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Michael concert first for new Wembley
05.03.07
George Michael: will play the first concert at the new Wembley
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Popstar George Michael will play the first concert at the new Wembley Stadium.
The singer, who performed on a number of occasions at the old Wembley Stadium, will take to the stage at the new venue on June 9 as part of his British and European stadium tour.
The tour kicks off at Aarhus Stadium in Denmark on May 18 and will visit Manchester, Glasgow, Plymouth and Norwich as well as France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Holland and Hungary.
Michael will be the first artist to play at the 90,000 capacity venue, the opening of which has been beset by repeated delays and financial wrangling.
Last year, rock band Bon Jovi were booked to open the new stadium but they, along with the Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams and Take That, were forced to move venue when building work overran.
Michael played some of his most memorable gigs at the old Wembley Stadium.
He performed in Live Aid in 1985, Wham's farewell concert with Andrew Ridgeley in 1986, the Nelson Mandela concert in 1988, the Freddie Mercury tribute concert in 1992 and Net Aid in 1999.
Alex Horne, managing director of Wembley Stadium, said: "It's fantastic news that George Michael is to play Wembley Stadium's opening concert.
"He's no stranger to this great stage having performed at the old stadium both with Wham! at Live Aid and also as a solo artist, so this is a fitting first gig in the new stadium."
"I'm sure this will be a very hot ticket and we are looking forward to putting the stadium back on the world map as a major music destination."
The UK dates for the tour are: Saturday June 9 - Wembley Stadium, London; Tuesday June 12 - Carrow Road, Norwich; Friday June 15 - City Of Manchester Stadium, Manchester; Sunday June 17 - Hampden Park, Glasgow; Tuesday June 19 - Home Park, Plymouth.
Tickets for all George Michael's UK concerts go on sale at 10am on Thursday March 8. They can be purchased on the national ticket hotlines: 0870 380 0148, 0871 230 5463 and 0871 424 1434 or online at www.seetickets.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
Reader views (3)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
This is fantastic news. Anyone who saw the Live 25 tour last year will tell you how amazing the show is.
I for one cannot wait.
- Sandra, London
John, you obviously have never seen George live! He has one of the best voices you'll ever hear. Anyway, george has been around for 25 years now, and still has a very loyal fan base - you only have to look at the concerts last year to tell you that!
George at Wembley will be a great way to kick start the venue. Get a ticket and go see/hear for yourself.
If Muse are around in 5 years, then come knocking at my door singing their praises. Until then, I think you be quiet unless you know what you're talking about!
- Scott, London
What a tragedy, I dont particularly love Muse but I would have far rather seen someone vaguely on the cutting edge of music open up wembley rather than this fat old has been. An omen for the venues future.
- John, UK
