Clapton thinking about final tour

Clapt-out: Eric plans wind-down (pic Majvdl)

Eric Clapton is thinking about ending his touring career because he’s sick of the hassles associated with travelling.

The guitar icon, who celebrates his 68th birthday in March, plans to come off the road for good in 2015.

Slowhand tells Rolling Stone: “The bit onstage, that’s easy. If I could do that around my neighbourhood that would be great. You have guys in Texas that play their circuit and it keeps them alive.

“But for me, the struggle is the travel. The only way you can beat that is by throwing so much money at it that you make a loss.

“So the idea is, I’m taking a leaf out of JJ Cale’s book – when I’m 70 I’ll stop. I won’t stop playing or doing one-offs, but I’ll stop touring, I think.”

Clapton finds himself increasingly bemused with immigration staff at airports. “I never get it right,” he says. “I forget to take off my belt or I have change in my pocket. Next thing I know, ‘Can you come over here please?’ I just don’t want to do that any more.”

He’s currently touring the US with UK dates coming in May, as he marks his 50th year as a professional musician. His 20th solo album, Old Sock, is released on March 12.