Take That to play Sunderland's Stadium of Light

Oct 29 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

POP super group Take That will kick off their UK tour at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. The concert, on Saturday, June 6 will take place just days before rock giants Oasis grace the 49,000-seater stadium.

The Take That concert will be the first of the group’s The Circus Live UK tour, which will also take in dates in Cardiff, Manchester and London.

A statement from the band said: “All of us are really looking forward to getting back on the road again next summer.

“We can think of no better way to thank everyone for their support and loyalty over the past three years.

“This will be the biggest tour we’ve ever done so we’ll be working especially hard over the next few months to make it the best and most exciting Take That tour yet.”

Council chiefs last night applauded the announcement as a major coup for a new era of North East entertainment.

Coun Mel Speding, Sunderland City Council’s portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “It’s fantastic news for Sunderland and in view of our aspirations for the city becoming a major draw for big musical names, it’s hugely important. A performance by Take That in Sunderland has a major impact, not just on fans of the band, but also showcasing the city for thousands of visitors and Sunderland has a good track record for managing big events.

“Congratulations to SAFC and all those who have worked so hard to make this happen.

“We’ve already had the announcement from Oasis and I’m sure these are just the first of many more high-profile events to come.”

Meanwhile Sunderland AFC Chairman Niall Quinn said: “This cements the Stadium of Light as a fantastic venue for our region and we’re absolutely thrilled that Take That will be kicking off their tour with us here in Sunderland.”

Take That are due to release their new album The Circus on December 1, with the first single, Greatest Day, released a week previously. Last year’s Beautiful World Tour smashed box office records, selling more than 370,000 tickets in less than two hours.

Tickets go on sale at 9am this Friday and are priced at between £45 and £55.

Fans can buy online at www.gigsandtours.com , www.ticketmaster.co.uk  and www.ticketline.co.uk . Alternatively the tour credit card hotline numbers are 0871 2200-260, 0844 277-9000 and 0871 424-4444 or the venues’ box offices can be contacted directly.