Eric Clapton is planning to return in a big way next year, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the start of his professional music career.

Clapton has announced that he's been working on a new studio album that will hit stores in early 2013, and he also has scheduled a handful of U.K. dates in May.

Clapton will be accompanied by a band featuring many members of his longtime backing group -- including guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, drummer Steve Jordan  and bassist Willie Weeks -- plus former Squeeze/Ace/Mike and the Mechanics singer/keyboardist Paul Carrack.