Eric Clapton coming to Dubai

Wednesday, Oct 30, 2013

Clear your schedules for March 6, 2014: legendary guitarist Eric Clapton is coming to town.

The only three-time Hall of Fame inductee is making his way to Dubai Media City Amphitheatre for the solitary Middle East stop on his latest world tour. If you’re still kicking yourself for missing out on his Abu Dhabi Yas Island performance in 2011, this is your chance to finally see Clapton in the flesh.

Since the 60s, Clapton - also known as “Slowhand” - has been creating waves in the industry felt across the globe. In his early years, he hopped between musical projects including - but not limited to - the Yardbirds, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, and Cream. Finally, he found his footing as a solo artist who changed the game forever.

Making award shows seem like his own personal playground, Clapton has an incredible 17 Grammy award wins to boast of — one of which is a Lifetime Achievement Award for his stint with psychedelic rock trio Cream — and a Brit award in the category of Outstanding Contribution to Music. The English artist was even awarded a CBE at the Buckingham Palace, making him one rank away from joining ex-Beatle Paul McCartney as a knighted “Sir”.

There are always rumours that the 68-year-old might be giving his carefully-curated collection of guitars a rest once and for all, but it doesn’t seem likely just yet. In an interview earlier this year, Clapton said he’s ready to rest, but still feels a drive to share his music.

“I’ve been practicing for retirement,” admitted Clapton. “There’s a desire in me to express something -- to match what I hear in my head. As long as I can come close to it, I’ll continue.”

“This is the first time that 17 times Grammy Award wining artist Eric Clapton will play live in Dubai, and we look forward to a packed Media City Amphitheatre for what promises to be a night of world class rock and roll,” said Thomas Ovesen, COO of concert organisers Done Events.

His upcoming Dubai concert is sure to bring with it the masterful riffs that earned him second place on Rolling Stone magazine’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, bested only by Jimi Hendrix. With hits songs such as “Tears in Heaven”, “Layla” and “Wonderful Tonight”, the show will span decades of classics and bring with it an electric air of nostalgia.

The ticket release date has not been announced, however fans can register for presale at http://www.doneevents.com

By Marwa Hamad, Staff Reporter