Around fifteen years ago, the 'pre-teen' pop music market meant nursery rhyme-like novelty songs or, at a push, the broad appeal of stars like Michael Jackson. At about the same time, in Queensland, Australia, a future pre-teen idol of a new kind was being born.

Cody Simpson, now 15 years old, is another of the teen and pre-teen's market success stories, along with the likes of One Direction and, of course, Justin Bieber. Like Britney Spears before him (whose 'teen appeal' was rather more questionable in terms of its target audience), Simpson has coupled his music career with a screen profile. Not for him the Mickey Mouse Club but instead a clutch of walk-ons and lead roles, including as himself, which he first began working on when just 13.

His singles and EPs to date have performed well back home and also made waves in Europe and America. Cody's debut album, Paradise, is released on 2nd October and six weeks or so later he'll be beginning a determined assault on the UK with a promotional tour.

Originally due to start in November 2012, Cody now kicks off his UK tour at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 19th February 2013, followed by gigs in Birmingham, Dublin and London before the final date at the Manchester Opera House on 3rd March.

Tickets are available priced at £17.50 for London and Glasgow, £18.50 for Manchester and Birmingham and around €17 for the Dublin show.