Jeff Meets Slowhand

Beck and Slowhand are expected to perform two shows together at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan Feb. 21-22. The format is still in the works, according to a statement, but all signs indicate parity.

Yes, the guitar gods have played together. They might have missed each other when Clapton was replaced by Beck in The Yardbirds, but they were part of the lineup at The Secret Policeman’s Ball for Amnesty International in 1981 and the ARMS Concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1983. Beck was also a guest performer at Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festivals in 2004 and 2007, and Slowhand returned the favor in November, joining Beck onstage at Ronnie Scott’s Club in London.

Such run-ins would seem inevitable when the two greats have played so many shows over so many years. This time they’re in Japan on solo tours, so they’re merging for their first-ever double bill with prices at ¥17,000, ¥15,000 and ¥10,000. No need to get out your pocket calculators. That’s $183, $162 and $107.

For the Western world, tickets are available starting Jan. 17 at +0570-02-9993 (there’s a bunch of phone numbers – you’ll have to go a’Googlin’ for the others). On the island, it’s +03-3402-5999.