Watch Eric Clapton and Carl Perkins Perform the Same Song in 1970 and 1985

Who doesn't have time for a quick, harmless blast from the past?

Below, check out two pro-shot videos of Eric Clapton and Carl Perkins performing "Matchbox," which Perkins originally recorded in 1956 and released in 1957. The clips are interesting because they show the same two guys playing the same song—in very different settings—almost exactly 15 years apart.

The first clip is from a well-known November 1970 episode of The Johnny Cash Show during which Clapton's then-band, Derek and the Dominos (minus Duane Allman), is joined by Cash and Perkins for a rousing cover of the tune.

Below that, you'll find an October 1985 performance of "Matchbox" that features Perkins, Clapton and Ringo Starr, who sang lead vocals on the Beatles' version. It was filmed in London as part of Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session, which also featured (and features, since it's available as a DVD) George Harrison. In the 1985 version, Clapton truly goes to town, delivering a blazing solo with a throaty, scooped Strat tone, not to mention some strong vocals.

While Perkins' "Matchbox" has been recorded several times, it's safe to say the Beatles' 1964 version is probably the best-known rendition—and the reason many of us are able to play and sing along with the tune today.

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Damian Fanelli
Editor-in-Chief, Guitar World

Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.