THE world-renowned Hard Rock Cafe officially opens its fourth UK restaurant on Friday December 1.

And two BEN readers will have the chance to mix with the stars at the glittering gala evening!

Pop icons Duran Duran will perform live at the restaurant with all proceeds from the night being donated to Christie's Against Cancer.

Manchester was an obvious choice for the Hard Rock Cafe thanks to its long and impressive music history.

The restaurant, which is in the recently opened Printworks development, includes some of the best in music memorabilia, including a display dedicated to Oasis and The Smiths.

There are guitars from legends Eric Clapton and BB King, a velvet jacket from Spice girl Emma Bunton, a suede jacket from Keith Richards and a bustier worn by Madonna.

The restaurant covers an impressive 7000 sq ft and provides seating for 200 people in the dining and bar area.

There is also a live music stage for regular performances by local, regional and national band. The first Hard Rock Cafe opened in June, 1971, in London's Hyde Park on the siteof a Rolls Royce showroom.

There are now 105 Hard Rock Cafes in 38 countries.

Duran Duran will be providing the entertainment on the opening night before they head out on their eight-date UK tour.

Nick Rhodes, now 38, is excited about the forthcoming tour.

Duranies can expect a visually exciting concert when they play at the Manchester Apollo on December 11 and 12.

The show will include plenty of old classics alongside material from their new album Pop Trash.

Nick said: "There are fans who have been there from the very beginning and then there is a new audience which is much younger.

"We are not the kind of band to only play new material which they wouldn't necessarily know. We enjoy the old songs.

"There is a vast repertoire of songs to go at and we decide on what we'll play that night about 10 minutes before we go on stage."

Nick and Simon remain loyal pals and still keep in touch with the Durans who have flown the nest over the years.

He said: "I'm an only child, so Simon is like my brother. People ask if we would do a reunion concert with Roger, Andy and John and I would never rule it out. There could come a time when it would be interesting for us all to get together.

"I'm aware of boy bands because I see their faces everywhere and I wish them all luck, but it's not my thing. I like the latest Fatboy Slim album."

Anyone under the age of 16 would not have witnessed the heady Duran days when the band created havoc at public appearances.

Nick does not miss the days when he and the fellow heart-throbs were the biggest band in the world.

He said: "It was madness. We had to leave England in 1985 because we couldn't even walk down the street."

Tickets for the Apollo cost £18.50 and are available on 08705 321321.

But BEN readers can get a sneak preview of the tour when the group performs at the exclusive party at the Hard Rock Cafe on December 1. We have a FREE pair of tickets to give away to the glamourous bash. Just answer the simple question and send the coupon to HARD ROCK CAFE COMPETITION, Jane Bullock, Editorial Department, Bolton Evening News, Churchgate, Bolton, BL11DE by Tuesday, November 28.

Usual BEN rules apply and the first entry drawn will win the pair of tickets. Q. Which band will be playing at the grand opening party? HARD ROCK CAFE COMPETITION

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