British blues-legend Eric Clapton is set to wield that axe once again for a series of UK dates next year. Of course, where there are dates, there is normally an album to be peddled to the loyal following-in-waiting and, lo and behold, Mr Slowhand has a new studio album ready to go.

His tour begins in May 2011 in Dublin (on the 9th) and continues to Belfast, Glasgow and Cardiff before taking residency at the Royal Albert Hall for four nights from 17th - 21st. I have a funny feeling that may well turn into five nights (there's a gap on 19th) but meanwhile, tickets go on sale next Friday 17th September priced at £50 upwards for the regionals and £65 for the London shows.

Album-wise he's gone back to basics - it's called "Clapton" and features old cohort Steve Winwood and jazzists Wynton Marsalis and Allen Toussaint. The release date is ironically 19th October, a fitting time for his 19th album.