Eric Clapton is planning to stop touring when he's 70.

The legendary 'Layla' guitarist is planning to quit going out on the road in three years time, as the hassles which come from travelling around the world playing are starting to become too much for him.

He told Rolling Stone magazine: ''The bit onstage, that's easy. If I could do that around my neighborhood, that would be great. You have guys in Texas that play their circuit, and it keeps them alive. But for me, the struggle is the travel.

''And the only way you can beat that is by throwing so much money at it that you make a loss. So the idea is I'm taking a leaf out of [Singer /songwriter] J.J. [Cale]'s book: When I'm 70, I'll stop. I won't stop playing or doing one-offs, but I'll stop touring, I think.''

Eric has been touring and performing since the 60s, and is heading back on the road across the US in March and April in support of his new album 'Old Sock'.

The guitarist added he has always had problems when it comes to customs, borders and immigration officials, which only add to his touring woes.

He moaned: ''I never get it right. I forget to take off my belt, or I have change in my pocket. Next thing I know, 'Can you come over here please?' I just don't want to do that anymore.''