BB King recently celebrated his 80th birthday

The blues legend will be joined by fellow guitarist Gary Moore on a double bill of rhythm and blues music.

The five-date tour begins on 29 March, 2006, in Sheffield and ends at Wembley Arena on 4 April, also taking in Birmingham, Bournemouth and Manchester.

King, 80, has been performing since his big break in 1948, scoring two US number ones and numerous other hits.

During the 1950s King was averaging 275 concerts a year, while in 1956 he notched up 342 gigs.

On an album to celebrate his 80th birthday he was joined by Eric Clapton and Sir Elton John on duets.

"I'm trying to get people to see that we are our brother's keeper, I still work on it. Red, white, black, brown, yellow, rich, poor, we all have the blues," said King.

"From my own experience, I would say to all people but maybe to young people especially black, white or whatever colour, follow your own feelings and trust them.