Both Clapton and Winwood have long and prestigious musical careers with countless honors and awards to their names. Their musical paths connected in 1969 with the formation of Blind Faith, a group that pioneered the fusion of rock and blues into tremendous studio and stage success. Despite critical and popular acclaim, the band was short-lived with only one album and a brief 1969 tour that debuted July 12 at Madison Square Garden and ended August 24th in Hawaii. Since that final show, Clapton and Winwood have remained friends, but have only performed together a few times over the years for an occasional song at a charity event. The 2008 Madison Square Garden shows were the first full Clapton-Winwood concerts in 40 years. Additionally, 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of Blind Faith and 40 years since they performed to over 100,000 people in Hyde Park, London.