Can You Guess This Famous Face?
Katy Perry Divorce: With No Prenup How Much Will Russell Walk Away With?
It's Pink!
Randy Travis Apologizes for Public Intoxication
M.I.A., Fiance Benjamin Bronfman Split, Singer Rarely Sees Son -- Report
Josh Powell's Last Words: 'I Am Not Able To Go On Anymore': Report
Alori Joh Dead: Singer and Kendrick Lamar Affiliate Dies at 25
American Heart Month: 17 Celebrities Who Faced Heart Problems
Can You Guess This Famous Face?
Powell 911 Call Released: Cops Declare Investigation Of Missing Mom A Murder Case
It's Madonna!
PHOTOS: Anti-Gay Protesters Getting Pwned
Thudda Boy Dead: Rapper Brondon McDaniel Dies From Gunshot Wound
PHOTO: Miley Cyrus Wears Racy Garter Tights
Chi Cheng Improving: Deftones Bassist Raises Leg After Three Years in Coma
Mia Farrow's Low-Key, Philanthropic Style
The Best And Worst Burgers
PHOTOS: Massive Whale Shark Reeled Into Harbor
Post 50 Celebrity Dream Homes on the Market (PHOTOS)
Is Social Media Causing The Mystery Illness?
Lacrosse Player Accused Of Killing Ex-Girlfriend Emailed Her 'I Should Have Killed You'
Powell Boys Suffered 'Chop Injuries' Before Explosion
Prop 8, California's Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Declared Unconstitutional
Staten Island Mother Suing City For $900 Trillion
Freakish Fossil Upends Ideas About Origins Of Animal Life
Werewolf Sisters Are Coated In Hair (PICTURES)
Obama's Favorite Day As President?
The 10 Biggest Sources Of Salt In Our Diets
WATCH: Rose McGowan, Christie Brinkley & Minka Kelly Stumble On Runway
Woolly Mammoth Allegedly Caught On Video In Siberia
'Dancing With The Stars' Season 14 Dream Casting
PHOTOS: She's Back!
Syrian President's Wife Speaks Out
The Boot caught up with Vince to find out what it's like to be a part of a league of musicians with such unparalleled talent, and how it felt to be asked back to the invitation-only event for the third time (the first two Crossroads Festivals were held in Dallas in 2004 and Chicago in 2007).
"It's such an amazing day," Vince tells The Boot in wonderment. "I mean, if you look at a T-shirt or a poster and you read the line-up of everyone who is there, it's just crazy. Humbling. It's so wonderful to be asked. Among musicians like that, we all respect each other so much, it's a brotherhood and camaraderie. And when someone like Eric asks you to come because he says he's inviting people that he likes to hear, it makes me feel validated as a guitar player."
Vince played a scorching set in which the guitar work was the only thing hotter than the afternoon sun. He was joined on stage by bluesman Keb' Mo', soul-country picker Albert Lee (pictured above with Vince) and pioneering master James Burton as they burned through a set that included 'One More Last Chance,' 'Mystery Train' and 'Whenever You Come Around.' Sheryl Crow came out for a rousing version of Clapton's own 'Lay Down Sally,' which ended the set in a funky groove. Getting to play with his heroes Lee and Burton made the time on stage all the better for Vince.
"I have to say that Albert and James are probably two of the people who have influenced me most when it comes to how I approach playing the guitar, he says. "The lilt, the bounce, the dance of the way James plays is unbelievable, and Albert is incredible."
The Crossroads Guitar Festival is a day of music to benefit the Crossroads Centre at Antigua, a drug and alcohol treatment center founded by Clapton in 1998. A man who gives much time and energy to charitable efforts himself, Vince is only too happy to help out his friend for the cause.
"The thing about Eric is, as great and amazing as he is as a guitar player, he's even a better guy," he asserts. "He is one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever met. He will bend over backward to accommodate you, to help you, whatever. He has a great heart."
Although Clapton had originally planned this year's Crossroads Festival to be the last, he hinted Saturday night that he might do another one. If that happens, is Vince ready to go when the phone rings? "I can't think of anyone who would say 'no' to that," he laughs. "I'm like,'Just say the date, and we'll show up!'"
Download Vince Gill Songs
