Eric Clapton affected by 'odd ailments'

Eric Clapton has told Britain's Uncut magazine that he is finding touring "unbearable" and can see the day when he no longer can play guitar.

Clapton, 69, had previously said that he would quite touring when he was 70 although, at the time, said he was just tired of the constant travel. Now, for the first time, Eric is adding that he has started to see his playing deteriorate.

Although he doesn't go into detail, Clapton said that he may, one day, have to stop playing guitar. "Maybe. It might be that I can't, if it hurts too much. I have odd ailments."

Still, the end of the road is looking very appealing to Clapton. "The road has become unbearable. It's become unapproachable, because it takes so long to get anywhere. It's hostile – everywhere: getting in and out of airports, travelling on planes and in cars."

Even without touring, it's not going to be a full retirement for Eric. "There are tons of things I'd like to do, but I'm looking at retirement, too. 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."

The new edition of Uncut is currently on newsstands.