WITH his biggest ever UK tour only weeks away, platinum selling singer Shakin' Stevens is set to take his brand-new album on his 32 date tour.

With 33 hit singles and four UK number ones to his name, the world-wide successful entertainer and performer will be exciting his audiences as he performs new tracks from Echoes Of Our Times his latest album, along with classic hits, and a few surprises.

Starting off the tour in Carlisle at The Sands Centre on Saturday April 15, Shaky revealed that Cumbria is a lot closer to his heart than fans may think.

"Funnily enough, part of my family grew up here in Cumbria. When the mines closed, my grandfather re-located the family up to Coniston where they could continue mining up here.

"I haven't been to Carlisle for a very long time, usually when we're on tour we don't get much time to look around - but I hope I have a few spare hours this time."

This tour is set to coincide with the release of his critically acclaimed 12th studio album Echoes Of Our Times, a surprising record on which blues, roots, Americana and classic rock take centre stage as Shaky explores his mysterious and intriguing family history.

"I didn't know anything about my family. But you get to a part of your life where you want to know the history and where your ancestors came from. So from researching I began to create these songs from copper mines to unearthing family secrets. The history and music evolved and along came the album Echoes Of Our Times."

These uncovered stories became the inspiration for many of the songs that make up this collection. Having touched on most styles of music during his career including blues, rhythm & blues, country and Cajun, the new songs were in fact a big departure for Shaky.

“I have never before written a song that is so personal. Some of the tracks directly relate to stories and situations about my family past, while others are more of a social comment relating to the world that my ancestors, and we, live in” he explains.

With a career spanning more than 50 years, Shakin' Stevens has experienced the full form of changing his well known sound.

"Fans are always keen for a new style. This album is very different from my previous hits. But I much prefer this sound, all artists move on and try new things.

"I've missed being on the road I'm always working hard even though when you're not releasing an album people assume you're not working - which is far from the truth.

"This album and tour is a great new mix. There will be two female singers, a backing band and it's brought in a brand new audience as well."

Shakin' Stevens will take to the stage at The Sands Centre on Saturday April 15

Tickets are available from the box office