MICHAEL Ball will play York Barbican on April 21 on his spring tour, buoyed by his first number one solo album in almost three decades.

Ball’s 21st studio album, the self-penned Come Home To You, was released last Friday by Decca Records and has gone straight to the top, placing him ahead of Jack Savoretti, Tom Walker and George Ezra’s albums.

His last solo chart topper was his self-titled debut in 1992. Twenty albums later, he reprises this triumph on a record that reveals his talent for songwriting, as well as producing.

For the first time, he presents a handful of self-penned tracks, led off by the first single, Home To You, inspired by family, loved ones and his dogs, as featured in the video.

“This is the most thrilling, extraordinary and exciting result.

“Thank you to everyone who has worked so tirelessly at every stage of the album’s creation to make it happen,” says Ball.

“This album is so personal to me and without doubt the record I’m most proud of in my recording career. For it to have resonated with people in this way is just incredible. I love how unpredictable this business is and I love everyone who has bought the album and got us to number one. Thank you all, XXX.”

Only a few tickets remain on sale for Ball’s 7.30pm show on 0844 854 2757 or at yorkbarbican.co.uk.