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The world’s foremost axeman may be coming to a venue near you.
Eric Clapton just announced he’s mapped out a brief 2025 arena tour this September in support of his bluesy 2024 album “Meanwhile.”
He’ll be joined by Jakob Dylan’s The Wallflowers at all shows.
Near the end of the six-concert run, ol’ Slow Hand is slated to stop into New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Friday, Sept. 19.
This NYC one-off will be his first gig in the Big Apple since 2022 when he played back-to-back shows at MSG as part of his ‘US Tour 2022.’
For those that have yet to see the former Cream/Blind Faith/Derek and the Dominos/Yardbirds/John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers guitarist live, he typically plays acoustic and electric tracks at each show. According to Set List FM, he performed timeless tracks like “Layla,” “Badge,” “After Midnight,” “I Shot The Sheriff,” “Cocaine” at one of his two September 2022 MSG performances.
At a more recent show, the 79-year-old Rock Hall of Famer opened with the Cream classic “Sunshine of Your Love.”
What will he bring to the stage this September? That’s a great question. Although we don’t know yet, we do know the best way to find out is live.
Fans can purchase tickets for all upcoming Eric Clapton shows on sites like Vivid Seats; the official on-sale for the six-concert North American tour is Friday, March 7.
Vivid Seats is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.
They have a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and will be delivered before the event.
Eric Clapton tour schedule 2025
A complete calendar including all North American (as well as a few UK) tour dates, venues and links to buy tickets can be found below.
Eric Clapton set list
Wondering what else Clapton played at that MSG gig back in September 2022?
Based on our findings at Set List FM, here’s the full rundown of what made the cut that evening.
Electric Set I
01.) “God Save the Queen” ([traditional] cover)
02.) “Tearing Us Apart”
03.) “Key to the Highway” (Charles Segar cover)
04.) “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man” (Willie Dixon cover)
05.) “River of Tears”
06.) “I Shot the Sheriff” (The Wailers cover)
Acoustic Set
07.) “Honey Bee” (Muddy Waters cover) (First time played since 1983)
08.) “After Midnight” (J.J. Cale cover)
09.) “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” (Jimmy Cox cover)
10.) “Layla” (Derek and the Dominos song)
11.) “Tears in Heaven” (including a snippet of ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’)
Electric Set II
12.) “Badge” (Cream song)
13.) “Wonderful Tonight”
14.) “Cross Road Blues” (Robert Johnson cover)
15.) “The Sky Is Crying” (Elmore James & His Broom Dusters cover)
16.) “Cocaine” (J.J. Cale cover)
Encore
17.) “High Time We Went” (Joe Cocker cover) (with Jimmie Vaughan)
Note: Clapton typically mixes things up at live shows. For an idea of what he’s performed at other gigs, you can find his complete concert history dating back to 1965 here.
Eric Clapton new music
On Oct. 4, 2024, Clapton released his 22nd studio album “Meanwhile.”
The record, his first non-holiday record since 2016, is a laid-back, bluesy affair featuring high-profile collaborators like Van Morrison, Bradley Walker and the recently-deceased Jeff Beck.
For those who have yet to hear the offering, we suggest starting with the stunning, high-flying cover of “Moon River” (with Beck), jaunty stomper “One Woman” and fiery “Stand and Deliver” (with Van Morrison).
If you’d like to give the album a spin, you can find “Meanwhile” here.
The Wallflowers
As noted above, the 79-year-old rock icon is taking The Wallflowers on the road with him in September.
The group — which has been active since 1989 — broke through with their wistful 1996 smash “One Headlight.” However, they’re no one-trick pony. Other highlights from their vast catalog include the foreboding “Closer To You,” impassioned showstopper “Bleeders” and exquisitely unfussy “Roots And Wings.”
To dive deep into their catalog, click here to revisit The Wallflowers’ sound.
Hoping to see them live? You’re in luck. The Wallflowers are heading out on a tour of their own this year as well.
Eric Clapton band members
According to a press release, here’s who will be backing up Clapton on the road this year.
Nathan East – bass / vocals
Edward “Sonny” Emory III – drums
Doyle Bramhall II – guitar / vocals
Tim Carmon – Hammond/keyboards
Chris Stainton – keyboards
Sharon White – vocals
Katie Kissoon – vocals
Eric Clapton COVID-19 controversy
In November 2020, Clapton released an anti-masking and lockdown song called “Stand and Deliver” with Van Morrison.
Eight months later, he claimed that he would “not perform on any stage where there is a discriminated audience present” in regard to vaccinations.
Ironically, Clapton ended up canceling a handful of concerts after receiving a positive COVID-19 diagnosis in March 2022.
Classic rockers on tour in 2025
Rock and roll is here to stay (for now).
Need receipts?
Check out just five of the biggest stars in their 70s and 80s still kicking it on the road this year.
• Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band
• AC/DC
• Bob Dylan with Willie Nelson
Who else is out there? Take a look at our list of all the biggest classic rockers on tour in 2025 to find the show for you.
Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change