Vaccine sceptic Eric Clapton postpones gigs after getting Covid

Vaccine sceptic Eric Clapton has been forced to postpone part of his European tour after testing positive for Covid-19.

The Layla hit-maker, 76, had been due to perform in Zurich and Milan on May 17 and 18 but he has had to pull out as he is “suffering” with the virus.

While he hopes to resume touring in Bologna on May 20 and 21, those dates are also currently under review.

Clapton is believed to have been struck down after performing at the Royal Albert Hall in London on May 8.

The musician – who is undestood to be fully vaccinated – previously claimed he suffered alarming side effects after receiving the Astrazeneca jab and described those who had been vaccinated as victims of “mass formation hypnosis”.

He also released an anti-lockdown single called Stand and Deliver with Van Morrison in 2020.

A statement posted to his official Facebook page about the postponed shows by his team read: “Eric Clapton is unfortunately suffering from Covid having tested positive shortly after the second concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

“He has been told by his medical advisors that if he were to resume traveling and performing too soon, it could substantially delay his full recovery. Eric is also anxious to avoid passing on any infection to any of his band, crew, Promoters, their staff and of course the fans.

“So, after intensive internal discussion, it has been decided with great regret and apologies to all those concerned to postpone the performances in Zurich on 17th May and Milan on 18th May, the present hope being to be able to resume the tour starting with the concerts in Bologna on 20th and 21st May.”

The Tears In Heaven singer had avoided Covid during lockdown and when there were travel restrictions in place, his team said.

They added it was “very frustrating”.

His team expressed they “very much hope he will be sufficiently recovered by the end of the week to be able to perform the remainder of the planned performances.”

They advised a further announcement would be made once alternative dates for the abandoned shows had been arranged.