Happy birthday to Eric Clapton who just made 70 a whole lot cooler! His smooth, powerful and timeless union of blues and rock make him one of the most respected rock musicians ever. But at 70?

Go ahead, check him out. There is nothing about Eric Clapton that says old! He can turn a riff as well if not better than those days in the Yardbirds. And there’s something about songs like Layla, Crossroads and Sunshine of Your Love that still elicit that same emotional reaction every time you hear them.

How can he be 70? On one hand that news could make you feel older but on the other, he’s still one of the greats to this very day. Not only does he show no signs of slowing down but the truth is quite the opposite. He’s still passionate about writing, recording and performing music.

What is there to do at 70? Clapton plans to celebrate his birthday the way any “Slowhand” guitar god would, with two upcoming shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden on May 1st and 2nd. Those concerts will also commemorate a special anniversary. It was back in 1968 that Clapton and his band Cream played the very first concert in the current incarnation of MSG.

And if you can’t be there for that, don’t worry. Clapton is preparing to release a new best-of compilation album aptly titled, Forever Man due out on April 28.

Clapton at 70 is still very much a rock icon. But there is little doubt if you tell this to a somewhat “younger” person they may not totally understand what it is that makes him such a legend. What if one of them challenges you? Be prepared! Arm yourself! Clapton’s website has made it easy, by creating a wonderful article entitled, 70 Reasons why Eric Clapton is an Icon which was compiled by polling his fan base.

So, lets hear it for yet another great example of Growing Bolder. Eric, thanks for the years of unforgettable music and thanks for showing the younger generations just how cool being 70 can be!