Eric Clapton, Robert Randolph & the Family Band
Verizon Wireless Music Center
Friday, May 30, 7:30 p.m., $38-$175, all-ages

Into his early 60s, Eric Clapton is still seeking out creative opportunities with the vigor and open-mindedness of a young man.

Earlier this year, Clapton reunited with fellow Blind Faith alum Steve Winwood for three well-received, sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. (There’s talk of additional Clapton/Winwood shows in the future.) May 2, Clapton and his band — guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, keyboardist Chris Stainton, bassist Pino Palladino, drummer Ian Thomas and backing vocalists Michelle John and Sharon White — embarked on the tour that will bring him to Indianapolis, a four-month, 27-date summer jaunt across of the U.S., Canada and Europe. 

A look at Eric Clapton’s musical career, which spans five decades, is a glimpse into a life filled with personal and professional highs and lows: battles with drug and alcohol addictions, his work with several bands (The Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream and Blind Faith), numerous failed relationships, eventual domestic happiness and worldwide recognition as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. To top it off, Clapton is the only triple inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of the Yardbirds, Cream and a solo artist.

Clapton has recorded and toured with his idols and inspirations (including B.B. King and J.J. Cale) as well as many of his peers (including the Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Sting, Robert Cray and Roger Waters).

Last year, Clapton’s long-awaited autobiography was published. While much of Clapton’s life has been covered in numerous newspaper and magazine articles and other biographies, with “Clapton: The Autobiography” the man nicknamed “Slowhand” set the record straight.