Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck Reunite for Shows in 2010

Legendary guitarists Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck have announced three North American tour dates together for early 2010. Though they've known each other since the 1960s and have often played the same festivals and sessions, the duo teamed up earlier this year in Saitama, Japan in one of the only actual collaborations they've ever done.

“Eric and I played together in Japan earlier this year and had a blast. Since then we have been in regular contact and talked about doing a similar show for our fans. Looking forward to the show in 2010,” Beck offered.

London will host two warm-up dates prior to Clapton and Beck playing New York's Madison Square Garden on February 18. Though specifics on the concert's format haven't been released, it's expected that each artist will play a full set of their own and come together for a big finale segment. Tokyo concert-goers were treated to collaborative tunes like "Outside Woman Blues," "Brown Bird," "Wee Baby," and "Want To Take You Higher."

Both players also share a history as members of the Yardbirds. Clapton departed the band in 1965 in protest of the group's move away from a blues base and toward a more pop sound. His replacement: Jeff Beck, who was ultimately fired from the band in 1968. Both musical titans, of course, went on to have successful careers in other bands and as solo artists. Beck is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, while Clapton is the only three-time inductee.

The shows are already being billed as one of the 'must-see' concerts of the decade. After New York, Clapton and Beck will make their way to Toronto on February 21. Although this is his first partnering with Beck, Clapton's not new to historical pairings, having recently completed a tour with Steve Winwood.

Speaking about the upcoming dates, Clapton mused, “I’ve always considered Jeff Beck to be one of the finest guitar players around. He’s a friend, a great guy, and a truly gifted musician. We had such a fun time in Japan that it seemed natural to play together again.” For the third date in the triple-header, Clapton and Beck hit Montreal on February 22.