did you prefer eric clapton as a solo artist or with the cream?  

That would be fun, but are they all still alive?

I like Cream a lot, and Eric Clapton's early solo work. When he went to straight blues I didn't care for it.

All the members of Cream are alive (Jack Bruce just barely) and they played two sets of concerts - London and NYC - in 2005. No, they really shouldn't reunite for a tour, a recording session might be feasible, there are reasons they split in 1968 and they are still valid, maybe even more so today. Basically Baker and Bruce don't get along!

You should also check out - the Yardbirds, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Blind Faith - if you want to sample Clapton's earlier work.

eric clapton put out credible music all the way up until 461 ocean blvd. after that, he was way, way too commercial. i did see him last march here in phoenix and he performed mostly derek and the dominos material. it seemed like he was having fun.

Eric Clapton is great no matter who he performed with. I have gone to several concerts and enjoyed all of them. I prefer him as a solo artist. Sorry this response is so late, but I have just recently joined mylot.

I prefer Eric as a solo artist but he was good with cream.

I prefer the Solo Eric Clapton. Even though he had some pretty awesome pyrotechnics with the Cream I still believe that they were just that, pyrotechnics; all flash and no substance. The new Clapton has surprisingly emerged as a mature musician.