THE Boss will return to Manchester next summer for what is sure to be a rock extravaganza -- the first of three gigs in the city by rock legends.

Bruce Springsteen, the legendary US rocker, still one of the greatest live performers, will play one night at Lancashire Cricket Club's Old Trafford ground on Thursday, May 29. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, but will probably sell out immediately as the star's recent tour, along with his latest album, proved hugely successful.

And Bon Jovi will play in Manchester on June 26 in an exciting summer for the region that will also see Mark Knopfler, of Dire Straits, play at the MEN Arena on Friday, June 6.

Bruce, whose most famous hits include Born to Run and Born in the USA, has just finished a sell-out tour that included shows in Barcelona and ended at London's Wembley Arena. His latest album, The Rising, went straight in the charts at number one in 11 countries. It is his first album of new songs with the E Street Band, who will accompany him on the tour, since 1984.

The highly-regarded new single from the album, Lonesome Day, will be released on Monday, December 2. Tickets are priced at £42 and £38.