Eric Clapton Russian concert cancelled

Eric Clapton's European tour is ending a little earlier than planned, thanks to some Russian officials. The guitar legend and his group, which includes Allman Brothers Band guitarist Derek Trucks, were scheduled to wrap things up in Moscow on Thursday (August 3rd) with a show in Red Square, but the permits were yanked without warning late last week. In a statement, his publicist said, "Eric Clapton is extremely sorry to disappoint his numerous Russian fans, but the circumstances of the cancellation are completely beyond his control." No official reason has been announced for why permission was withdrawn.

Clapton and company hit Helsinki, Finland, on Monday, July 31st, for what will be their last European show of the year. His North American tour begins September 16th in St. Paul, Minnesota.