Rufus Wainwright 'bans clapping' on tour

Rufus Wainwright has banned fans from applauding him on his UK tour.

The singer is currently playing a number of concert dates across the UK, but has asked concert-goers to refrain from clapping for the entire first half of the show.

A message on his official website reads: "Rufus has asked us to pass on this message to everyone attending his shows on the tour.

"The first part of the programme will be performed as a song cycle with visuals by Douglas Gordon. During the first set, Rufus has asked that you please do not applaud until after he has left the stage. His exit is part of the piece.

"After a brief intermission, Rufus will return for the second part of the show during which you may applaud to your heart's content."

Wainwright recently claimed that he knows that rapper 50 Cent is gay.