OLD-romantic Chris De Burgh has announced he will play the Manchester Evening News Arena next November.

Tickets for the show - part of a 12-date UK tour - went on sale on Friday (Nov 30).

Singer-songwriter de Burgh last appeared in Manchester a year ago, delighting fans with his popular ballads.

He has played a series of open-air dates in the UK this year.

The 2002 tour will include tracks that span all of de Burgh's 27-year career, as well as new songs from his forthcoming album - due to be released in June.

Argentinian born de Burgh's greatest hit is the world-famous Lady In Red and it's accompanying album, Into The Light.

Other albums include At The End Of A Perfect Day, Crusader, his debut Flying Colours and a classic collection of old and new songs, The Love Songs.

Platinum

Spanish Trains and Other Stories, was the album that won him his first platinum disc. He has now sold 40 million albums and counting.

A favourite of Princess Diana, de Burgh lives in Ireland with his wife Diane and their three young children, Rosanna, Hubie, and Michael.

His UK-tour will be preceded by 24-shows on the bill of Night Of The Proms (Europe), a new album and a 22-show European tour before he gets to the Manchester Evening News Arena.

''Night Of The Proms is actually a great opportunity for me to really focus on the next album,'' said a delighted de Burgh.

And he added that fans can expect his new album to be ''back to basics.''

''Knowing that people take my music to their hearts,'' he added, ''I know that I can't let down myself or anybody else.''

His popularity also rubbed off onto his Stars In Their Eyes double, who was invited to turn on Manchester's Christmas lights.

Tickets are available from the Arena box office on 0161-930-8000.

Tweet