Morrissey - Morrissey 'To Play Middle East'

Morrissey is reportedly to follow Chris De Burgh by playing a concert in the political hotbed of Iran.

It was confirmed three weeks ago that the Lady in Red singer is to perform in Iran in summer 2008 with pop group Arian, becoming the first Western artist to play in the country since the 1979 revolution.

And according to the Independent, the former Smiths frontman is keen to play in the Iranian capital of Tehran, preferably with Arab pop singer Kazem al-Sahir.

The newspaper claims the singer's management are awaiting a response from the country's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, the governmental department in charge of controlling the influx of "decadent" Western influences.

The 48-year-old's manager told the Independent a tour of the Middle East was definitely on the agenda for the controversial Mancunian.

"It's a major priority for us," said Merck Mercuriadis before adding, "One way or another we will tour the Middle East - in terms of places like Jerusalem and Beirut. And we hope to play Iran."

Morrissey's new single, That's How People Grow Up, is released on January 28th, a week before his Greatest Hits collection hits the shelves.

And the new releases are celebrated with a UK tour, including six nights at London's legendary Roundhouse.

The tour dates are:

London Roundhouse - January 21st
London Roundhouse - January 22nd
London Roundhouse - January 23rd
London Roundhouse - January 25th
London Roundhouse - January 26th
London Roundhouse - January 27th
Doncaster Dome - January 30th
Sunderland Empire - February 1st
Edinburgh Playhouse - February 2nd