Very few musicians have been able to maintain their instrumental prowess with age as effectively as Eric Clapton. At 65, the guitarist/singer/songwriter is still perched comfortably at the top of his game. So it comes as quite a treat to hear that Clapton is set to embark on that tour we were hoping for in support of his 19th solo release, Clapton. This time out, the living legend will be accompanied by renowned session musicians Steve Gadd, Willie Weeks, Chris Stainton, as well as backing vocalists Michelle John and Sharon White.

What can the world expect from the 65 year old axe-slinger in 2011? Our guess: pained, throaty singing and a whole lot of blistering solos. Who else is excited?

Tickets for the North American shows can be found at SeatGeek.com. Check out the confirmed tour dates below.

Eric Clapton 2011 Tour Dates:
02/14 – Singapore, SG @ Singapore Indoor Stadium
02/18 – Hong Kong, CN @ Hong Kong Asia World Arena
02/25 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
02/26 – Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
02/28 – Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena
03/02 – San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion
03/03 – Sacramento, CA @ ARCO Arena
03/05 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
03/06 – San Diego, CA @ Valley View Casino Center
03/08 – Los Angeles, CA @ Gibson Amphitheater at Universal CityWalk
03/09 – Los Angeles, CA @ Gibson Amphitheater at Universal CityWalk
05/17 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
05/18 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
05/20 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
05/21 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
05/23 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
05/24 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
05/26 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
05/27 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
05/29 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
05/30 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
06/06 – Helsinki, FI @ Hartwall Arena
06/08 – Stockholm, SE @ Ericsson Globe
06/09 – Oslo, NO @ Norwegian Wood Festival
06/11 – Herning, DK @ Jyske Bank Boxen