Eric Clapton says touring is ‘unbearable’

Musician Eric Clapton, 69, says he is quitting touring because he finds life on the road “unbearable”.

The legendary guitarist says he also worries about becoming embarrassing, but won’t give up music completely, reports contactmusic.com.

Clapton performed in Dubai in March.

“The road has become unbearable. It’s unapproachable, because it takes so long to get anywhere — and it’s hostile. Everywhere. Getting in and out of airports, getting on planes, travelling in cars... There are tonnes of things I’d like to do — but I’m looking at retirement, too. I’m 70 next year,” he said.

“I think what I’ll allow myself to do, within reason, is carry on recording in the studio... I don’t want to go off the boil to the point where I’m embarrassing myself.”

Asked if he can imagine a time when he will no longer play guitar, he told Uncut magazine: “Maybe. Physically, it might be that I can’t, if it hurts too much. I have odd ailments.”