In a 29 March 2007 interview with the Associated Press, Eric Clapton said that after the second Crossroads Guitar Festival (28 July 2007), “I’m going to disappear for a year or two and have some fun.” As has become the norm, Eric’s self-imposed “time off” didn’t last very long.
Before 2008 was a month old, Eric was rehearsing with Steve Winwood for a series of high-profile shows that took place in New York City. The three Madison Square Garden concerts on 25, 26 and 28 February garnered outstanding reviews. The shows were filmed, but a release date has not yet been announced. March found Eric working in the studio with Robbie Robertson on tracks for a yet-unnamed project. Eric embarked on a short 27 date tour that visited the U.S., Canada and Europe in May, June, and August. While in the U.S., EC even stopped by for a guest appearance at one of Sheryl Crow’s concerts in Florida. Between the U.S. / Canada leg and the launch of the European tour, Eric tinkered with the band lineup a bit with a change in the rhythm section.
Eric is showing no signs of slowing down in 2009. In February, he will tour Japan, followed by New Zealand and Australia in March. Then, it’s back home to England for a run of dates at London’s Royal Albert Hall in May along with dates in Dublin, Liverpool and Manchester. Following that, there’s a 14 date tour of the US with Steve Winwood in June. For a complete list of upcoming tour dates, visit the Clapton Concert Calendar.
WINWOOD / CLAPTON BAND (February 2008)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Steve Winwood (piano / hammond organ / guitar / vocals), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Willie Weeks (bass), Ian Thomas (drums)
2008 SUMMER TOURING BAND (Eastern U.S. / Canada)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Doyle Bramhall II (guitar / backing vocals), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Pino Palladino (bass), Ian Thomas (drums), Sharon White (backing vocals), Michelle John (backing vocals)
2008 SUMMER TOURING BAND (Europe)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Doyle Bramhall II (guitar / backing vocals), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Willie Weeks(bass), Abe Laboriel, Jr. (drums), Sharon White (backing vocals), Michelle John (backing vocals)
2009 TOURING BAND I (Japan / New Zealand / Australia)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Doyle Bramhall II (guitar / backing vocals), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Willie Weeks (bass), Abe Laboriel, Jr. (drums), Sharon White (backing vocals), Michelle John (backing vocals)
2009 TOURING BAND II (Ireland / England)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Andy Fairweather Low (guitar / backing vocals), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Tim Carmon (keyboards), Willie Weeks (bass), Steve Gadd (drums), Sharon White (backing vocals), Michelle John (backing vocals)
2009 WINWOOD / CLAPTON BAND (U.S.)
Eric Clapton (guitar / vocals), Steve Winwood (piano / hammond organ / guitar / vocals), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Willie Weeks (bass), Abe Laboriel, Jr. (drums)
Related Link:
Clapton Concert Calendar - Upcoming Shows
