Bocelli 'in great shape for tour'

Operatic tenor Andrea Bocelli has been training like an athlete ahead of his tour, which commences in the UK today (Friday November 12th).
The Italian-born performer has revealed that his preparation for the forthcoming shows has placed him in great shape, adding that routine is the key to coping with such a gruelling programme.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Classic FM, Bocelli said: “My preparation is rather like that of an athlete. I have to look after myself and take care not to treat myself. Obviously I do my singing practice on a daily basis, and also make sure I rest enough.”
The tenor is preparing for a number of performances in some of the biggest venues in the world during his tour – with the O2 Arena, London, this Friday and the MEN Arena in Manchester on November 26th.
This will be followed by a trip to Germany and the US where he will sing at Madison Square Gardens in New York.
Bocelli is perhaps best known for his duet with Sarah Brightman on the song, ‘Con Te Partiro’, which broke sales records and topped charts across Europe for months.
He was also the first singer to perform a live opera broadcast on the internet in its entirety.
In total, Bocelli has recorded 13 solo albums of both pop and classical music, two greatest hits albums and eight complete operas.
He boasts the title of being the biggest selling solo artist in the history of classical music thanks to worldwide sales figures of over 70 million copies.
Meanwhile, in 2006 Bocelli was made a Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and this year he was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to Live Theatre.