NEC's rock and pop revival smashes records

Apr 4 2007 By Paul Bradley, Birmingham Mail

ICONIC boy band Take That and rock legends The Police have sent Birmingham's top venues into overdrive as event chiefs today announced record-breaking ticket sales of £1million.

Gary Barlow and pals have proved a massive draw following after reforming with a number one album, single and a sell-out tour.

And Birmingham went Take That crazy last April when thousands of screaming fans packed into the NEC to see their idols live.

The band's Beautiful World Tour, hitting Birmingham for four days this November, sold out in 30 minutes with the city's ticket shop phone lines receiving nearly 50 times the average number of calls.

Minutes later, tickets were appearing on eBay for £200 each - eight times their face value.

Massive interest in rock legends The Police, Iron Maiden and Guns'n'Roses saw Brum's biggest venues packed with music lovers with a tendency for something a little bit stronger.

And fans can look forward to some Brummie nostalgia when Ozzy Osbourne returns to the city later this year.

Big hitting shows such as The Producers and Starlight Express have already set the city's stages alight with impressive performances and Ricky Gervais' Fame was so popular two extra dates have been put on.

Visitor services manager, Jenny Young, said: "This significant increase in turnover shows that visitors to Birmingham are making the most of facilities in the city and we are delighted that the Ticket Shop is helping to boost attendance at shows and events."

Coun Ray Hassell, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "The record sales reflect the excellent variety of theatres, concert and event venues in the city."