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Tuesday, 26 February 2008, 16:48 GMT

Clapton asked to play in N Korea

Eric Clapton Rock icon Eric Clapton has been invited to play a concert in the North Korean capital Pyongyang, an official at the country's UK embassy has confirmed.

If he accepts, the 62-year-old will become the first Western rock star to perform in the Communist country.

According to newspaper reports Clapton has agreed in principle to the concert, suggesting it takes place in 2009.

News of the invitation follows the New York Philharmonic Orchestra's landmark concert in the North Korean capital.

The North Korean State Symphony Orchestra is due to perform in the UK later this year.

'Good opportunity'

According to embassy officials, an appearance by Clapton would be "a good opportunity for Western music to be understood better by Koreans".

A spokesman told the BBC the invitation had been received by the singer's management and brought to his attention.

The singer's management, however, would not confirm the approach.

Clapton is in New York this week, performing a series of concerts at Madison Square Garden with Steve Winwood.

Kim Jong Chol, the son of national leader Kim Jong Il, is said to be a Clapton fan.




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Related to this story:
Country profile: North Korea (26 Jan 08 |  Country profiles )
US concert diplomacy in N Korea (26 Feb 08 |  Asia-Pacific )
Diary: US orchestra in N Korea (26 Feb 08 |  Asia-Pacific )
Clapton and Police play Park gigs (29 Jan 08 |  Entertainment )
Red Square Clapton gig cancelled (29 Jul 06 |  Entertainment )

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