LOS ANGELES: Eric Clapton is recuperating after having an operation to remove gallstones, his publicist has said. As a result, the 64-year-old has pulled out of a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert in New York on October 30. His place at the Madison Square Garden gig will be taken by fellow guitarist Jeff Beck, who replaced Clapton in The Yardbirds in 1965. Other acts playing at celebration concerts include U2, Aretha Franklin and Metallica. The performances are designed to trace the history of rock ‘n’ roll, from soul

to hard rock. A message on Clapton’s website said he

“remains committed” to dates at London’s O2 Arena in February.