At 80 years old, Eric Clapton remains one of rock music’s most enduring icons—and on September 5, 2025, he proved that age is no barrier to the stage. With a guitar in hand and decades of legacy behind him, Clapton officially kicked off his limited 2025 North American tour in Columbus, Ohio. The opening night served as more than just the beginning of a seven-date arena run—it was a benefit performance at the Mershon Auditorium, with proceeds directed toward the Crossroads Centre Antigua, a treatment and education facility Clapton founded for individuals recovering from substance abuse.
This fall tour marks Clapton’s return to American stages after a pause due in part to pandemic-era disruptions and a bout with COVID-19 in 2022, which led to postponed dates. The current run includes stops in major cities like Nashville, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City, with the tour concluding in Uncasville, Connecticut on September 20. Despite its brevity, the tour is one of the most anticipated classic rock events of the year.
Clapton’s tour includes support from Jakob Dylan and his band The Wallflowers, who will perform at every date except the Columbus benefit. Their inclusion brings a contemporary roots-rock sound that complements Clapton’s bluesy, guitar-driven style. For fans, the combination is a rare opportunity to witness two generations of rock music intersecting on the same stage.
Tickets have been in high demand, with pricing on verified resale platforms ranging from around $86 to nearly $400 depending on venue and seat selection. These prices reflect the appetite fans have to see Clapton perform live—many for what could be one of his final large-scale tours in North America.
Onstage, Clapton’s setlist spans his decades-long career, drawing from both his solo work and collaborations. Audiences can expect to hear beloved classics like “Layla,” “Tears in Heaven,” “Wonderful Tonight,” “Badge,” and “Cocaine,” as well as renditions of songs from his influential groups Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and Blind Faith. Additionally, his performances often pay tribute to musical inspirations such as J.J. Cale and Bob Marley, underscoring his deep respect for the blues, reggae, and roots music that have shaped his artistic voice.
Backed by a seasoned ensemble of musicians, Clapton’s live band features Nathan East on bass and vocals, Sonny Emory on drums, Doyle Bramhall II on guitar, Tim Carmon and Chris Stainton on keyboards, and vocalists Sharon White and Katie Kissoon. This ensemble brings a polished yet dynamic sound to the stage, supporting Clapton’s seamless transitions between electric solos and intimate acoustic numbers.
Clapton’s 2025 tour not only celebrates his career and milestone birthday, but it also reaffirms his relevance in a live music landscape increasingly populated by legacy artists making triumphant returns to the stage. In an era when veteran performers like Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen continue to draw massive crowds, Clapton’s presence adds to a growing testament of rock’s resilience and continued appeal across generations.
In recent years, Clapton has occasionally stirred controversy with his public views on various issues, but his influence on music remains undisputed. With more than 50 years of recording and performing experience, countless Grammy Awards, and three separate inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Clapton’s stature as a guitar legend is firmly cemented.
The tour also coincides with renewed interest in his most recent studio album, Meanwhile, released in 2024, which features collaborations with younger artists and blues veterans alike. Fans attending the shows may hear live interpretations of newer material from the album, blended into the familiar hits that have defined Clapton’s long and storied career.
As the Madison Square Garden performance on September 19 draws near, anticipation continues to build. That venue, in particular, holds symbolic weight for Clapton, having played it numerous times throughout his career, including historic performances with George Harrison, Jeff Beck, and Steve Winwood.
For many fans, this tour represents more than just a night of music—it’s a chance to connect with a living legend whose influence can be heard in generations of artists who followed. Whether this is Clapton’s final U.S. tour remains to be seen, but at 80, he shows no signs of slowing down, offering a masterclass in resilience, musicianship, and showmanship that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
