Eric Clapton Reveals New Band And Tour Dates

Earlier this year Eric Clapton made headlines when he told Rolling Stone that he planned to stop touring when turned 70. Clapton will turn 69 in March, so if his comments hold true, time is running out on Slowhand’s touring days. That said, EC does plan to tour in 2014 as he’s just announced the members of his latest ensemble, which will play a run of shows in the Far and Middle East as well as two small tours in the spring and early summer (dates and venues will be revealed soon).

Eric has mixed members of his 2013 band with old friends to form a new group as in 2014 EC will be backed by Nathan East (bass), Steve Gadd (drums), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Paul Carrack (keyboards), Sharon White (backing vocals) and Michelle John (backing vocals). Gadd, a drumming legend, is best known for his work with Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. Squeeze and Mike + the Mechanics keyboardist/vocalist Paul Carrack made his Clapton debut this past March and adds an interesting element to the band, so Eric brought him back for another round of touring. Stainton has been a fixture in Eric’s bands since 1979, while Nathan East rejoins Team Clapton for the first time in 10 years.

Watch Eric and his 2013 band perform “Got To Get Better In A Little While”:

Eric Clapton & His Band -February / March 2014 Tour Dates

18 February -Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
20 February -Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
21 February -Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
23 February -Yokohama Arena, Yokohama, Japan
25 February -Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, Nagoya, Japan
26 February -Osaka-Jo Hall, Osaka, Japan
28 February -Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
4 March -Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore
6 March -Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai, UAE

[via Where’s Eric]