ERIC CLAPTON TO PERFORM AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY: ONE-NIGHT CHARITY SHOW ANNOUNCED

COLUMBUS, OHIO — In a surprise announcement that has thrilled music fans and philanthropists alike, legendary guitarist Eric Clapton is set to perform a one-night-only concert at Ohio State University’s Mershon Auditorium on Friday, September 5 at 8 p.m.

The event will not be part of Clapton’s upcoming world tour but is instead a standalone charity concert, with all proceeds donated to Crossroads Centre Antigua, the renowned addiction rehabilitation center founded by Clapton in 1998. The show underscores the artist’s continued commitment to supporting recovery services and giving back to communities through music.

News of the concert broke Monday morning via Clapton’s official channels and was swiftly confirmed by Ohio State University officials. “It’s a once-in-a-generation event,” said Mershon Auditorium Director Tanya Reeves. “To have Eric Clapton — a true icon — perform in such an intimate venue and for such a noble cause is something we’re incredibly honored to host.”

With a capacity of approximately 2,400 seats, the Mershon Auditorium offers a rare opportunity for fans to experience Clapton in a close, acoustically rich setting — a stark contrast to the large stadiums he typically performs in.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, June 27 at 10 a.m. local time, and are expected to sell out within minutes. Fans are encouraged to secure their spots early through the official ticketing site linked on Clapton’s social media pages and the university’s events calendar.

The setlist for the Ohio show has not been revealed, but insiders suggest Clapton will perform a curated selection of his most beloved tracks, including classics such as “Tears in Heaven,” “Layla,” “Wonderful Tonight,” and “Bell Bottom Blues.” The performance may also feature unplugged arrangements fitting for the intimate setting.

Clapton’s support for Crossroads Centre Antigua has been a central focus of his philanthropic work. Located in the Caribbean, the center provides treatment for those battling substance abuse and offers scholarships for those unable to afford care. “This concert is a way to give people hope and help change lives,” Clapton stated in a brief press note.

Local fans are ecstatic. “I’ve seen Clapton live in New York once, but never imagined he’d come to Columbus,” said senior OSU student and blues guitarist James Milton. “And to know it’s for charity just makes it that much more meaningful.”

The show is expected to draw attention beyond Ohio, with fans traveling from across the Midwest and beyond. Given the significance of the event — both musically and philanthropically — media outlets and music journalists are already planning to cover the night extensively.

While Clapton has hinted that his current tour may be his last, this Ohio performance stands apart as a deeply personal endeavor — one rooted in service, humility, and the enduring power of music to heal.

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