One of the biggest selling UK pop stars of all time brings her latest tour to a close with a concert in the Isle of Man this weekend.

British soul and pop singer Gabrielle is set to sing at the Villa Marina this Saturday (November 2), bringing to an end the ’Under My Skin’ tour, which has kept her on the road, performing sold-out shows across Britain, Ireland and Europe, over the past nine months.

The singer, whose career was launched by the world-wide hit single, ’Dreams’, which topped charts around the world on its release in 1993, admits that she is expecting the show to be a bitter-sweet concert, but it is one that she is very much looking forward to.

’This will be quite an emotional show for me, as it is my final show of the "Under My Skin" tour, said Gabrielle.

’We have been out around the country with it for many months now, and have had some amazing shows.

’So to come to the end of the tour is a bit sad. I will miss everyone, but I am looking forward to going home and seeing my family .

’The crowds have been brilliant and I have had a great time singing so many songs, old one and new ones too.’

She said that one of the most memorable aspects of her tour is the way that her fans have taken her new material to their hearts, and have not just come to hear Gabrielle sing her biggest and most famous hit.

’The reaction to my new album has been amazing,’ said Gabrielle.

’It is always a bit nerve-wracking when you release your first new material for 11 years, as you have no clue as to how your fans will react to it.

’But all through the tour we have had fans singing along with all the words, waving their hands in the air, and the response has been great.

’I have loved playing a lot of the new songs from my new album.

’But people shouldn’t worry about hearing songs that they may not be familiar with, as I will always sing the hits.

’I mean, Dreams is 26 years old now, but I love singing it so much, that it never seems like an old song to me.

’It feels new and fresh every time I sing it, and I love the fact that people enjoy singing along with it.

’I have seen the age range of people who come to my concerts change, with lots of younger people coming to see my shows.

’I always have kids telling me, sometimes children as young as four or five, that their mums are always singing my songs to them, and that they love them too.

’And there are young kids who know all the words to Dreams. It is a wonderful feeling that my song can mean so much to so many people.

’I love hearing everybody singing the words back to me, and I will never get tired of it.’

Gabrielle last appeared on the island during her last tour, and she said she is looking forward to returning.

’We had a wonderful time last time and we’re hoping for more of the same again,’ she said.

Tickets for Gabrielle are £30 each.

They are available from the Welcome Centre and the Villa Gaiety box office, on 600555, and online at villagaiety.com

by Mike Wade

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