ROCKER Rod Stewart is to perform at the M.E.N. Arena in a long-awaited return to the stage next year.

The legendary singer-songwriter returns to the venue for the first time in five years to perform tracks from his Soulbook album as well as hits from a back catalogue stretching over 45 years.

Stewart, 64, has sold more than 250 million albums and singles worldwide, including the classic tracks Do Ya Think I’m Sexy? and Sailing.

Soulbook, Stewart’s 12th number one album, is a collection of 60s and 70s soul anthems and includes duets with Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Mary J Blige.

M.E.N. Arena tickets for the May 26 concert go on sale on Friday priced £60 and £70.