DESPITE what some may say about Ipswich Regent, The Moody Blues know it's a good place to be.In fact it is the only venue on their forthcoming tour where they will be performing twice in one day.

DESPITE what some may say about Ipswich Regent, The Moody Blues know it's a good place to be.

In fact it is the only venue on their forthcoming tour where they will be performing twice in one day.

The band announced at the weekend that on top of their sell out performance at 8pm on May 25, they will now also be taking to the stage at 5pm.

The move comes due to a high demand for tickets. Neither the band nor the theatre wanted fans to miss out on the last date of their UK tour.

The Moody Blues – John Lodge, Ray Thomas, Graeme Edge and Justin Hayward – came to the attention of the music world with the release of the album Days of Future Passed in 1966.

The album was not only a chart success but as one of the first concept albums, recorded with a symphony orchestra and in stereo, it was groundbreaking.

Since those early days the group have continued to reap the fortunes of their success and their following of fans has failed to wane.

Chart success may not be forthcoming into today's industry, which is dominated by pop and garage, but The Moody Blues remain one of the greatest rock bands.

And they are not alone in seeing the Regent Theatre as the place to be.

Fellow rockers Deep Purple are set to play live at the venue on March 2.

The date, which quickly sold out, is the band's only performance in East Anglia on their current UK tour.

n The Moody Blues will play an extra gig at Ipswich Regent at 5pm on May 25. Tickets are on sale now priced £23 and can be bought at the Central Box Office, Princes Street, Ipswich, by calling 01473 433100 or online at www.ipswich-ents.co.uk

Weblinks:

www.moodyblues.co.uk

www.deep-purple.com