Eric Clapton Discusses Retirement

“There are tons of things I’d like to do, but I’m looking at retirement, too,” Clapton said.

Slowhand created terminology – “odd ailments” – for why he might even stop playing guitar.

“Maybe. It might be that I can’t, if it hurts too much. I have odd ailments,” he said.

Bits and pieces of the interview are trickling out. The full-length conversation is featured in the August issue of Uncut magazine, which hit newsstands this week. What is known, from various sources, is that Clapton is sick of touring. It has nothing to do with the shows – it has to do with the god-awful experience we all have with the TSA and body scanners.

“The road has become unbearable. It’s become unapproachable because it takes so long to get anywhere,” he said. “It’s hostile – everywhere: getting in and out of airports, traveling on planes and in cars.”

Clapton turns 70 in March and said that will be his unofficial retirement from touring. However, even though he has 21 solo albums under his belt, “God” said he will continue to record (unless the odd ailments flair up).

Rolling Stone points out that Clapton also mentioned plans to retire from touring at 70 during an interview with RS that was posted in February 2013.