On the night of September 12, 1996, the 69th Regiment Armory in New York City transformed into a dazzling crossroads of couture and rock ‘n’ roll. The occasion? Giorgio Armani’s star-studded gala celebrating the opening of two new Emporio Armani boutiques on Madison Avenue. While fashion ruled the runway, it was the explosive collaboration between Eric Clapton and Sheryl Crow that truly set the night ablaze.
Taking the stage amid the glitz and glamour, Clapton and Crow delivered a fierce, emotionally charged performance of “Tearing Us Apart,” a track Clapton originally recorded with Tina Turner in 1986. With Crow stepping into Turner’s formidable shoes, the duet became a fiery exchange—her raspy edge and Clapton’s soulful grit igniting undeniable onstage chemistry.
Supported by a world-class lineup including Greg Phillinganes on keys, Nathan East on bass, and Steve Gadd behind the drums, the set wasn’t just a nod to the past—it was a full-throttle showcase of blues and rock mastery. From a searing instrumental take on “Crossroads” to the deep soul of “Going Down Slow” and a spirited rendition of “Pretending,” Clapton and his band delivered a performance that pulsed with raw power and polished precision.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2)/eric-clapton-sheryl-crow-722ee8984abf4328b2bebf98dc55db1b.jpg)
The audience, a who’s who of fashion, celebrity, and royalty—including Sarah, Duchess of York, Naomi Campbell, John F. Kennedy Jr., Mike Tyson, and Michael Keaton—watched as Armani’s sleek Spring 1997 Collection played out against the gritty backdrop of blues and rock. VH1 cameras captured the spectacle for broadcast, preserving every note and nuance of the unforgettable evening.
In a rare and brilliant fusion of style and sound, the Clapton-Crow performance didn’t just entertain—it elevated the night into a cultural flashpoint, where music’s heart and fashion’s elegance collided in spectacular harmony.
Watch the video down below and don’t forget to share this beautiful song with your friends and family…
