POP superstars Take That are to return to the North-East next summer, it has been announced.
The reunited chart toppers will kick off their Progress Live 2011 tour at Sunderland FC’s Stadium of Light, on Bank Holiday Monday, May 30.
The gig will launch a 14- date summer stadium tour – the band’s first since Robbie Williams returned to the lineup in July.
It follows a hugely successful concert at the Stadium of Light in summer last year, when the band kicked off The Circus Live tour in front of a sell-out crowd.
Sunderland FC chief executive Steve Walton said: “There’s been a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes to secure this major event, not just for Sunderland Football Club but for the benefits that this can bring our city and region as a whole.
“This cements the Stadium of Light’s reputation as a major player on the concert circuit and we are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Take That back to Sunderland once again.
“Anyone who attended the last Take That shows here witnessed a fantastic spectacle and I’m sure next summer’s show will be a must-see event.”
Take That’s first appearance on Wearside was part of a musical extravaganza last June which also saw Manchester rock giants Oasis play two concerts at the stadium.
More than 150,000 music fans attended over the three nights.
This summer, US pop star Pink began her UK tour at the 49,000-seater venue.
Take That will release their latest album, Progress, on Sunday, November 14, with its first single, The Flood, following on Monday, November 22.
Their Progress Live 2011 tour is their biggest to date, taking in venues across the UK and Europe.
The band have promised a “feast for the imagination”.
Tickets for the Sunderland concert will go on sale on Friday, at 9am, priced from £55. A limited number will be available from the stadium ticket office.
Tickets can also be bought online at ticketmaster.co.uk, gigsandtours.com and ticketline.co.uk Or call the credit card hotlines: 0844-8472011, 0844- 8718821, 0844-8889991 or 0844- 5819900.
Various hospitality packages are available, by calling 0871-9111555 or emailing takethat@ safc.com For full details, visit safcconcerts.com
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