Clapton as good as ever

Guitar legend Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton began his North American tour in Minnesota with a blistering set of old and new material.

The 61-year-old, whose nimble playing inspired "Clapton is God" graffiti in London in the 1960s, showed fiery technique and soulful singing, with no signs of any rust after a five-week break since the end of a European tour.

He dipped into his vast repertoire, serving up hits from as far back as his days with Derek and the Dominos.

Clapton plays in New Zealand and Australia next year.