Eric Clapton Hitting The Road In 2010

Eric Clapton Hitting The Road In 2010

Of all the Sixties icons still kicking Eric Clapton has probably had the most consistent career. Yes, his popularity has waned a bit and yes he's had his share of clunkers. But when you're a guitar god and one of the world's preeminent blues men it's easy to stay relevant.

While some duffers have to worry about writing music or keeping their voice in shape, all "Slowhand" has to do is play some blues. He can cover anyone from the Brady Bunch to the Yeahs Yeahs Yeahs and as long as he keeps true to his roots fans will still buy his albums and flock to see Eric Clapton in concert.

In 2010, the only three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is planning to tour both North America and Europe.

Clapton's tour of the States commences Feb. 15 in Pittsburgh and ends March 13 in Orlando.

Those on the Left Coast will miss out. The furthest west Clapton ventures is Tulsa and Kansas City. His dates are mainly confined to the south, places like Nashville, Birmingham and Raleigh.

The Who's Roger Daltrey will open. Remember The Who is the halftime show at Super Bowl XLIV taking place in Miami on Feb. 7.

Backing up Clapton for this excursion will be drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Willie Weeks, keyboardists Chris Stainton and Walt Richmond, and background vocalists Michelle John and Sharon White.

Clapton is also set to play three shows with a fellow guitar legend, as well as a fellow former member of The Yardbirds, Jeff Beck.

The two will trade licks during three shows: Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck in New York on Feb. 18; Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck in Toronto on Feb. 21; and Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck in Montreal on Feb. 22.

Clapton and Beck performed together in Tokyo in February of 2009. Look for each guitarist to play about an hour followed by a combined jam session lasting around 30 minutes.

There are some rumors circulating that Jeff Beck may join Clapton's U.S. tour full time. It's probably less of a rumor and more wishful thinking on the part of fans.

After his North American road trip, Clapton is off to Europe for a series of shows with Steve Winwood. That trek begins May 18 in Birmingham and concludes June 13 in Istanbul.

Earlier this year, Clapton and Winwood released a live album of a Madison Square Garden concert recorded in February of 2008. At that concert, the duo performed several Blind Faith songs (of course there are only about a dozen to begin with). Blind Faith was a supergroup that released one album in 1969.

Clapton and Winwood also teamed up for a 14-date tour of the United Summer this past summer.

At 64-years of age it's hard to say how many more tours "Slowhand" has left. So if you have the chance to see Clapton live take it.

Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck
February 13, 14 - London, UK - O2 Arena
February 18 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
February 21 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Center
February 22 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Center

Eric Clapton
Feb. 15 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mellon Arena
Feb. 27 – Nashville, TN @ Sommett Center
Feb. 28 – Birmingham, AL @ Birmingham Jefferson
Mar. 2 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK
Mar. 3 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
Mar. 5 – Memphis, TN @ FedEx Forum
Mar. 6 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Arena
Mar. 8 – Raleigh, NC @ RBC Center
Mar. 9 – Atlanta, GA @ Gwinnett Center
Mar. 11 – Ft. Lauderdale Bank Atlantic Center
Mar. 13 – Orlando, FL @ Amway Arena