Bette Midler announces her first UK tour in 35 years

OHMYGOSSIP — Bette Midler has announced her first UK tour in 35 years, kicking off in Birmingham on July 9, 2015.

The ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ hitmaker – who last performed in Britain in 1979 and 1980 – will perform five shows in July 2015 in support of her latest album ‘It’s The Girls’.

And as well as tracks from the record – a tribute to iconic girl groups through the ages – Bette, 68, will also treat fans to numbers from her extensive back catalogue.

She said: “I have always loved visiting and working in the UK. It will be a thrill to finally do a proper UK tour and be back performing here.”

The tour kicks off on July 9, 2015 at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena and calls at Manchester, Glasgow and Leeds before ending at London’s The O2 on July 18.

Fans who have purchased ‘It’s The Girls!’ from Bette’s online store before 3pm on November 20 will be given the first opportunity to buy tickets for the gigs, ahead of them going on general sale on November 21.

Bette recently admitted she initially refused to record ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’, which went on to be her biggest hit.

She said: When I first heard ‘Wind Beneath my Wings’, I thought, ‘I’m not singing that.’ [Long-time friend and producer] Marc Shaiman insisted and it was the biggest hit of my career.”

Bette Midler’s 2015 UK Tour dates:
09 July – Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham
11 July – Phones 4u Arena, Manchester
13 July – SSE Hydro, Glasgow
15 July – First Direct Arena, Leeds
18 July – The O2, London