Eric Clapton's 2025 U.S. Tour Kickoff in Columbus: A Night of Music and Charity
Eric Clapton kicked off his 2025 U.S. Tour with a special performance at Mershon Auditorium in Columbus, Ohio, on September 5. The concert was a sold-out event that supported the Crossroads Centre Antigua, a facility founded by Eric in 1998 to help individuals and families affected by chemical and alcohol dependency. This marked Eric's return to Columbus, where he first performed with Cream in 1968 and later had solo concerts in 1974, 2001, 2004, 2007, and 2022.
Throughout his career, Eric has surprised audiences with guest appearances. Notably, he joined Jimmie Vaughan at Cooper Stadium in 2006 and reunited with Vaughan at a benefit concert for the Columbus Cancer Clinic in 2018. The setlist for the evening at Mershon Auditorium featured a mix of Eric's classic songs and blues standards, creating a memorable experience for the audience.
Mershon Auditorium, with a seating capacity of around 2,500, provided an intimate setting for the concert, contrasting with the larger arenas on the rest of the tour. Eric was accompanied by his longtime band members, delivering a captivating performance that felt like a private rehearsal. The tour will continue with stops in major cities like Nashville, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York, with special guests The Wallflowers joining in Nashville and beyond.
The Crossroads Centre Antigua, founded in 1998, offers treatment and education for individuals struggling with chemical and alcohol dependency. Through residential care, family programs, and aftercare, the center aims to guide individuals on the path to recovery based on the 12 steps and lifestyle changes. Additionally, the center operates a halfway house in Antigua and supports recovery initiatives in the Caribbean. For more information, visit crossroadsantigua.org. Stay updated on Eric Clapton's tour by following Where’s Eric! on Facebook.