THE stage of the Manchester Arena is to be graced by the aristocracy of music in the form of the legendary Riley B King, better known as BB King, right. At 73 years young, this growling blues performer is returning to the Arena. With his enormous stage presence, thunderous baritone voice and the smooth humming tone of the celebrated Gibson guitar, Lucille, Blues Boy King (as he was once known) will scorch the stage as the red hot Blues roar through the Arena on Thursday, April 29.

The long reigning monarch of the Blues guitar, was drawn to music by an interest in gospel. The young Riley was encouraged by his musician cousin, and combined with his own burgeoning initiative, set him on the path to five Grammy awards and four honorary doctorships in music.

As always, King will be accompanied by Lucille, and for this tour, joined by a very special guest - John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers.

John Mayall who was born in Macclesfield, studied at Manchester Art College, later worked in a Manchester art studio and began his career in .... Manchester. So it's only right for this local lad to perform at the Arena, which just so happens to be slap bang in the centre of Manchester.

The rock 'n' roll world owes a great deal to writer, interpreter and singer, John Mayall, who incidentally is a keyboard, guitar and harmonic ace. In the early 60s he became an ad-hoc teacher for the likes of John McVie (pre Fleetwood Mac days) and a fledgling guitarist, Eric Clapton.

Although John Mayall has been notably absent from the music scene in a commercial sense, his service to the industry for over 30 years ensures that he's still mentioned in the same breath as rock's primary movers and shakers.

BB King is arguably the most celebrated Blues artist in the world today and coupled with John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers, this unique line-up should ensure a "king size" pack of entertainment.

Tickets, priced £23.50 and £19.50, available from usual agents.

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