WHEN you've played the country's top venues, entertaining crowds numbering tens of thousands, a one-night stand at Blackburn's King George's Hall wouldn't seem to be your top date of the year.

But for Lorraine McIntosh, the highlight of their current tour will be playing venues like King George's -- small, intimate and somewhere people can sit down if they want too!

The Deacon Blue vocalist arrives with her band on Sunday night in Blackburn as part of the second leg of their 2001 tour, which has seen a string of sell-out performances.

Lorraine said: "We are daft enough to think all our fans want to spend a couple of hours crowded together, being pushed from side to side as we sing.

"It certainly isn't what I want from a concert. That's why I didn't go and see U2. Our fans have been with us for nearly 20 years, and I am sure they would rather sit down."

The Scottish group burst on to the scene in 1985, formed by Ricky Ross. They have had 17 top 40 singles and six top 40 albums, two of which made it to number one.

For 10 years they hung around at the top of the charts before splitting up to go their separate ways.

Lorraine added: "We only got back together for a charity concert but we enjoyed it so much we decided to give it another whirl.

"We have been very surprised by the reception, with so many people wanting us to perform."

In fact, demand could have led the group to filling venues like the Manchester Arena, the Telewest Arena in Newcastle and the Glasgow SECC many times over.

"But I didn't want that, none of us did" protests Lorraine.

"Our fans have been loyal to us over the years and I think I have a good grasp of what they want.

"It isn't always easy for people to get into the big cities and some of our best fans live in smaller towns.

"The venue also provides a more intimate environment, where hopefully people can enjoy the concert ... sat down!"

Had the group plumped for a standing gig, they would have been the first original big group to play KGH since the heavy metal refit forced upon the council after the venue began shaking during a Robbie Williams concert.

Lorraine added: "We obviously still have a strong support base but hopefully we can attract some more people to us as well.

"Coming to them is the best way of doing that.

"We feel we can experiment more now. We have proved ourselves and had chance to explore ourselves. We know what we like and we hope the fans do too."