Eric Clapton Cancels Rock Hall Show For Surgery

Eric Clapton has had to drop out of the gigantic, Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame event in New York City this weekend because of gallstones.

Actually, it’s the removal of gallstones, which means the surgery procedure puts the guitar god on ice. Clapton was on deck to perform as part of a two-night musical celebration in honor of the Rock Hall’s 25th anniversary.

“Clapton will spend time recuperating at home in the UK and is very sorry to disappoint the fans and the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame,” a statement said.

So with Clapton on the shelf, Jeff Beck, and equally awesome guitar legend, will replace the 64-year-old Clapton for Friday night’s show – set to take place at Madison Square Garden.

Other acts playing on Thursday and Friday include U2, Aretha Franklin, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Metallica. HBO will air the concerts Nov. 29.

A message on Clapton’s website said he “remains committed” to his 2010 concert schedule.

We would have mentioned Bruce Springsteen as being part of the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame event, but word is Springsteen might have to cancel as well following the death of a cousin, who was a member of Springsteen’s tour crew. The Boss canceled a concert in Kansas City Monday following the news.

Jeff Beck is great, and should rock the house accordingly, but no doubt it’s a bummer about Clapton and his gallstones. Even rock gods need to go in for a tune-up it seems.

October 29 concert

• Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
• Simon & Garfunkel
• Crosby, Stills, Nash & Friends
• Paul Simon
• Stevie Wonder

October 30 concert

• Jeff Beck
• Aretha Franklin
• Metallica
• U2