NEWS RELEASE: 05/08/09

The legendary front man from new wave pop band Squeeze is playing a free warm-up for a sell-out Albert Hall gig - in a small Brighton tea shop.

Singer/song-writer Chris Difford, who is used to playing to tens of thousands in huge stadiums and festivals, will wow a small gathering of unsuspecting customers over afternoon tea and scones at the virtually unplanned free gig at Metrodeco Tea Salon in Kemp Town.

The 40-minute set - which will be called 'Cowboys Are My Weakness...(And Cake too!)' - will include the classics 'Cool for Cats' and 'Up the Junction', which both reached number two in the UK singles charts in 1979. It will be the last gig in his hometown before a charity concert at the Albert Hall in October alongside Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb.

Kemp Town resident Chris, 54, said: "The Albert Hall is a truly magnificent location but - in a completely different way - so is Metrodeco. I've popped in a few times recently and it's become one of my favourite cafes in Brighton. I love the staff and the friendly customers and I think it will be a really nice atmosphere."

Helen Wilkinson, who co-owns the 1930s Parisian-style café, in Upper St James's Street, said: "It's great that Chris has chosen a little tea shop to warm up for such a huge gig - but, having met Chris, he seems really down to earth and I'm sure he will enjoy the opportunity of getting closer to a different sort of fan."

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

For interviews with Chris Difford or Helen Wilkinson or to attend the event, please call Helen on 07956 978115 or her business partner Maggie Morgan on 07878 508719.