American rock stars R.E.M will be in concert at Portman Road on Friday, July 8, 2005.

The band, led by the charismatic Michael Stipe, are touring the UK and will follow in the footsteps of Sir Elton John who held a gig at the Club during the summer.

R.E.M have been turning out hit after hit since the early 1980s and have had No.1 albums in both Britain and the States on more than one occasion.

Their latest single, Leaving New York has received rave reviews and Town Chief Executive Derek Bowden says: "It's a fantastic 'signing' for us, bringing such a worldwide recognised band as R.E.M. to Portman Road.

"The Sir Elton John concert went so well during the summer that we are looking at holding three more in 2005 and we are delighted to announce R.E.M. as the first of them.

"It's important for us to look at establishing Portman Road as the number one venue in Suffolk, not just a football venue but an entertainment one as well.

"Concerts like this one and Sir Elton's go a long way to doing that and we hope to have announcements of at least one and maybe two more acts to play here next summer in the near future."

R.E.M.'s singles' hits include Losing My Religion, Radio Song, Shiny Happy People and Everybody Hurts.

Where to get tickets
Tickets for the R.E.M. concert at Portman Road on July 8, 2005 are on sale now priced £35 to £45 (plus booking fee) by telephone on 0870 143 2204 or 0870 145 1114 or online at: www.seetickets.com or www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The Club has provided a stand-alone line for customers with special needs on 01473 400555 and corporate and personal hospitality packages may be booked directly through the Club on 01473 400864, 01473 400052 or 01473 400510.

To view the seating plan with ticket prices, click here