San Diego native Nathan East, one of the most prolific and respected bass players in the music industry, is returning to his hometown on October 8th for a highly anticipated concert at the Pechanga Arena, with Eric Clapton. With a career spanning over five decades, East has played with a staggering array of artists across genres, from jazz and R&B to rock and pop, including Stevie Wonder, Daft Punk, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and of course, Clapton, with whom he has shared the stage for decades.
Returning to San Diego for this special show holds a profound significance for East. “It’s such a surreal full-circle moment,” East shared in a recent interview. “I first performed at this venue over 50 years ago as a teenager, playing with Barry White. I also attended some of my very first concerts here, like Earth, Wind & Fire and The Temptations. So, performing in San Diego again feels like a true homecoming for me.”
For East, the upcoming concert is more than just another stop on the tour—it’s a journey back to where it all started. “To think that this is the same building where I fell in love with music performances and first witnessed a bass hero of mine, Verdine White—it’s incredible. This concert is going to be special, and the audience can expect a heartfelt performance, full of passion from Eric and the entire band. I’m beyond grateful for this journey.”
In addition to his work with Clapton, East is busy with numerous other projects, the most personal being his collaboration with his son, Noah East. Together, they’ve been working on a new album, marking a unique and emotional chapter in East’s storied career. “Working with Noah on this album has been an experience unlike anything I’ve encountered in my entire career,” East said. “For the first time, I get to record an entire project alongside my own son, which is just a dream come true.”
East praised his son’s musical talents, describing how Noah’s “perfect pitch and incredible ear for music” have added a fresh dimension to their collaboration. At just 24 years old, Noah brings a unique perspective, particularly in his understanding of space in music. “His taste is simply exquisite. It’s such a joy to witness his growth, and I’m savoring every moment of this journey together.”
A standout moments from their recent sessionr was their rendition of The Beatles’ classic “Yesterday.” East recalled a magical moment during the recording process: “We were discussing the arrangement for ‘Yesterday,’ with the trio—Noah, myself, and drummer extraordinaire Donald Barrett—and Noah came up with these beautiful, alternate chord changes for the ending. It was meant to be a rehearsal—a simple run-through—but our engineer, the legendary Moogie Canazio, had the wisdom to hit ‘record.’ What you hear on that track is actually ‘take zero’—before we even officially started recording! It goes to show the spontaneous magic that can happen in the studio when you’ve got good musicians and someone like Moogie behind the board.”
East’s deep connection with his son goes beyond just musical collaboration. “There’s something profound about making music with your own child. The connection we share goes beyond just notes and chords; it’s a bond that transcends the music itself. It’s a blessing, and I’m incredibly grateful to be able to share this experience with him.”
Looking forward, East remains optimistic about the future of music, especially with projects like the one he’s working on with Noah. “With over half a century of making music, I’ve learned that trying to predict the future is never easy or wise. One thing I have come to realize is that sincerity seems to align with success. When you’re genuine about what you’re creating, the music resonates. We didn’t just enjoy recording this album—we absolutely love performing it live.”
As for what’s next, East shows no signs of slowing down. “I’ve been extremely fortunate to participate in so many amazing projects and collaborations throughout my career, each one bringing me immense joy. But working with Noah is fulfilling on a whole other level—it’s deeply spiritual.”
Whether performing with legends like Clapton or creating new music with his son, Nathan East continues to make a lasting impact on the music world. His upcoming concert in San Diego is not just a return to the stage—it’s a return to his roots, a celebration of a career that has influenced countless artists and genres. Fans attending the October 8th show can expect a performance filled with passion, history, and a deep sense of gratitude from one of the greatest bass players of all time.
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