Eric Clapton tests positive for COVID-19 postpones show after vaccine criticism

"We sincerely hope that by the end of the week, he will be well enough to complete the rest of his scheduled appearances," Clapton said in a Facebook post.

On Monday, 77-year-old Clapton confirmed in a Facebook post that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and would therefore be postponing his upcoming tour dates in Zurich and Milan.

"Eric Clapton is sadly afflicted with Covid after testing positive shortly after his second concert at the Royal Albert Hall. His medical adviser told him that if he resumed his travels and concerts too soon, it could significantly delay his full recovery," the publication began. "Eric is also trying to avoid infecting anyone in his band, his crew, his promoters, their staff, and the fans. ."

"So, after intense internal discussions, with great regret and apologies to all interested parties, it has been decided that the show in Zurich on 17 May will begin with a concert in Bologna on 20 and 21 May." The post continued, "It is very disappointing that Eric, having succumbed to Covid at this point, has avoided Covid during the lockdown and the travel restriction period, but we hope he will recover enough by the end of the week to be able to perform the remainder of the show's scheduled schedule."

The British singer and guitarist have expressed skepticism about a COVID-19 vaccine in the past. In December 2020, he appeared in a Van Morrison-written song entitled "Stand and Deliver," which contained lyrics critical of the blockade.

Two months later, Clapton received the first of two AstraZeneca vaccines against the virus and expressed his disdain in a letter to Robin Monotti, who later shared it on his telegram, with the guitarist's permission, to Rolling Stone.

"I took the first hit from AZ and immediately had a severe reaction for ten days. In the end, I recovered and was told it would be 12 weeks until my second," wrote Clapton.