Eric Clapton to perform at Moscow's Red Square

Eric Clapton (music) announced Tuesday (4/4) that he will wrap up his upcoming European tour with a concert at Red Square in Moscow.

Including the new show, Clapton is now scheduled to touch down in 14 countries this spring and summer. The tour opens May 5 in France.

The Moscow performance will mark Clapton's first at Red Square, a venue that in the past has hosted Paul McCartney, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti. Last year, one of the Live 8 African relief concerts took place at the historic site.

Clapton's 2006 touring band will include additional guitarists Doyle Bramhall II and Derek Trucks; keyboardists Chris Stainton and Tim Carmon; bassist Willie Weeks; drummer Steve Jordan; Simon Clarke, Roddy Lorimer and Tim Sanders--a.k.a. The Kick Horns--on brass; and backing vocals by Michelle John and Sharon White.

Clapton's full European itinerary is posted at his official website; a North American outing is said to be planned for 2007.

Random House is scheduled to publish a Clapton memoir in 2007, coinciding with the release of a comprehensive Clapton box set.

by Rob Evans liveDaily Editor