, including Eric Clapton, Sonny Landreth, Ben Haggard, Will Johns, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales, Marcus King, Daniel Santiago, Pedro Martins, Julian Lage, Trey Anastasio, John McLaughlin, Dirk & Amelia Powell, Brothers of the Heart, Jerry Douglas, Jimmie Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Billy F Gibbons, Sierra Hull, Doyle Bramhall II, Charlie Sexton, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and John Mayer.

Highlights from Night 1 included: Bill Murray kicked off the show by greeting fans before delivering his own rendition of Clapton's song "Crossroads," with Eric Clapton himself joining him on guitar and backing vocals.

Buddy Guy and Eric Clapton joined Jimmie Vaughan on stage for a memorable collaboration that brought fans to their feet including a performance of "Damn Right, I've Got the Blues."

Marcus King and Sierra Hull teamed up on stage for the first time for a set of stirring songs including "Mad World."

Doyle Bramhall II and Charlie Sexton reunited, performing "Cinnamon Girl," among other songs.

Tedeschi Trucks Band welcomed a star-studded lineup of special guests throughout their set, including Trey Anastasio, John Mayer, Doyle Bramhall II, and Eric Clapton.

A performance of a searing electric rendition of "Layla" with Eric Clapton, Doyle Bramhall II, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi.

The night closed with a spectacular finale featuring a majority of the Night 1 lineup together on a packed stage, performing Clapton's hit "Got to Get Better in a Little While."

The festival will continue today with performances from Eric Clapton, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Tommy Emmanuel, CGP, Del McCoury Band, Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo', Robert Randolph, John Mayer and many more.