[Slowhand] Clapton playing New Zealand January 27 2007 (and Australia)

[sam mangano]

OZZIE OZZIE OZZIE, OY OY OY!!!!!!!

congrats to our suffering friends from down under, you FINALLY got your 
wish.......

l8r
sammy
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "JP Hansen" <jp at hansen.net.nz>
To: <slowhand at planet-torque.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 18, 2006 9:59 PM
Subject: [Slowhand] Clapton playing New Zealand January 27 2007 (and 
Australia)



>I can't believe it... He hasn't been here since 1990.

>

> http://www.hbtoday.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3689123

>

> Only one NZ concert, then off to Australia according to the report.

> ______________________________________

>

> 19.06.2006

>

>

> Mission Estate Winery Concert promoters are predicting a sellout in

> the wake of the announcement guitar legend Eric Clapton will be

> taking centrestage in Napier next January.

>

> It will be Clapton's only New Zealand performance as part of his

> massive world tour, which is receiving rave reviews.

>

> When tickets go back on sale to concert club members from noon

> tomorrow it is expected frantic inquiries will come in from Kaitaia

> to Bluff.

>

> The 61-year-old blues and rock icon, nicknamed ''Slowhand", signed on

> the dotted line about a fortnight ago, and a delighted Mission chief,

> Peter Holley, and Sport and Entertainment's manager of operations,

> Garry Craft, made the official announcement today.

>

> Getting an artist of Clapton's stature was a major coup in what was a

> tough business, Mr Craft said.

> "January 27 will be his only New Zealand appearance, then he is off

> to Australia," he said.

>

> SEL managing director James Erskine said the status of the annual

> concert, now in its 15th year, was reflected in its being able to get

> hold of an artist of Clapton's stature.

>

> "Artists have told us of the fantastic feeling they get on stage

> here," Mr Craft said.

>

> "This concert is unique, it is a total package, and I'm sure Eric

> will enjoy it."

>

> The promoters were able to secure an early signing as Clapton's world

> tour was bringing him down under during summer. They began

> negotiations last November.

>

> Clapton is presently taking a break after a string of concerts in the

> US and next month will begin the European leg.

>

> Clapton has been touring with a backing band which includes fellow

> ace guitarists Derek Trucks and Doyle Bramhall II, with The Robert

> Cray Band as the opening act.

>

> Mr Craft said the lead-in acts to Clapton's Napier concert had not

> been finalised and would have to be approved by Clapton's management.

>

> This year's concert headliners, Olivia Newton-John and Chris De

> Burgh, failed to fire the crowd. But Clapton's show will be more

> closely aligned to what Rod Stewart's, with a mix of rock, blues and

> quiet numbers.

>

> The Surrey-born musician started out in 1963 with blues-orientated

> rock band The Yardbirds, before joining John Mayall and The

> Bluesbreakers in 1965.

>

> A year later, in what was arguably one of the first supergroups, he

> joined with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker to form Cream. Iconic songs

> such as White Room and Crossroads followed, and adulation for

> Clapton's guitar playing was at its height.

>

> He later played with Blind Faith, before shifting to the US and

> stepping into the background as a member of Delaney and Bonnie and

> Friends. He moved on to form Derek and The Dominos and created one of

> the great anthems of the era in Layla.

>

> As a solo performer, he struggled with drugs and alcoholism and

> supported the creation of The Crossroads Centre - a drug/alcohol

> rehab centre. He has also supported charity and relief-fund concerts.

>

> He is a Grammy-Award winner and has an unprecedented three inductions

> into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

>

> It will be Clapton's first New Zealand stage appearance, although he

> has visited for trout fishing.

>

> END.

> __________________________________

>

> Despite that last sentence I saw him back 16 years ago (his 2nd

> concert in New Zealand as a solo artist), and I saw the very first

> Mission Estate concert (with Ray Charles) about 14 years back, so it

> could be a great road trip down to Napier if I can score tickets.

>

> Jon-Paul

>

>

>

>

>