A LEGENDARY seventies glam rock band is to start its long awaited reunion with a series of warm-up gigs in a Gwent town, while tickets are selling well for rap star Dizzee Rascal's show in Newport.

Monmouth’s Blake Theatre has secured seventies rockers Mott The Hoople for two warm up shows this month.

The band is due to play a string of gigs at the Hammersmith Apollo in London in October.

It is the latest high profile show for the 500 capacity venue.

Last year up Eddie Izzard warmed up for his tour at the venue, while the Blake has also hosted Courtney Pine, Cerys Matthews and Joan Armatrading in recent years.

Artistic director Rachael Shakeshaft said they got the gig thanks to a little bit of luck.

"The band were rehearsing at Rockfield Studios, and the guys there said to have a look at us for a warm up gig," she said.

She said the band chose the venue because of its intimate nature.

"We are really chuffed and it’s a real honour to have gotten this show."

Tickets for the September 26 were in such demand they sold out in just one morning.

Ms Shakeshaft expects tickets for their first show September 25 to go as quickly when they go on sale on tomorrow.

Many of the band are based in the surrounding area, and it is understood that Verden Allen lives in Usk.

For more information on the shows and to find out how to buy tickets visit www.blaketheatre.org

Dizzee Rascal 'selling well' for Newport date

Chart-topper Dizzee Rascal will perform in Newport on his latest tour after tickets went on sale at the Newport Centre last week.

Box office lines opened at 10am on Friday, and tickets for the concert on 26 February were said to be selling well yesterday.

The rapper, whose number one singles include “Bonkers” and Calvin Harris collaboration “Dance Wiv Me”, will be joined on the night by surprise special guests and tickets cost £20 in advance.

For more information and to buy tickets go to www.gigsandtours.com