To celebrate the release of Til Your River Runs Dry, Eric Burdon gave back to fans with a free performance. Well before his slated 6:00 time slot, the aisles at J&R Music World were filled with anxious fans, in their hands, copies of the album that Eric Burdon himself would sign. It was a moment in history that made all our lives a little more complete; I mean, how many people can say they got to sing along to “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” with Eric Burdon at a record store?  Luckily, we can.

Sporting a cool pair of red, white and blue shades, Burdon took the stage and wasted no time working the crowd through tracks off Til Your Water Runs Dry as well as nuggets from his Animals days. A slow-downed version of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” received praise as soon as that signature haunting intro dropped, and during the chorus, Burdon held out his mic to the crowd. Burdon showed Bo Diddley some love with a cover of  “Before You Accuse Me” while in the audience, a teenage boy sang along under his daddy’s arm. Teach your children well and feed them on your dreams.

The years may have passed, his hair may have turned white, but Eric Burdon is still a performer to marvel at. That voice of his is still one of the greatest in rock history and will continue to be long after the river has run dry.

Be sure to check out Elmore’s March/April issue featuring an interview with Eric Burdon as well as a review of his album, Til Your River Runs Dry.

– Melissa Caruso