Erasure to perform on Cannock Chase

Pop stars Erasure revealed today why they have announced their first live performance for four years in Cannock next year.

Synthpop duo Erasure, one of the biggest British acts in the 1980s and 1990s, will be playing at Cannock Chase Forest on Friday, June 24, as part of their Total Pop! tour.

The show forms part of the programme of Forestry Commission Live Music events which feature acts performing in spectacular woodland locations across the country.

Last week, Glaswegian rockers Simple Minds announced they would be playing in Cannock Chase on Saturday, June 25, with support from Starsailor front man James Walsh.

The Erasure gig coincides with the release of the band's new album which is due to be released in summer 2011. It has been four years since the band toured or recorded any new music.

Erasure's singer Andy Bell, who announced he was HIV positive in 2004, said: "This wonderful opportunity to perform for the fans in such a unique backdrop feels like just the right way to jump back in to Erasure after a four year break.

"We're excited to be playing in the woods and really hope it doesn't rain."

Alastair Semple, a forest planner and spokesman for the Forestry Commission, said: "We're thrilled to be hosting two of the biggest established bands on the circuit.

"We sold more than 1,000 tickets for Simple Minds in the first 24 hours they were on sale. I'm sure it will be the same for Erasure who have a huge fanbase."

Mr Semple said the next announcement will be which act is supporting Erasure when they arrive in Cannock Chase.

This week, Erasure announced the release of a new version of their top five single A Little Respect. Proceeds from the track will be donated to charity.

Formed 25 years ago, the award-winning duo of Vince Clarke and Andy Bell unleashed a succession of influential and chart-topping pop anthems including: Sometimes, Victim Of Love, Ship Of Fools, Blue Savannah, Star, Chains Of Love, The Circus, Who Needs Love (Like That), Love To Hate You, Drama!, Always and Breathe.

Influencing the likes of Lady Gaga and La Roux, the futurist, electronic sound Erasure championed is more relevant today than ever.

Clarke's swirling synths and Bell's angelic vocals offer both a contrast and complement to the ancient and bucolic forests in which they will perform.

Tickets for the show cost £34.50 and go on sale at 9am this Friday. People can call the Forestry Commission box office on 03000 680400, or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music.

For more information visit the band's website at www.erasureinfo.com/ or www.forestry.gov.uk/music