North Korea Seeks Slowhand, Clapton/Winwood MSG Residency Ends Tomorrow

Not content with the best New York Philharmonic has to offer, North Korea has extended an invitation to Eric Clapton to perform in Pyongyang.

LOS ANGELES “” On Tuesday, as the New York Philharmonic was on the second day of its visit to North Korea, word emerged that North Korean officials have invited the guitarist Eric Clapton to perform there, according to a representative for the North Korean Embassy in London.

Mr. Clapton, known for his recordings of songs like “Layla,” “Cocaine” and “Tears in Heaven,” is said to have at least one key fan in North Korea: Kim Jong-chol, a son of and possible successor to the nation’s leader, Kim Jong-il.

It is not certain that Mr. Clapton will accept the offer. “Eric Clapton receives numerous offers to play in countries around the world,” said a spokeswoman, Kristen Foster. “There is no agreement whatsoever for him to play in North Korea.” [NYTimes]

Winwood/Clapton MSG Poster  In other related news, Eric Clapton and Stevie Winwood played MSG on February 25 and 26, you can find the setlists here and here. Their final show is tomorrow night (Feb 28), check out all the upcoming Eric Clapton tour info below.

Eric Clapton 2008 Tour Dates
02/28/08 New York, NY MSG
05/03/08 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre
05/05/08 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Live
05/27/08 Toronto, ON The Molson Amphitheatre
06/20/08 Cork, IRE Docklands
06/21/08 Dublin, IRE Malahide Castle
06/28/08 London, UK Hyde Park
06/29/08 Leeds, UK Harewood House
08/08/08 Reykjavik, ICE Egils Hollin
08/10/08 Skanderborg, DEN Skanderborg Festival