CHRIS Rea is bringing his blues-tinged pop rock to the Ipswich Regent the Evening Star can confirm today.Famed for such songs as Fool if you Think it's Over and Auberge this gruff-voiced Northern lad first came on to the scene in the early 70s.

CHRIS Rea is bringing his blues-tinged pop rock to the Ipswich Regent The Evening Star can confirm today.

Famed for such songs as Fool if you Think it's Over and Auberge, the gruff-voiced Northern lad first came on to the scene in the early 70s.

Born in Middlesbrough he was inspired to take the musical road when he heard Jo Walsh recording a song late one Friday evening.

This was when he bought his first slide guitar... it has been a beautiful partnership ever since.

In 1975 Chris was voted best newcomer by Melody Maker and went on to release his first album in 1978, Whatever Happened to Benny Santin, which made him a household name both here and in the rest of Europe.

The USA soon followed suit and in 1978 Fool if You Think It's Over went to number five in the USA.

The song was written for his younger sister to help her get over a failed romance.

The 80s signalled a downslide in his career and in his own words he was, " about to give the whole thing up", but a lifeline from Europe and Ireland kept him going.

While he was not doing well in the UK and USA, the rest of Europe and Ireland still wanted more from him. So in 1983 he brought out his Watersign album which put him back on the map.

His career has spanned 25 years and 20 albums with numerous top 20 records. His popularity continues because he is such a fine live performer relying on his well-polished skills on slide guitar and years of practice with bands touring all over the world.

He will perform at the Regent on January 26 and tickets will be on sale from tomorrow.

For more information on tickets call the box office on Ipswich 433100.