News

Winwood / Clapton: Who’s Who In The Band For U.S. Tour

26 Mar 09

On 11 February 2009, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood announced a 14 city U.S. tour that kicks off 10 June in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The tour follows their collaboration at the Chicago Crossroads Guitar Festival in July 2007 and three concerts at Madison Square Garden in February 2008. These shows were acclaimed by fans and critics alike. Double-disc DVD and CD sets recorded at the Madison Square Garden concerts are expected later this spring.

These legendary musicians first connected in 1969 when they formed Blind Faith with Ginger Baker and Rick Grech. One of rock music’s first "supergroups", the band was short-lived and released only one album. This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Blind Faith’s founding and 7 June, the 40th Anniversary of their debut concert in Hyde Park, London before more than 100,000 people.

The Winwood / Clapton 2009 performances will certainly be amongst the "must see" shows of the U.S. summer concert season. Eric and Steve will be joined on stage by Chris Stainton (keyboards), Willie Weeks (bass) and Abe Laboriel, Jr. (drums).

Chris first joined Eric Clapton’s band in 1979. He has been an integral part of EC’s touring and recording bands for much of the last 30 years, except for hiatus periods between 1988 and 1992 and again from 1998 – 2001. Bass legend Willie Weeks joined Clapton’s touring outfit in 2006. Chris and Willie took part in last year’s Winwood / Clapton shows in New York City. Abe Laboriel Jr. is the most recent addition to EC’s band, signing on during the summer of 2008. Abe also tours and records with Paul McCartney.

2009 WINWOOD / CLAPTON BAND LINEUP:

Eric Clapton – guitar, vocals
Steve Winwood – hammond organ, piano, guitar, vocals
Chris Stainton – keyboards
Willie Weeks – bass
Abe Laboriel, Jr. – drums

2009 WINWOOD / CLAPTON TOUR SCHEDULE:

June 10 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center
June 12 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
June 13 Washington, DC Verizon Center
June 15 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
June 17 Chicago, IL United Center
June 18 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
June 20 Omaha, NE Qwest Center
June 21 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
June 23 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
June 24 Houston, TX Toyota Center
June 26 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena
June 27 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Arena
June 29 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena
June 30 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl

Ticket for these concerts have already gone on sale.