Eric Clapton
Jan 11, 2010
Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck are teaming up for a handful of concerts in North America. Two of the greatest living guitarists will share the stage of New York's Madison Square Garden on February 18th; Toronto's Air Canada Centre on February 21st, and Montreal's Bell Center on the 22nd. Eric and Jeff are already set to perform at London's O2 Arena on February 13th and 14th.
The duo have performed together at album sessions, benefits and festivals in years past, but these concerts mark the first time the pair have ever shared the bill for major arena shows. How mighty are these two axmen? Clapton ranked Number Four on our list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, and Beck came in Number 14.
Both guitarists have roots in the Yardbirds, that blues-tinged British band that also lists Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page among its famous alumni. After the Yardbirds' hit "For Your Love," Clapton exited the band in 1965 out of protest of the group's move from the blues to a new pop sound. Clapton's replacement, ironically enough, was Jeff Beck, who was fired from the band in 1968 before they ultimately disbanded. Jimmy Page formed a band in late 1968 called the new Yardbirds, but you more than likely know them by the name Led Zeppelin.
Of course, Clapton and Beck went on to have pretty huge post-Yardbirds careers as well: Clapton as a member of Cream, Blind Faith, Derek & The Dominoes and a successful solo career, while Beck fronted the Jeff Beck Group and also enjoyed a noteworthy solo run. And now, more than 40 years after the original Yardbirds disbanded, the two will finally be together on a stage in Japan.