Clapton brings his act back to Seoul after 10 years away

The legendary guitarist and singer Eric Clapton will be performing in Seoul on Jan. 23, after a decade away from Korea.
During his last and only visit he played for 18,000 people at Olympic Park in Seoul.
Clapton, now 62, still shares the title of “best guitarist in the world” with Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck.
On Clapton’s 1997 visit, something happened that reflects not only his personality, but also his music.
He disappeared from his hotel with his English-speaking driver only to be found later sitting on a side street in Apgujeong, southern Seoul, with a plastic bag filled with socks and t-shirts he bought from street vendors. His explanation was that he just wanted to get the feel of the city.
Korean musicians say Clapton’s music shares a quality similar to his visit to street vendors ― it’s unconventional and down to earth.
In an e-mail interview with pop artist Lee Seung-cheol on behalf of The JoongAng Ilbo, Clapton said this time around, he might again wander the streets, as shopping from street vendors 10 years ago was a new experience for him.
Regarding his music, Clapton said it has its roots in blues whether he’s playing electric or unplugged. People listening to his albums from the ‘70s will recognize his more recent work because the roots remain the same.
This gives Clapton a timeless quality that appeals to listeners across generations.
Clapton said, however, that he does not see the world only in terms of music. As a human being, he also feels pain and sorrow, and music is his joy and consolation.
Clapton, who was born in 1945 and raised by his grandparents in Ripley, Surrey, England, got his first guitar at the age of 13. He joined a band, the Roosters, at the age of 17 in 1963. Thus, the legend was born.
He started to develop his distinctive style while playing with the Yardbirds; John Mayall; the Bluesbreakers; Cream; Blind Faith; and Delaney, Bonnie and Friends.
During his visit to Seoul, Clapton will be performing many of his classics, including “Wonderful Tonight,” and “Tears in Heaven,” at the Olympic Park in Seoul.
The visit is part of Clapton’s 2006-2007 World Tour.
“Tears in Heaven” is undoubtedly one of Clapton’s most popular songs.
The song was dedicated to his son, Conner. In 1991 the four-year old fell from the 53rd floor of an apartment in New York.
Additionally, his music is known to have no boundaries, so the audience will hear genres ranging from pop, to country to rhythm and blues.
The concert will also feature songs from Clapton’s 2005 album, “Back Home.”
Tickets range from 60,000 won to 180,000 won. For more information visit http://ticket.interpark.com.

By Lee Ho-jeong Staff Writer ojlee82@joongang.co.kr