HELLO AGAIN

LIONEL RICHIE TELLS VIKKI WHITE WHY HE LOVES RETURNING TO THE UK TO SING HIS HITS

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OUT-OF-CONTROL ruffians are not the kind of fans most of us would expect to see at Lionel Richie concerts, but that's how he describes his UK audience.

But it's said with affection - in fact, weeks before his 76th birthday, he insists the fans are what keeps him coming back for more.

He adds: "To tell you the truth - I don’t really perform the songs. “I come to the show to watch the audience perform the songs. I don’t really have to do the heavy lifting. It’s a giant night of karaoke."

Ahead of his Say Hello To The Hits world tour, which begins in Belfast on May 31, he says: "I've got people dressed up like Lionel Richie in the 80s, Lionel Richie in the 90s, I've got wigs and moustaches - you have no idea what I’m looking at. They put on the greatest show year after year."

UK audiences in particular are among his favourites. He says: "They're out of control. I think they're enjoying their performance more than mine.

"It's a party and it’s a lot of fun. ... Really, it’s a celebration."