JOAN Armatrading will play Leeds Grand Theatre on March 22 on the spring leg of her last world tour after 42 years on the road.

Rehearsed and premiered at Pocklington Arts Centre last September, the show is a solo performance, the first tour of this nature in her long career, in which she trawls through her songbook, using various guitars and playing techniques and a piano. She also shares highlights from her four decades in music, giving a glimpse of her world.

Through the years, Armatrading has received Grammy and Brit Award nominations, seven honorary degrees and Ivor Novello and Basca Gold Badge awards. In addition, she has met President Nelson Mandela in South Africa; been awarded the MBE; run the New York Marathon; been photographed by Robert Mapplethorpe and gained a history degree from the Open University after five years of studying while on the road and at the University of York.

Armatrading will be touring until the end of this year.

"I will never retire but this will be the last major tour that I will undertake," says Joan.

"For the first time, these concerts will be me solo on stage playing the guitar and piano and singing. I want these concerts to be a special, lively, interactive one-to-one experience. I have absolutely enjoyed the last 42 years of performances but now, with my final major tour, I want to capture a unique memory for both myself and the audience."

Tickets for the 7.30pm Leeds concert are on sale on 0844 848 2700 or at leedsgrandtheatre.com