October 3, 2003 14:50

DAMIEN RICE HEADLINES MAJOR UK TOUR

The potty-mouthed Irishman brings his beautiful balladry to Blighty...

Irish singer/songwriter Damien Rice is to head out on his first major headlining tour of the UK in February.

Rice, whose popularity has soared on the back of his appearance at this year's Glastonbury, will kick off his eight-date jaunt in Glasgow on February 11 rounding up in London Brixton Academy on February 21.

Such is Rice's growing following, that copies of his debut album 'O' sold out in Britain following a 1,000 per cent increase in sales this summer. Because of the ornate artwork on the cover, new copies could not be manufactured quickly enough as demand completely outstripped supply.

He releases new single 'Cannonball' on October 20.

The tour dates in full are:

Glasgow Carling Academy (February 11)
Newcastle University (12)
Manchester Academy (14)
Nottingham Rock City (15)
Cambridge Corn Exchange (16)
Bristol Carling Academy (18)
Sheffield Octagon (19)
London Brixton Academy (21)

For ticket availability, click here or call the NME Ticketline on 0870 1 663 663.