Rocker Eric Clapton announces Madison Square gigs for 70th birthday

Rock musician Eric Clapton will celebrate his upcoming 70th birthday with the release of a new compilation album and a series of concerts at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden and London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Rock musician Eric Clapton will celebrate his upcoming 70th birthday with the release of a new compilation album and a series of concerts at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden and London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Clapton, who turns 70 on March 30, is set to release Forever Man, a three-CD album focussing on his years with the Reprise Records label that will include hits like Tears In Heaven and Change The World and live versions of his classics Cocaine, Layla and Wonderful Tonight.

The release of the album on April 28 will be followed by nine concerts at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on May 1 and 2 and at London’s Royal Albert Hall on May 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 23.

Clapton will be accompanied by his band that includes singer Paul Carrack, drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Nathan East, keyboardist Chris Stainton and singers Sharon White and Michelle John.

The new compilation album, which is named after Clapton’s 1985 hit Forever Man, spans three decades and has 51 tracks spread over three CDs. One disc features studio recordings, another on live performances and the third is a blues-themed disc. The album also features Clapton’s collaborations with artists such as B B King, J J Cale and Steve Winwood.

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