Band so Keane on the Civic

Their recent tour has taken them to some of the most prestigious music venues throughout the country.

But Keane's sell-out gig at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall was one of their best, according to the top Brit band.

Lead singer Tom Chaplin praised the gig on the band's website, saying: "There have been some great ones. Wolverhampton was one of my favourites."

Civic Hall bosses said they were delighted - spokesman Jonn Penney said: "This is really great to hear.

"We hear regularly from bands that they love playing here, but for a band of this calibre to actually go public and name Wolverhampton as one of their favourite places to play is wonderful.

"Bands always comment on the facilities at the Civic and always say they want to come back.

"The main reason bands love it here so much is the Wolverhampton crowds.

"Everyone is really up for a good night and really get behind the bands, which is what makes it such a popular place to perform.

"This is why we have had so many big names at the Civic, and they will keep coming back because they enjoy it so much.

"We all deserve a big pat on the back."

A 3,000-strong crowd was thrilled with the band's five-star performance when they took the stage for their first gig in the city last month.

Just weeks after frontman Tom battled his drug and drink demons in rehab, the trio played a blinding set and vowed to return soon.

And fans who flocked to see the band in action were able to take the treasured experience home with them - after 1,000 CDs of the sell-out show went on sale 15 minutes after they left the stage.

Those who did not have time to join the queue were able to order the CD over the internet.

Keane are one of a host of top names to sign up for a gig at the venue this year. Other acts to have wowed crowds include The Killers, New Order and Radiohead.

By Victoria Nash