By Neil Howe

Last Friday evening, the historic Cloisters in Pollença became the backdrop for what I can only describe as one of the finest musical experiences of my life. My wife and I had headed out with nothing more than a bit of hope, arriving at the entrance just as the crowd was gathering. By some incredible stroke of fortune, we managed to secure two tickets right at the door—a lucky break that granted us access to an exceptionally rare, intimate gathering of just 300 people.

The man of the hour was the legendary session guitarist and musical maestro, Arthur Lee. Stepping onto the stage in the open-air enclosure, he was in absolutely spectacular form. From the very first chord, it was obvious we were in the presence of a true master of the instrument. He tore through a curated setlist of brilliant hits, delivering a masterclass in precision, soul, and effortless technique that left the entire room spellbound.

What made the night truly unforgettable, however, was the level of intimacy. Arthur didn’t just play; he connected. Mid-way through the evening, he opened up the floor for a Q&A session with the audience. Hearing him speak in such a small setting provided an incredible, rare insight into his life. He shared fascinating stories about his childhood and painted vivid pictures of his time working in the studio alongside a staggering number of the world’s most famous musical icons. It was a level of storytelling you simply never get at a standard venue.

Strict photography bans were in place throughout the performance, meaning no one could capture the wizardry on stage. But honestly, the lack of glowing smartphone screens only heightened the magic, forcing everyone to be entirely present in the moment. It was a flawless, enchanting gig that will be talked about by those lucky 300 for years to come.