Eric Clapton’s year has been jammed with successful concert events — from a concert series with Jeff Beck and a tour with Roger Daltry in early 2010, to a third installment of his Crossroads Guitar Festival in early summer. Now the musician is closing 2010 by announcing new North American tour plans for the New Year.
The famed guitar-slinger launches his West Coast venture with a single show in Canada on February 25 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. From there, he winds his way down the U.S. coastline, ending the run with a March 8-9 stand at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA.
Nine dates are scheduled overall, including stops on February 28 at Rose Garden Arena in Portland, OR, and March 5 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Veteran Chicano rock band Los Lobos has been named the supporting act for the West Coast tour.
Public ticket sales opened previously in select markets. Remaining onsales begin December 13 in San Jose and Sacramento, as well as for Clapton’s second scheduled performance in Universal City. Ticket prices also vary, with face values starting around $40 and extending up to $150, according to listings on the Ticketmaster and Live Nation Web sites.
The tour follows the late September release of Clapton’s 20th studio album, the aptly titled “Clapton,” which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200. His backing band for the 2011 jaunt features bassist Willie Weeks, keyboardist Chris Stainton, drummer Steve Gadd, and backing vocalists Michelle John and Sharon White.
Eric Clapton itinerary:
(Dates are subject to change.)
| February 25 | Vancouver, BC | Rogers Arena |
| February 26 | Seattle, WA | KeyArena at Seattle Center |
| February 28 | Portland, OR | Rose Garden Arena |
| March 2 | San Jose, CA | HP Pavilion at San Jose |
| March 3 | Sacramento, CA | ARCO Arena |
| March 5 | Las Vegas, NV | MGM Grand Garden Arena |
| March 6 | San Diego, CA | Valley View Casino Center |
| March 8 – 9 | Universal City, CA | Gibson Amphitheater |
