According to Clapton’s camp, The Russian promoter had been issued a permit which had been signed by all appropriate Russian City and State authorities. However, on July 28, Russian officials withdrew the permit.

“Eric Clapton is extremely sorry to disappoint his numerous Russian fans but the circumstances of the cancellation are completely beyond his control,” read a post on his official fan club Web site. “Ticket-holders should return their tickets to the box offices where they purchased the tickets for a refund.”

Slowhand’s European tour concludes July 31. The North American leg starts September 16 in St. Paul.