2018 is shaping up to be a very busy year for Bradford band Smokie, with 20 per cent more shows booked than last year.

York Barbican awaits tomorrow night; Danish, Norwegian and Swedish dates follow in April and May; Grassington Festival is on the horizon on June 27, and the Czech Republic, Lichtenstein, Norway, Austria, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Latvia and Moscow are all in the diary.

A comprehensive German tour will be the autumn centrepiece, culminating in a symphonic concert with a 40-piece orchestra. In the meantime, Smokie's British tour will be the first chance to hear songs from their new EP performed live.

Formed originally by school friends Chris Norman, Ron Kelly and Alan Silson, after several name changes and recording contracts, Smokie had a top five hit with If You Think You Know How To Love Me in July 1975.

Record sales of more than 30 million were notched as more chart success ensued with Don't Play Your Rock'n'Roll To Me, Something's Been Making Me Blue, I'll Meet You At Midnight, Living Next Door To Alice; Lay Back In The Arms Of Someone; It's Your Life; Needles And Pins; For A Few Dollars More; Oh Carol and Mexican Girl.

Smokie now tour with a line-up of Terry Uttley, Mike Craft, Steve Pinnell, Mick McConnell and Martin Bullard. "How long can Smokie keep going? As long as the fans continue to enjoy our music. We’ll see you somewhere on Planet Earth," say the band.

Tickets are on sale at £28 on 0844 854 2757, at yorkbarbican.co.uk or in person from the Barbican box office.