Supreme night out at the summer pops

Supreme night out at the summer pops
Feb 29 2008 by Jade Wright, Liverpool Echo

LEGENDARY soul diva Diana Ross will make a dazzling return to this year’s Summer Pops.

The Motown superstar will make her first appearance in Liverpool for three years when the event moves to the ECHO Arena.

The city concert is one of two the former Supreme will perform in the UK this year, with the warm reception she was given back in 2005 said to be the reason behind her decision to come back.

Her performance then won rave reviews and featured songs from across her five-decade back catalogue.

Her return was one of four gigs announced for this year’s Summer Pops today.

Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall, American rock band Counting Crows and three monsters of rock, Def Leppard, Whitesnake and Thunder, will also take to the stage at the waterfront venue.

The latter three acts will join up for a triple bill to remember, with Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale bringing his band back on to the road to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

He said: “It is about time we had new songs to present to the Whitesnake choir. This album has all the elements I enjoy about Whitesnake and more.”

Hucknall will perform in his own name in Liverpool for the first time, after the release of his debut solo album Tribute To Bobby.

Simply Red last took to the stage at the Summer Pops two years ago.

Counting Crows, who will make their Pops debut, will release their eighth album next month, with the help of renowned Liverpool producer Gil Norton.

The six new acts join confirmed artists Michael Bublé, Crowded House, Deacon Blue and The Australian Pink Floyd for this year’s series of events.

ECHO essentials

MICK Hucknall plays the Summer Pops on July 1, tickets £32.50 or £38.50.

Counting Crows play on July 8, tickets £32.50 standing and seating.

Diana Ross plays on July 12, tickets £35 or £45.

Def Leppard, Whitesnake and Thunder play on July 15, tickets £37.50.

Tickets for these shows are on sale now, excluding Counting Crows, which go on sale at 9am on Friday March 7.

A limited amount of Gold Circle tickets are available each night.

For tickets and the VIP Pops experience, call the ECHO Arena on 0844 800 0400, go online to www.accliverpool.com, Ticketmaster on 0844 847 1616, Ticketline on 0151-256 5555, Seetickets on 0871 220 0260, Liverpool Direct on 0151-233 3007 or in person from the 08 Place or arena box office.

jadewright@liverpoolecho.co.uk