On Tuesday April 4, Eric Clapton announced that he will be wrapping up his European tour that is upcoming with a concert in Moscow’s Red Square.

Clapton now is scheduled to perform in 14 countries over the spring and summer. On May 5 the tour will open in France.

Clapton’s performance in Moscow will be the first for him in Red Square. In the past the venue has hosted Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Paul McCartney. Last year a Live 8 concert for African relief took place on the historic site.

The 2006 touring band for Clapton will including Derek Trucks and Doyle Bramhall II, guitarists, Tim Carmon and Chris Stainton, keyboardists, Willie Weeks, bassist, and Steve Jordan, drummer. On brass will be The Kick Horns featuring Tim Sanders, Roddy Lorimer and Simon Clarke. Sharon White and Michelle John will provide backing vocals.

The complete European itinerary of Clapton’s is posted on the official Clapton website. He is also planning a North American outing for 2007.

In 2007 Random House will publish Clapton’s memoirs. The release of the book coincides with the release of a Clapton comprehensive box set.