The “Wonderful Tonight” singer announced the return of his Crossroads Guitar Festival on his special day

ric Clapton’s still got it.

On Monday, March 30, the “Wonderful Tonight” singer rang in his 81st trip around the sun.

And though in the past decade he has somewhat slowed down as he manages his issues with nerve pain, his latest photo proves he can’t stay away from the guitar.

In honor of Eric’s special day, the Crossroads Centre Antigua, a rehabilitation facility the legendary guitarist founded in 1998, took to Instagram and shared a photo of him, which he reposted to his Stories, in which he appears surrounded by instruments, focused on playing a white electric guitar.

“Happy 81st birthday to our founder, Eric Clapton,” the caption read. “What started from one man’s journey has become a place where thousands have found a new beginning.”

It continued: “Your legacy lives on in every life changed here. With gratitude from all of us at Crossroads Centre Antigua.”

Eric Clapton performs onstage at "Life Is a Carnival: A Musical Celebration of Robbie Robertson" held at the Kia Forum on October 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California© Getty Images
Eric performing in 2024

Fans were then quick to take to the comments section under the post with their own birthday wishes, with one writing: “Happy birthday to this warrior and great human being full of light!” as others followed suit with: “Birthday wishes to this beautiful person,” and: “Forever man!” as well as: “Yes! And so cool to have the next Crossroads guitar festival in September 2026!”

Just as the big birthday came along, it was announced that Eric’s Crossroads Guitar Festival would be coming back for the first time since 2023, when it was held in Los Angeles.

Scheduled for September, which coincides with the festival’s 28th anniversary, the event will be held at Moody Center in Austin, Texas, and feature guitarists such as John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Billy F. Gibbons, Buddy Guy, Pete Townshend, and Eric himself.

Bill Murray and Eric Clapton perform onstage during Day 2 of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival at Crypto.com Arena on September 24, 2023 in Los Angeles, California© Getty Images
The singer with Bill Murray at the 2023 Crossroads Guitar Festival

“We are thrilled to welcome the legendary Eric Clapton and his Crossroads Guitar Festival to Moody Center. Out of the more than 380 concerts we’ve hosted since opening in 2022, this is poised to be one of the most iconic events ever to take place in our arena. It represents the very best of live music — bringing together world-class artists, passionate fans, and an unforgettable atmosphere right here in the Live Music Capital of the World,” said Michael Owens, SVP of Entertainment for Moody Center.

Sir Eric Clapton with wife Melia McEnery attend a private view of photographs dedicated to Sir Eric Clapton to celebrate his latest book 'Eric Clapton: The Autobiography', at the Getty Images Gallery on November 1, 2007 in London, England© Getty Images
With his wife in 2007

Eric has yet to take the stage this year, but is set to kick off a tour of over 20 shows on April 20 in Guildford, which will take him to Spain, Hungary, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin, among other locations, before concluding in Austin with the festival.

When he is not touring, Eric is largely based in Surrey, and has been married to Melia McEnery, with whom he shares three daughters, since 2002.