THEY'RE the band that made country the soundtrack to last summer, performing at a series of high profile music festivals and events including Platform and Lakes Festivals as well as supporting Sir Tom Jones at Bedford Park.

This followed a headline debut at Glastonbury Festival for the UK country superstars The Shires.

Their latest tour does, of course, see the critically acclaimed pair play tracks from their latest album 'My Universe', which became the fastest-selling UK country album in history when it was released last September, shooting to No 3.

But also expect to hear fan favourites from their gold selling debut ‘Brave’ when they play Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre on Sunday (April 23).

Ben Earle told the Daily Echo: "It’s something magical to be on stage and sharing your songs and seeing the fans’ reaction. We’re particularly excited to share our new tracks with the fans on this tour.”

The live dates follow an intense period of song writing for the Shires, who worked on their second album in Music City: Nashville. Ben and Crissie co-wrote some tracks with top country music writers including Kip Moore and recorded their album at Sound Stage Studios, one of the most prestigious recording studios in Nashville, which has cut records for other country superstars such as Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum. They also graced the stage at the famous Grand Ole Opry and can add their name to Dolly Parton, Hank Williams, Garth Brooks and a veritable who’s who of Country music who have played at the famous Nashville landmark venue.

Speaking about the tour they said: “We are so happy to be hitting the road again ... we love playing in the UK, the audience for UK country is growing and growing and every tour and show we do, we see more and more new faces! It’s been such an amazing year.."

The Shires were not only the biggest-selling Country act in the UK in 2016 (including US artists), but have positioned themselves comfortably alongside more mainstream pop acts, being one of the biggest UK debut acts of any genre last year. The duo set the tone with their first album, 'Brave' in 2015, becoming the trailblazers of the UK Country music movement ,which has seen a sea change in the opinion of the British public, who have embraced the genre.

This year they have build on this unprecedented success, winning praise from critics and fans alike, and landing endorsements from celebrity fans including Robbie Williams who praised their UK Country cover of his classic track ‘Angels’ after they performed it for him live on Chris Evans’ BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show. ‘My Universe‘ has been Album of the Week at BBC Radio 2 and three singles have been A-listed at the station including, ‘Beats To Your Rhythm‘, ‘My Universe‘ and most recent single, 'A Thousand Hallelujahs’.

For more information and tickets please visit: http://www.theshiresmusic.com or call BH Live tickets Tel 0844 576 3000?