News
Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton Announce Select U.S. and Canadian Shows
30 Nov 09
Artists Plan Ambitious Set List Playing “Together And Apart”. On the heels of a stunning collaboration in Tokyo, Japan last February and after the announcement of two sold-out shows at the 02 Arena in London in February 2010, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton announced today an eagerly anticipated set of shows in the U.S. and Canada. U.S. audiences recently saw Jeff Beck’s guitar mastery at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary concert at MadisonSquareGarden. Beck’s 40 minute set with guests such as Sting, Buddy Guy and Billy Gibbons along with a blistering rendition of “Superstition” in Stevie Wonder’s set received strong critical acclaim.
The Beck-Clapton collaboration will undoubtedly be one of the must see shows of this decade, where the artists will perform together and apart. The duo have shared the stage at Festivals and benefits previously, but the Japan shows at the Saitama Super Arena marked the first time they had shared the bill at a major arena. Both artists admitted to having a fantastic time on stage together and press gave rave reviews. The concerts were so spectacular for the musicians and fans alike, that the two decided to team up again at London’s prestigious 02 Arena and have quickly followed suit with the U.S. and Canadian dates.
Thursday, February 18 New York, NY MadisonSquareGarden
Sunday, February 21 Toronto, Canada AirCanadaCenter
Monday, February 22 Montreal, Canada BellCenter
‘Eric and I played together in Japan earlier this year and had a blast. Since then we have been in regular contact and talked about doing a similar show for our fans. Looking forward to the shows in 2010,” said Jeff Beck.
“I’ve always considered Jeff Beck to be one of the finest guitar players around. He’s a friend, a great guy, and a truly gifted musician. We had such a fun time in Japan that it seemed natural to play together again,” said Eric Clapton.
Both Beck and Clapton have long and prestigious musical careers with countless honours and awards to their names. Beck has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice and Clapton is the only artist to be inducted three times. Their musical paths are linked together by the Yardbirds – a band that Clapton left in 1965 and his replacement, ironically, was Jeff Beck. Since those days, Beck and Clapton have remained friends, but have only performed together a few times over the years for an occasional song at a charity event. Now, more than 40 years after the Yardbirds disbanded, the two will join together on the same stage. The duo has said that no exact set list has been discussed but they plan to each do their own respective sets followed by a joint set that is expected to be longer than their first shows in Japan.
Jeff Beck’s recent release, Live at Ronnie Scotts DVD, has gone platinum in USA, Canada and Japan. Beck is currently recording his first studio album in five years in London with Trevor Horne and Steve Lipson producing. Eric Clapton’s recent release Crossroads Guitar Festival DVD has gone multi-platinum in the US. Clapton also just completed a sold-out North American tour with former Blind Faith band member Steve Winwood.
Ticket On-Sale Information
New York General tickets on-sale December 12th
Toronto Tickets on-sale December 4th
Montreal Tickets on-sale December 5th
** Check local ticketing agencies and listings for updates
For New York:
The New York shows will be produced by Ron Delsener for Live Nation. Tickets will be available in advance to American Express cardmembers.
Tickets will go on-sale first to American Express cardmembers through a special pre-sale, beginning Monday, December 7, 2009. Tickets can be purchased via ticketmaster.com.
If tickets remain, a general on-sale date will follow on Saturday, December 12th.