Boy George frist studio album in 18 years + dates

Boy George, universally recognised as one of our generation's most iconic artists, is back with a thrilling new studio album of original material, his first in 18 years! 'This Is What I Do' is to be released on his own 'Very Me' Record Label via Kobalt Label Services on 28th October and will be supported by live dates in the UK.

'This Is What I Do' features a string of guest musicians including DJ Yoda, Kitty Durham (Kitty Daisy & Lewis), Ally McErlaine (Texas / Red Sky July), MC Spee (Dreadzone) and Nizar Al Issa, many of whom will perform as George's band on his live dates.

'This Is What I Do' was written by George and longtime writing partners John Themis, Kevan Frost and Richie Stevens (Soul II Soul, Tina Turner, Simply Red, Culture Club). Richie Stevens also produced the record at London's Cowshed Studios. The album also features writing collaborations with legendary producer Youth, and a version of Yoko Ono's Death Of Samantha. It was mixed by Dave Bascombe (Tears For Fears, Depeche Mode, Pendulum, Doves).

Says George: "I wanted to make a baggy album, not overproduced and I think I have achieved it. I was listening to things like 'Beast Of Burden' by The Stones' and I had my head most definitely in the 70s. Richie's approach was very organic and he's the best drummer in the country so the feel of the record was so locked in from the start. I worked with a bunch of musicians who I have toured with and written with for the past fifteen years and dragged in a handful of others to guest on certain tracks like bassist Jennifer Maidman, Ally McErlaine from Texas and Kitty Durham from Kitty Daisy & Lewis who came and played harmonica. I was also writing from a happy place. This time, no ex lovers to get revenge on. For me 'Bigger Than War' sums up the tone."

'This Is What I Do' Track listing:

King of Everything
Bigger Than War
Live Your Life
My God
It's Easy
Death of Samantha
Any Road
My Star
Love and Danger
Nice and Slow
Play Me
Feel the Vibration

This Is What I Do Tour - UK Dates:

Sun 3rd Nov Manchester RNCM Tickets: £25.00
Tue 5th Nov Birmingham Glee Club Tickets: £22.50
Wed 6th Nov Leeds City Varieties Music Hall Tickets: £25.00
Thurs 7th Nov Glasgow King Tuts Tickets: £25.00
Sat 9th Nov Oxford O2 Academy 2 Tickets: £25.00
Sun 10th Nov London Koko Tickets: £26.50
(as part of Virgin Records 40th anniversary www.virgin40.com)
Mon 11th Nov Brighton Concorde 2 Tickets: £22.50

Tickets top right.