Although not exactly billed as secret gigs, they could certainly be misconstrued as last-minute arrangements. Fran Healy's return to Glasgow and London is heralded with a pair of one-off tasters at the Oran Mor venue in Glasgow and the Bush Hall venue in West London on 15th and 16th September respectively. Tickets go on sale at 9AM tomorrow (Friday 27th August) and will sell like hot bagels in Brick Lane, although they are a little more pricey at £17.50 plus fees. Worth it though, but they will sell quick.

Fran has his first solo-album all ready for release in October (the 4th) and his own record-label to plug it. The album is called "Wreckorder", the label is called WreckordLABEL and sees Healy going it alone with the help of a few 'names', including a certain ex-Beatle on bass. That'll be Paul McCartney then, whom he contacted out of the blue. Neko Case and Noah's Tom Hobden have also helped out and the album's first single is "Buttercups", featuring (release date TBC, probably the week before the album).

If you fancy a quick listen to another album track, "Holiday" (no it's not the Madonna song), go to www.franhealy.com and register for a free download, because he's good like that.

You can also catch Fran at the forthcoming 'Elvis Forever' event taking place in Hyde Park on Sunday 12th September, featuring the likes of Scouting for Girls, Imelda May, Craig David, Tony Hadley, Nell Bryden and even a special appearance by Priscilla Presley. Tickets cost £30 or £26.50 for group bookings in multiples of eight.