July 25, 2008 16:14

Tom Waits tackles ticket touts

Edinburgh gig goers will have to show ID alongside tickets

People heading down to Tom Waits' Edinburgh shows on July 27 and 28 will have to take photo ID to check against the names on their tickets.

Promoters are trying out the new idea, which it is hoped will stop touts, on thousands of Waits fans when the iconic Amercian songwriter performs in a few days time.

Gig-goers coming to see Waits, who is performing in Edinburgh for the first time since 1987, were only allowed to purchase two tickets for each concert the event and had to name their guests.

Punters will have to bring photo ID, for example a passport, to check against the names on the tickets to gain entry.

The tickets were only sent out to concert-goers' home addresses a week ago.

This is the first time such measures have been applied in Scotland.