The original members of the band have got back together

The concert, at the Forum in London, is the first UK show by the original band members for 18 years, and follows a string of shows in Japan and the US.

The band were one of the biggest pop acts of the 1980s, with hits like Save A Prayer, The Reflex and Wild Boys.

Lead singer Simon Le Bon said: "The band are absolutely delighted at the prospect of playing at the Forum."

They "can't wait to play for their British fans", he added.

The band first hit the charts in 1981

Tickets went on sale at 0900 BST on Friday - but had sold out four-and-a-half minutes later, a band spokesman said.

They are now being sold for more than �100 each on internet auction site Ebay.

"They are one of the few bands that still has a very enduring and loyal fan base, and they've also started to create interest with a whole new generation of club kids," the spokesman said.

On Wednesday, they will also appear at the charity Fashion Rocks event at the Royal Albert Hall.

A full UK tour will follow next summer, the spokesman said.

The intense interest in tickets follows similar situations elsewhere in the world, where shows have sold out in several minutes.