News
New Band Plus More Dates In 2014
20 Dec 13
Eric Clapton’s February / March 2014 Tour kicks off 18 February at Tokyo’s most famous venue, the Nippon Budokan. For the tour, which will visit cities in the Far and Mid East, Eric has put together an exciting new band featuring familiar faces from recent tours and some old friends. Joining Eric on stage for these dates will be Nathan East (bass), Steve Gadd (drums), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Paul Carrack (keyboards), Sharon White (backing vocals) and Michelle John (backing vocals).
A few dates will be added to the 2014 Far and Mid East Tour in the coming weeks. Eric will also undertake two small tours in the spring and early summer. Cities to be visited have not yet been announced for these tours.
Who’s Who In Eric Clapton’s February / March 2014 Band:
Nathan East
Nathan rejoins Eric’s band after an absence of 10 years. Nathan first worked with Eric in the studio in 1984 and joined his touring band in 1986. Since his last EC tour in 2004, Nathan has been busy recording and performing with the jazz quarter, Fourplay, of which he’s a founding member. He’s also been out on the road and in the studio with Herbie Hancock, Andrea Bocelli and others.
Steve Gadd
Steve is back behind the drum kit, having last toured with Eric in 2011. His association with Eric began in1976 when they both appeared on the track “Worrier” for Joe Cocker. Steve first joined EC’s touring band during the 94/95 blues tour and has hit the road with the band several times since. He’s kept the beat for hundreds of artists on stage and in the studio, including James Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Chick Corea, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, and George Benson.
Chris Stainton
In 2014, Chris will celebrate 35 years working with Eric on the road and in the studio. He first joined Eric’s band in 1979 and has had only two brief breaks since then. Over his lengthy career, Chris has also worked extensively with Joe Cocker and many other musicians, including Pete Townshend, Ringo Starr, Bryan Ferry, Peter Frampton, David Gilmour, and Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings.
Paul Carrack
Paul is a relative newcomer to Eric’s band, only joining the touring lineup in March 2013. He’s enjoyed solo chart success and has been a member of several chart-topping bands including Ace, Squeeze, Roxy Music and Mike + The Mechanics.
Michelle John
Michelle joined Eric’s band in 2004. Her list of credits is lengthy, having worked with Nick Carter, Lulu, Richard Ashcroft, Samantha Mumba, Bryan Ferry, Annie Lennox and more. Michelle released a solo EP, Little Me, earlier this year.
Sharon White
Sharon joined Eric’s band in 2004, and along with Michelle John, has been a fixture on backing vocals ever since. Sharon has also worked with a diverse group of artists including Westlife, Ringo Starr, Zucchero, Herbie Hancock, Natasha Beddingfield, Corine Bailey Rae, Bryan Ferry and Annie Lennox.
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