George Michael to perform in St. Paul

By Jon Bream, Star Tribune

Last update: March 24, 2008 - 9:24 PM

On his first U.S. concert tour in 17 years, British rock star George Michael will perform July 7 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

His recent 25 Live Tour was a big hit in Europe (80 shows in front of 1.3 million fans), and he has decided to extend the tour to the United States with 22 concerts. He will release a new double CD, "Twenty Five," on April 1. It will include some new tunes (duets with Mary J. Blige and Paul McCartney) as well as highlights from his solo career and his days with Wham!

Best known for the 1987 blockbuster album "Faith," Michael, 44, has chalked up seven No. 1 U.S. singles, including "Father Figure" and duets with Aretha Franklin ("I Knew You Were Waiting") and Elton John ("Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"). Wham! also scored three No. 1 tunes, including "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go."

Tickets will go on sale on April 5. But grab your plastic before you go go, because they are priced from $52 to $177. Wham, indeed.

KID ROCK AT TARGET: In other concert news, Kid Rock will return to town on May 24 at Target Center with his Rock 'n' Roll Revival Tour featuring Peter Wolf and Rev Run. Tickets, priced at $38.50 and $48.50, will go on sale at noon Saturday at Ticketmaster outlets.