Brian Wilson confirms UK Gershwin shows

Beach Boys songwriter Brian Wilson has announced a series of live concerts in 2011 to promote his Brian Wilson Re-imagines Gershwin album.

Wilson will play the 14-track LP in its entirety at the shows and will also perform songs from the Beach Boys' back catalogue.

Talking about the Gershwin record, Wilson said: "I remember hearing 'Rhapsody in Blue' and I was probably 4 or 5 years old and I was blown away… I just couldn't believe how beautiful it was.

"Along with Irving Berlin, Gershwin basically invented the popular song, but he did something more. He had a gift for melody that nobody has ever equalled, yet his music is timeless and always accessible. This is the most spiritual project I've ever worked on."

Tickets for the London dates are available now. Tickets for the other shows go on sale this Friday, November 12 at 9am.

The full 2011 live dates are as follows:

• September 13 - Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
• September 14 - Symphony Hall, Birmingham
• September 16 - Royal Festival Hall, London
• September 17 - Royal Festival Hall, London
• September 18 - Royal Festival Hall, London