Slowhand will take about three weeks off following his June 21 – 23 shows at NYC’s Madison Square Garden before kicking off the western swing July 17 in St. Paul.

The second leg comprises 19 shows, including two-night stands in Chicago and Los Angeles. The August 17 and 18 shows at the Staples Center in L.A. close out the new string of dates.

The world tour, which launched in February in Europe, marks the first major outing in almost three years for the rock legend.

Clapton is supporting his most recent release – Reptile, which was released in March.

Clapton will likely be on the road most of 2001, with dates in South America and the Pacific Rim expected to be announced later in the year.