Olly looking forward to Belfast return

OLLY Murs issued a warning to his local fans this week ahead of his forthcoming gig at the Waterfront Hall - “Be prepared to have a good time.”

The Essex-born star has taken the music world by storm since finishing as X Factor runner-up in 2009 and he will visit Belfast on June 3 as part of his debut solo tour, which has sold out across the country.

Those lucky enough to have tickets are being promised a “great night” by Britain’s hottest male solo artist.

However, those who may have missed out on tickets for the show can still catch Olly when he returns to Belfast later in June when he will join JLS for a huge outdoor show at the King’s Hall in front of 25,000 fans.

Not bad for the former call centre worker, who has now reached double platinum status with his self-titled debut album and went straight to number one with his debut solo single.

The likeable lad has been on the road since April on his debut tour, however, he took time out for a chat with the Star ahead of his Belfast show.

“The tour is going really, really well,” said Olly. “The crowds have been amazing. I’m looking forward to getting back to Belfast.”

Olly’s Waterfront Hall show will be his first in the city since appearing on the X Factor tour early in 2010.

“The X Factor tour was incredible, I loved every minute of it. But this is my own show, it’s a chance to do things how I want to do them and do everything I want to do,” he explained. “It’s about being able to sing what I want and say what I want and dance how I want.”

Olly has been fully behind the planning of the show, saying: “If you don’t have a say, it becomes manufactured. I wanted the fans to come to the show and feel a part of it.”

Olly has brought together a nine piece live band for his tour, which he’s very pleased about.

“We’ve got percussion, brass, drums, backing vocalist’s, it’s great,” he said.

Olly will be joined by hot new girl band Wonderland, the protege’s of Westlife star Kian Egan and music maestro Louis Walsh. The girls are very popular among local music fans and are sure to add to what will be a fantastic gig, with the girl’s saying: “We feel really lucky to have the chance to perform for Olly’s fans - we can’t wait!”

“The Belfast show is going to be great,” Olly added. “The fans have just got to be prepared to have a good time. They’ve got to be prepared to clap their hands, wave their arms, sing along, and just have a good time.”

Ahead of his Belfast show, Olly will also be releasing his new single ‘Busy’ on May 29.

“This is the fourth single from the album so chartwise, I’m not expecting anything amazing, but it’s one of my favourite songs from the album and one the fans like so I wanted to release it. A lot of people have been talking about the video because I’m making a woman out of papier mache, so I’m really excited about it.”

As well as touring, Olly has been busy working on tracks for his second album, which he hopes to release some time this year.

“I’m already in the process of doing it,” he said. “We’re about halfway through the new album.”

He is also set to return to Belfast on June 25 when he joins JLS for their outdoor show at the King’s Hall. Speaking the the Star in March, JLS spoke of their plans of a fun summer touring with Olly and he too, is looking forward to the tour.

“It’s going to be great fun with the boys,” he said. “I’m so excited to be a special guest on the show.

“I’m lucky enough that I get to come back to Belfast so soon, I’m just really excited. I don’t get to come over to Belfast that often due to my schedule but when I come back I always get a great reception, I did when I was here with the X Factor tour. The fans are always very loud and I just want them to have a fun time and I really hope they have a good night.”