"Tickets now on sale"... for Gary Barlow

X-FACTOR judge Gary Barlow is to kick off 2013 with a show at the Liverpool Philharmonic.

But wait, don't all queue outside or turn up at the Phil in person. There are no over-the-counter sales and we will get shouted at.

They are released online and hotline this Friday morning.*

The date – January 2 - is part of a solo national tour that also takes in Blackpool Opera House and Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall.

Rejecting the sort of stadiums that his band Take That normally play, Barlow is is focusing on smaller venues.

Why no arenas? He says he’s no Robbie Williams and it just isn’t his style.

Frodsham's most famous export will, however, be playing songs from across his career.

To quote from his website: "I'm really excited about these dates. Playing live is my favourite thing and I haven't played a solo show for over a year now. Last year playing two London shows was brilliant, we all had such a good time, so I thought right let's get out and see the rest of the country!"

Boot

It will be Barlow's first solo tour since Take That reformed six years ago to massive worldwide success – playing to millions of fans and releasing three chart-topping albums.

That's if his act does well in this year's X-Factor! Last week Barlow flounced off the live show when one of his turns, Carolynne Poole, got the boot.

Let's hope he stays in a good mood and it's not over for all of his “Overs” (including our own Christopher “it's me nerves” Maloney) by the time the gig comes around.

*You can join the bunfight for tickets (£35-£68 excl booking fees) at 10am this Friday, Oct 19, here or here. Call 0844 811 0051.