EXC Eric Clapton receives six figure sum to perform bizarre restaurant gig for Lizzie Cundy
He is a £450 million mega star who is ranked as one of the greatest guitarists of all time and even performed during Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee.
But Eric Clapton, 78, opted to play a bizarre hour-long gig at Fulham’s River Cafe on Thursday for the likes of Lizzie Cundy, Ronan Keating and Gary Lineker ahead of his rumored performance at the King’s Coronation.
The legendary guitarist, 78, who will join a slew of A-list stars at Windsor Castle this weekend, played a number of hits at the champagne-soaked soirée — perhaps the six-figure check had something to do with it.
After making a hefty sum for the private gig, Eric played for Simon Cowell’s ex Jackie St Clair as she rang in for her husband Carl Michaelson’s birthday in style.
The glamorous Jackie, 63, who rose to fame as a Page 3 pin-up in the mid-1980s, famously had a relationship with the judges on Britain’s Got Talent before marrying businessman Carl.
VIP: The legendary guitarist, 78, who will join a slew of A-list stars at Windsor Castle this weekend, played some hits at the champagne-soaked soirée — maybe the six-figure check had something to do with it
Speaking at the event, a source told MailOnline: ‘Eric performed for an hour at the bash, where champagne flowed all night.
Jackie played the perfect host as she greeted each guest at Carl’s 70th party and ushered them in ahead of the surprise show.
Veteran rocker Eric Clapton was hired for the evening’s entertainment as a surprise to Carl and the guest, none of whom knew that Eric would be the entertainment of the night.
Celebrity guests included Michael Flatley, Gary Lineker, Lizzie Cundy, Bruno Tonioli, plus Ronan and Storm Keating who all partied into the wee hours for the lavish 70th party.
They added: ‘Flatley flew in from Monaco, where he now lives, and Eric took a break from his tour to perform a 60-minute set at the exclusive party.’
Jackie, 63, greeted guests looking sensational in a dark pink tiered dress with silver flecks sparkling in the light.
The former model elevated her height with a pair of sky-high platform heels and styled her dark brown locks into glamorous curls.
Birthday girl Carl looked sweet in a dark blue suit with a crisp white shirt and a pair of suede shoes.
Special Visit: Michael Flatley flew in from Monaco for the unmissable event
Beaming: The Irish-American dancer held his friend Jackie’s hand as she led him inside
Celebrations: The glamorous Jackie, 63, who rose to fame as a pin-up on Page 3 in the mid-1980s, famously had a relationship with the Britain’s Got Talent judge before marrying businessman Carl
Showing the way: Jackie greeted guests looking sensational in a layered dark pink dress with silver flecks shimmering in the light
Eye-catching: Lizzie showed off her incredible figure in the fitted number and elevated her body with a pair of matching red heels
Elsewhere, Jackie’s best friend Lizzie Cundy stunned in a red mini dress with feathered trims and a luxe pink fur coat.
Showing off her incredible figure in the fitted number, she elevated her body with a pair of matching red heels.
Also in attendance were Gary Lineker, Ronan Keating and his wife Storm, and Michael Flatley who all posed for photos outside the venue.
Eric’s private performance comes at the head of his rumored performance at the King’s coronation on Saturday.
There will be dancing all night long as Lionel Richie has been confirmed as one of the names taking center stage at the concert.
Take That, pop singer Katy Perry and world opera star Andrea Bocelli have also been signed up to appear at the event in the grounds of Windsor Castle, according to the BBC.
Glowing: Storm opted for a pair of gorgeous pale pink wide-leg pants
Couple: She added a miniature mint green Chanel handbag while Ronan wore a suit in a matching hue
Chic: Storm completed her look with a cream blouse with ruffles
Arrival: Lizzie was carrying a huge gift bag as she walked in
Stunning: The TV personality later layered over a plush baby pink fur coat
All smiles: Bruno put on a very animated display as he sipped champagne
Stylish: Bruno looked neat in a
Other names revealed by the broadcaster yesterday include Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel and singer Freya Ridings who will perform a duet with producer and musician Alexis Ffrench.
Some 20,000 members of the public will attend the coronation concert on Sunday 7 May, which will be broadcast on BBC1 and Radio 2, along with catch-up services.
According to the BBC, the concert will “celebrate a new chapter in the country’s history” and will have “themes of love, respect and optimism” while celebrating the “four nations” and the Commonwealth.
It comes less than a year after Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee concert featuring music by Queen, Duran Duran and Diana Ross.
Lionel, whose hits include Hello and All Night Long, became The Prince’s Trust’s first global ambassador in 2019.
He said: ‘Sharing the stage with the other artists at the Coronation Concert is a once-in-a-lifetime event and it will be an honor and a celebration.’
Excited: Bruno and his friends waved from the café
Say hello: Jackie welcomed everyone to the lavish bash
Welcoming: The model gave everyone a hug when they arrived
The concert is accompanied by a 70-piece orchestra and a ‘house band’ consisting of the Massed Bands of the Household Division and the Countess of Wessex’s string orchestra.
There will also be the support of The Coronation Choir – a diverse group of performers including shanty singers, taxi drivers, farmers and reggae choirs.
Landmarks and locations across the UK will also be illuminated with lasers, drone displays and lighting.
Charlotte Moore, BBC chief content officer, said: ‘We have a world-class line-up of performers to look forward to for what promises to be a very special night of partying and entertainment.’