This week's new tours and show tickets can best be described as skinny, with the amount on offer being not too dissimilar to the audience-levels at the netball games in Delhi at the moment. There are, however, big names a-plenty with a few additional tour-dates, as well as a couple of tours.
The Bees
The creators of "Chicken Payback" and "Wash In The Rain" will embark on a national tour to support the release of their fourth studio album. Now signed to Fiction Records, "Every Step's A Yes" marks a new era of the Isle Of Wighters and the tour should reveal this lively soul-rock outfit to be in fine fettle. Manchester is the first stop on 9th December (followed by Bristol, Oxford, Portsmouth and London's KOKO) - tickets cost up to £15.
Here and Now
Set to take place next summer is this touring 80s show, starring some of the biggest names in pop from that era. Boy George, Jason Donovan, Jimmy Somerville, Belinda Carlisle and Midge Ure are the main acts taking part, although I'm sure the thought of feasting your eyes and ears on Pepsi & Shirlie is probably too much to comprehend. Certainly A Flock Of Seagulls will have you 'Wishing' for tickets - all priced at around £40-£45 depending on venue.
Barry Manilow
Could it be magic, indeed? The hugely-popular entertainer has added yet another O2 slot to his residency there, this one for 7th May, where he will be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Obviously this is to meet demand for the already nearly-sold-out dates from 4th to 6th. Tickets are still available, priced at £25 - £75.
Russell Howard
Talking of the O2, Russell Howard managed to shift all of his tickets for the 19th February gig in quick time, so another has been added for the day after with prices starting at £25. Don't forget the other regional nights starting in February, most of which are the same price or less and still available.
The Script
The Irish hit-makers are not content with charming audiences south of the river in London, so they will also venture North to Wembley as part of their spring tour. Tickets for 25th March will cost £26.50. With the exception of Dublin, Belfast, Manchester and Glasgow, tickets are still available, but selling fast.
Annie Mac Presents...
The Radio 1 presenter's live nights continue apace with big names such as dubstep's Benga (6th Oct - Newcastle), techno's Felix Da Housecat (13th - Edinburgh) and pop-break's Chase and Status (30th - Leeds) already part of the fun. The new addition is rising-star Labrinth who will appear at London's KOKO on 18th December - tickets cost £15.
Mogwai
Post-rockers Mogwai have now added Belfast to their February tour, opting to play at the city's Mandela Hall on the 13th. Tickets will cost around £20 and will go on sale Thursday. Their recent live album "Special Moves" appeared last month to acclaimed critical reviews.
Jedward
Our editor's favourite shock-heads [ooh I love the Jedwoodz - Ed] are back with a full tour in November (and beyond), adding three extra concerts including Edinburgh, Hull and another Glasgow date, this time at the city's Royal Concert Hall to cater for demand - tickets are around £18 - £20 and will go on sale Saturday at 9AM!
Villagers
Finally for this week, two bands with the words Mercury Music nominations very much a part of their history. Villagers will return to London next year, this time at the larger Shepherd's Bush Empire on 7th April - tickets are on sale Thursday for £15 while the ever-charming The Magic Numbers have confirmed a Belfast concert on 7th December, again on sale Thursday. There are still a few places left for their highly-anticipated Shepherd's Bush date this coming Monday, by the way.
Happy clicking!