Foster & Allen - Ireland's most famous and successful duo are returning to New Zealand in May.

These charismatic singers have been performing their unique blend of easy listening and folk music all over the world and their popularity is proven by their record sales. Between them they have sold 19 million records, making them one of Ireland's biggest entertainment exports, in the same league as U2, Enya, Boyzone and The Corrs.

Their 25 albums have included the immensely popular The Rambles of Spring, A Bunch of Thyme, Maggie and After All These Years. Foster & Allen's current album release SING THE MILLION SELLERS is available now in music stores nationwide, and a new 5CD set 100 HITS LEGENDS will be released in April.

Formed in 1975, this most famous singing duo in Irish music history began working on the local music circuits of Ireland and England. Soon, with their own special brand of music, the duo became hugely popular. In the first year, Foster & Allen recorded their first single, The Rambles of Spring which was a massive hit on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Tony Allen was born in Mount Temple, Ireland, the youngest of nine children. His family loved music and encouraged Tony's interest in it from a very early age. In 1968, he turned professional, playing guitar and singing on a national level with many well-known Irish bands. He met Mick Foster in 1975 and they joined to form Foster & Allen. Mick was born in County Kildare and began playing the piano accordion at age 13. In 1964, at 17, he won the first of three All Ireland Accordion Championships. The Foster & Allen band accompanying them to New Zealand includes Moyra Fraser (keyboards), Ollie Kennedy (bass guitar) and Bryan O'Donnell (guitar).

After 32 years, their popularity continues to flourish and their many fans will be pleased to see them back in New Zealand after a long absence.

AUCKLAND TOWN HALL FRIDAY 14TH MAY

Book at THE EDGE 0800 BUYTICKETS (0800 289842) www.buytickets.co.nz

PALMERSTON NORTH REGENT THEATRE SATURDAY 15TH MAY

Book at TICKET DIRECT 0800 4 TICKET (O800 484253) www.ticketdirect.co.nz

WELLINGTON OPERA HOUSE SUNDAY 16TH MAY

Book at TICKETEK 0800 TICKETEK (0800 842 5385) www.ticketek.co.nz

www.abpresents.com.au www.fosterandallen.com